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B RILLIA NT- ON LIN E SEP TEM B ER 2021
POSTPARTUM CONFINEMENT MYTHS AND BENEFITS ✦ Those living in Asia or familiar with Asian cultures and practices would be familiar with the term “confinement”.
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ostpartum confinement is a traditional practice following childbirth and it involves being secluded (confined) and undergoing special treatment which could last for a period of time from a month to 100 days. It is a kind of postnatal recuperation and there are some interesting myths surrounding it as well as useful benefits that we can get from this. Confinement can be seen as the early part of maternity leave. The human body has undergone major changes over the nine months of pregnancy and the final delivery requires the body to perform an amazing feat. The body needs rest and care and it is also simply a gentle time for the new parents to enjoy being with their newborns and to learn the ropes of caring for their child. No matter how many books you read about pregnancy and childrearing, even if you have your mother and mother-in-law right next to you, it is still a steep learning curve being first time parents. Some mothers hire confinement nannies or doulas to support them in the first weeks after birth. They provide informational support about feeding and caring for the baby. They provide physical support by cleaning, cooking meals, and filling in when a new mother needs a break. They provide emotional support by encouraging a mother when she feels overwhelmed. They are definitely a great help.
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Just born, Victoria with Mum Liz
Confinement Myths
2. Wrap up and Avoid the AC
We look at some myths related to confinement and also the benefits that confinement brings (which is why many cultures continue to adhere to this practice of confinement).
Again, this is to prevent the elusive “wind” from entering your body. You may be breaking out in a sweat but the Air conditioning (AC) is a definite no no. And don’t even think about blasting the fan in your face.
1. Do not shower
Even after childbirth, the body continues to make changes as it adjusts to not being in a pregnant state anymore. Hormone levels can change and result in fluctuations in body temperature. It is the body’s natural process to sweat more to get rid of excess fluid, and night sweats can prevent a tired mother from sleeping well, which is going to affect the quality of her life. Postpartum sweating is common and while it may be annoying, we don’t have to worsen it. Help new mothers stay comfortable and
The belief is that (cold) water causes “wind” to enter the body which could cause headaches and arthritis. Truth is, and as common sense would tell us, maintaining good personal hygiene is a very sensible and healthy thing to do in any given situation. In fact, it is especially important to keep the perineum area (between the genitals and the anus) clean and dry. This helps the wound to heal and avoid infection.
