02/05/2019
Recently a friend of mine asked me about the “Chinese traditions” during the postpartum confinement as his wife is going to give birth soon. He was doubted if they need to practice those “Chinese traditions”. This is actually a very frequent asked question. As a professional Traditional Chinese Medical Doctor, let me answer this question and guide you to a healthy and happy postpartum confinement period.
[Q] How long does the postpartum confinement period last for?
[A] The postpartum confinement period typically begins immediately after the childbirth. It lasts for a culturally variable length, but it has to be at least 30 days. It can be up to 40 days or 2 months and even 100 days. The reason for 30 days is that in the theory of TCM, new mothers need at least 30 days to recover their energy level, shrink the uterus and for the perineum to heal.
[Q] Any special request for the postpartum confinement meal?
[A] New mothers are advised to have nutritious food and soup to help the production of breast milk. Herbal food or soup can be taken after the consultation with TCM doctors.
[Q] What else can new mothers have except herbal food?
[A] If you don’t have a chance to consult the TCM doctor, just remember that “ginger”, “sesame oil” and “soup” are very important in the postpartum confinement meal. “Ginger” is featured in many dishes, as it can remove the “cold” and “wind” during the pregnancy. As a lot of new mothers are suffered with constipation, the nutritious “sesame oil” plays an important role in avoiding constipation. Meat-based soup broths are also commonly consumed to provide breast milk and added nutrients.
[Q] Can new mothers take shower or wash their hair?
[A] Specifically, new mothers were traditionally not allowed to have any contact with water, including bathing or washing their hair. The reason for this tradition was probably because there were no water heater system and hair dryer in the older days. Nowadays, however, new mothers are advised to have warm shower 3-4 days after the childbirth and to wash their hair 7 days after the childbirth. But please remember to dry the body immediately afterwards with a clean towel and the hair properly with a hair dryer. Drink a cup of ginger tea to warm up the body after the shower. During the postpartum period, new mothers can have shower everyday and wash their hair 3-4 days once.
[Q] Any special request for the shower water during postpartum period ?
[A] The best choice to prepare shower water is using the prescription by TCM doctor. However, without prescription, ginger and lemongrass can be used to boil the shower water. Warm shower is very important during the postpartum period.
[Q] Can new mothers use fan or air conditioner?
[A] In older days, new mothers are told not to expose their body to physical agents such as cold weather or wind, as these are claimed to be detrimental to their recovery. However, during confinement, new mothers can stay in air-conditioned room with wearing long sleeves and long pants in summer. Set the air conditioner temperature within 25’C-26’C. Besides, make sure the wind from either fan or air corn does not blow directly to any part of the body.
Lastly, congratulations to every new mothers and may all of you have a happy and comfortable postpartum period. Be strong and happy as your child needs you every moments in the time coming.