Beware! Debunking 3 Myths about Confinement of New Mothers

Confinement - in Chinese culture - is an important period in the life of a woman who has just given birth to a child. The confinement period, also known as ‘sitting the month,’ often lasts 30 to 45 days for women to recuperate energy after the childbirth.

Women are put on complete bed rest, and are advised to take specially prepared meals and Chinese herbs for confinement. Check out these 3 myths surrounding confinements.

Myth 1: Drinking plain water is not allowed in confinement

Fact: There is no harm in drinking plain water; the only exception is that the water should be warm. Fluid consumption is recommended after childbirth when mothers breastfeed their babies.
Consumption of plain water during first few weeks after childbirth can help in clearing the excess fluid that accumulates in kidney during the course of pregnancy.

Myth 2: New mothers must consume plenty of herbal supplements
Fact:  Chinese herbs forconfinement consists of heating ingredients such as dong qui, ginseng, old ginger, sesame oil, black vinegar, etc., which nourish the body as well as help it heal quickly. However, consumption of plenty of Chinese herbs cannot be recommended to all new mothers as woman every woman’s health profile is different.
It is better you consult a qualified TCM confinement physician who will systematically introduce the tonics needed by the new mother, week by week.

Myth 3: Taking a bath or shower is not allowed

Fact: People believe that taking a bath will result in joint pain in new mothers as wind gets to infiltrate the body. However, the fact is that there is no issue in continuing your bath routine as long as you follow certain bathing practices.
There are special Chinese herbs for confinement used in herbal bath. Herbs such as Artemesia Argyi, Eucommia Ulmoides, Ledebouriella Divaricata, etc. are used in hot water herbal bath to aid in blood circulation in new mums. Do consult your TCM confinement physician before using Chinese herbs in herbal bath.

Certain confinement practices are good for the health of new mothers, but do avoid these myths and consider the facts to better help the mother restore her balance & return to full health.