Common Confinement Practices and Myths

Confinement after pregnancy is a familiar concept in many Asian cultures. Stemming from a past environment when infant and maternal mortality rates were high, confinement was meant to keep mother and baby indoors so their health would not be put at risk.

In Chinese culture, confinement typically lasts for a month and is believed to help the mother rest and recuperate her body’s internal balance. As this tradition became more widespread through the years, many practices and myths have emerged. 

 

Today, we take a look at some of these common confinement practices and myths to determine which you should follow.

No Drinking of Water During Confinement

Is it a myth: Yes

This myth stems from the belief that mothers should avoid cooling foods as the body loses a lot of qi during childbirth. Despite this myth, drinking water is not harmful to women who have just given birth — in fact, they should be drinking enough water to stay hydrated, which aids recovery. Red dates tea is also a great addition to the diet to help replenish blood loss during birth and nourish blood to rebalance qi in the body.

No Showering or Touching of Water

Is it a myth: Yes

 

Mothers are told to avoid water during confinement as it is thought of “wind” entering the body, potentially causing colds, headaches or rheumatism. This is a myth, as bathing and maintaining personal hygiene is perfectly acceptable during confinement! Showering using warm water instead of cold water, however, is encouraged.

Avoid Wind Drafts and Air Conditioning

Is it a myth: Yes

 

The thought of going without fans and air conditioning in Singapore’s hot weather is unbearable! Similar to the myth above, this practice stems from the idea that exposure to cold air causing “wind” to enter the body, leading to an imbalance between the body’s “heat” and “cold” that gives rise to health problems.

However, there is no truth to this practice. Avoiding fans or air conditioning when you’re feeling warm can not only lead to discomfort but potentially heat rash. So do what you need to do to stay comfortable in our hot and humid climate!

Eat Only Liver and Meats

Is it a myth: Yes

 

The idea behind this practice is to eat “heating” foods to restore balance as the mother’s body has been “cooled” after giving birth. However, eating only meats and liver for a month means you miss out on certain nutrients not available in these foods. Certainly not what you would want to do when your body needs all the nutrients it can get to recover! A healthy, well-balanced diet is the way to go here and it is best not to restrict yourself to specific food groups.

Take Plenty of Herbal Supplements

Is it a myth: No, but with a caveat.

 

When taken in moderation, Chinese herbal supplements are a great way to maintain your health and help your body recover after giving birth. For better results, it is best to consult a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioner so you can get prescribed a personalised treatment that is more effective for your body compared to off-the-shelf supplements.

 

Herbal supplements should be the icing on the top of a healthy diet and recovery plan, not a replacement. So make sure you’re not relying on them completely for your recovery needs.

 

Looking for a place to get high quality and authentic TCM herbs? Teck Soon Medical Hall has been in the industry for 42 years, operating with the principle of caring for your health with genuine medicine. Visit our website at tecksoonsg.com to find out more, or visit any of our four locations and get TCM herbs to help in your recovery.