Postpartum Beliefs and Practices

Postpartum seems to be a period which many parents probably dread. The Chinese named this period the "Confinement Period", which also has a negative connotation. Mothers are confined to staying at home and rest for at least 1 month. Other restrictions also include not washing hair for the entire period, no air-conditioner and blowing fan, bathing with only warm water infused with herbs. The tradition is passed down with the belief that it will help reduce future health problems like rheumatism, arthritis, headaches and body pains. Being a scientific person myself, I tend to seek scientific or logic to any actions. I tend not to follow beliefs if I am not convinced. But before concluding whether or not to follow the beliefs, I first try to understand why the belief was passed down.

1) Not Bathing vs Hygiene

In olden days, there is lack of clean water and birth delivery was done in not the most hygienic environment. Bathing will introduce bacteria and the way olden days minimise infection is to keep dry. They were also able not to bathe for 30 days as the weather was cooling and not sweat. But in the context of Singapore and today's world, I think proper hygiene is important. A good balance will be to bathe in warm water. Whether to bathe in herbs or not is a personal preference.

2) "Warm" food vs a well-balanced diet

In olden days, warm food was believed to help the mother regain her qi "energy". Weather in those countries were cold and eating warm food helped the body recover and reduced chances of catching a cold. In the context of Singapore and today's world, a well-balanced diet may be more applicable. But I do believe some diet or nutrition will aid in stimulating hormones to constrict the uterus, boosting milk production, reducing constipation, building immunity, as well as hydrating the body. There may be also food that could cause bloating and colic in nursing baby.

Found a list of foods to Avoid:

1) May result in poor blood circulation and oedema in mummy and stomachache in nursing baby

    • Fruits like banana, grapefruit, watermelon, coconut

    • Vegetables like lettuce, bittergourd, cucumber, bean sprout

    • Gassy drinks, sugarcane, tofu

2) May result in excessive vaginal discharge which may 'clog' mummy's urinal system and cause diarrhoea in nursing baby

    • Acidic fruits like Pineapple, orange, lime, lemon

3) May cause bloated stomach and excessive passing of gas in mummy and colic in nursing baby

    • Onions, cooked vegetables which has been left standing for a while

4) Toxic substances in these foods are believed to slow down the healing process and cause eczema in nursing baby

    • Shelled seafood like prawns and crabs

Some Common Beliefs

Meats

Whitefish, especially thread fin - a good source of protein, which helps increase milk supply. 

Black Chicken – a very good tonic to re-build your health and energy.

Pig Stomach - helps to push out 'wind' from a new mum's stomach. 

Pig Kidney - helps to 'replenish' the kidneys, especially for mothers who suffer from pain in the lumbar region.

Pig Or Chicken Liver - has high iron content, helps to replenish blood, especially if mum is anaemic or feels weak after child birth.

Pig Trotters – provides collagen, especially good for strengthening limbs, joints and ligaments which have loosen during pregnancy.

Vegetables and Fruits

(Note: All vegetables should be cooked with sesame oil and ginger to ward off the 'cooling' properties; most fruits are forbidden during confinement as they tend to be 'cooling'.)

Kailan – rich in iron and is believed to strengthen joints and lymph, and is beneficial to veins and bones.

Lily Buds - helps to repel heat from body and soothes the liver.

Snow Pea - rich in protein and minerals.

Papaya - increases milk supply in nursing mothers.

Others

Old Ginger - helps repel 'wind'.

Rice Wine - invigorates energy and major organs in the body and dispels coldness. 

Sesame Seed / Oil - promotes blood circulation.

Wood Fungus - rich in iron, it helps stop bleeding, removes 'stale' blood and cleanses the arteries.

Eggs - nutritious food, a very good source of protein especially if you don't fancy eating meat.

Red Dates (Stoned) - replenishs blood.

Dried Longan Flesh - invigorates the body and is a good tonic for the brain. Good for mothers who feel weak and fatigue.

Black Vinegar - purifies the blood and cleanses the arteries.

Dang Gui (Chinese Angelicae) - this is dubbed the "female ginseng" – highly effective for a whole range of gynaecological complaints. A good tonic to be taken after childbirth. It's also believed to help regulate menses and relieve pain and has a tranquilising effect. It is rich in vitamins and minerals, helps to replenish and invigorate blood, and can be used for mothers who are anaemic or feel weak after delivery. It is also believed to 'moisturise' the intestines; effective in treating constipation due to dryness of the bowels.

Dan Sen (Codonopsis) - beneficial for mothers suffering from lethargy and related symptoms like fatigue and tired limbs. It acts as a powerful energy booster. In modern lab tests, it has been proven to increase red blood cell count and improve circulation.

Black Bean - need to pan-fry before using to get rid of the 'cold'; helps to replenish blood, good for mothers who have lost a lot of blood during delivery.

My sister just gave birth and her confinement lady gave her a really long list of herbs to get. We went to Eu Yan Sang, which we learn is not a good place to go as you pay a premium for the brand. All in all, I think my dad spent more than $300 on the herbs below. 

For the convenient mums, Eu Yan Sang also offer a 1 month postnatal care herb package at $268. That's how commercialized the whole confinement process has become.