POSTPARTUM CONFINEMENT MYTHS AND BENEFITS

POSTPARTUM CONFINEMENT MYTHS AND BENEFITS

✦ Those living in Asia or familiar with Asian cultures and practices would be familiar with the term “confinement”.

Postpartum 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.

Confinement Myths

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).

1. Do not shower

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.

2. Wrap up and Avoid the AC

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.

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 relaxed by wearing cool, comfortable clothing and drinking lots of water.

3. No Reading. And Absolutely No Crying.

The reason for this myth is because childbirth was thought to make the liver weak. And the liver is linked to the health of our eyes. That is why in traditional Chinese medicine, mothers are not encouraged to strain their eyes during the confinement period either by reading or crying.

Crying is a very healthy and cleansing thing to do. Being a new mother brings about very strong emotions and crying is a way to detox and release those pent-up emotions.

4. Do Not Move

This myth really takes the cake. It is believed that since the body has undergone such a big change, it is now weak and fragile. Walking and moving about would only weaken the muscles. Generally doctors recommend new mothers to start doing some light movement once they feel comfortable. In fact, some light movement can help decrease the risk of deep vein thrombosis.

My Body My Pilates offer post natal Pilates classes which sometimes treat conditions like Diastasis Recti

Confinement Benefits

It will be an added bonus if you have a doula or confinement lady to help new mothers during this time. Take note that you may have to book them at least six months ahead.

1. Time for Bonding

Confinement allows mothers to have quiet, quality time to bond with their newborns. Being born is an intense experience for the infant. Bonding with the mother helps to assure the infant and keeps it feeling safe, supported and connected.

2. Beauty Sleep

Confinement is the time when mothers are able to get some quality sleep. Some may have experienced sleep difficulties during their pregnancy and now is the time where they can get periods of sleep in between being with the newborn. Sound quality sleep can help improve breast milk production and aid in the recovery of blood loss during the birth process. With someone around to help with miscellaneous things around the house, the mother does not need to wake up early or go to bed late trying to be superwoman multitasking and taking care of everyone else.

3. Treating the Body Right

The body has gone through an intense experience and regardless of how tough we think we are, it always pays to treat the body right. Postnatal care is vital for the physical and emotional health of both mother and child, and this can have a knockon effect on the rest of the family members as well. Confinement is a time to help your body recover and ease into a new state after delivery. Some go for gentle massages to help with stimulating blood circulation and promoting relaxation.

4. Nourishing the Body

Eating well is vital during the confinement period. We have all heard of the fashion of slow food and confinement is definitely a time to eat well, enjoy and go slow. Mothers need a balanced diet to regain her strength and help her body build itself up again. Pregnancy may have caused mothers to be averse to certain foods and crave others. Confinement is a good time to bring back that balance in their meals.

Confinement is no longer a dreary, sordid concept from the past. It is a gentle, restful time for mothers to be fully present with their own bodies, with their newborns and for families to fully enjoy and welcome this new phase in their lives.

A happy, healthy infant starts with a positive confinement experience.