Many mothers or mothers-to-be are often puzzled about the traditional confinement rules and taboos. Here we discuss the Top 5 Confinement Myths and provide further scientific reasonings and suggestions.
Confinement Myth #1 – To Bathe or Not to Bathe
New mothers are advised not to bathe or wash their hair for a month after childbirth to prevent catching a chill and suffer from rheumatism in later part of their lives. However, there is no scientific reasoning to this and it could also be due to the living conditions in ancient China whereby women had to fetch water from rivers to bathe.
Furthermore, in tropical country like Singapore, in order to observe good personal hygiene, bathing is necessary to prevent build up of germs and sweat or any infection. It is recommended to take warm baths and dry yourself quickly or take hot sponge bath to remain fresh and clean.
You wouldn't want to be sweaty and smelly when breastfeeding your baby. New mothers should also be encouraged to wash their hair only when they are more stable on their feet after giving birth.
New mothers are recommended to have warm baths as cold water may bring on muscle cramps. Using herbs, ginger or lemongrass to rid of wind is not necessary.
In the old days, no bathing was advised as women had to fetch water from rivers or wells. Also, water had to be boiled to remove organisms that cause infection. In winter, the boiled water had to be put into the tub and it got cold quickly, causing the mother to get a chill. As there was no stitching or sutures available then for perineal tear, the risk of infection was high if the water in the tub was contaminated.
Confinement Myth#2 – Keeping Warm with Food and Alcohol
It is believed that alcohol promote blood circulation and warm the body. However, alcohol can be transmitted to the baby through breastfeeding and it is proven that drinking excessively during nursing may result in delay in development in the child.Contrary to the Chinese belief that alcohol increases blood circulation and warms the body, it is not a must after delivery. It does not help to boost your postpartum state and, if you are nursing, it can be transmitted through breast milk to your baby. Alcohol can appear quickly in the mother's fore milk and hind mils, as well as, reduce milk production as it inhibits oxytocine release.
Instead, have a healthy and balance diet to provide your body with the necessary nutrients. Recommend oatmeal, brown rice, wholemeal bread, plenty of fruits and vegetables, fish, nuts, and calcium-rich food. Gingers are also commonly used to get rid of 'wind' in the body as the stomach and bowels, which are compressed during pregnancy, are now expanded causing organs to swell up with air and fluid.
Believed to be weak and 'cold' after the delivery of her baby, the new mother should keep warm with 'heaty' foods and wear plenty of warm clothing. She is not allowed to go near fans or air-conditioning as she may catch a chill. In observing this tradition, both mother and baby suffer from the uncomfortable effects of bad ventilation, especially in the tropical heat of Singapore.
Confinement Myth #3 – Saying "NO" to Air Condition
Many believe that new mothers should not come in contact with direct wind and this is true as after childbirth, women tend to be weaker. To keep health and body in tip-top condition, new mothers should avoid receiving direct wind from fan or air-conditioner.
However, the room should be sufficiently ventilated with adequate lighting so as to feel comfortable. In fact, air conditionings are allowed but temperature should not be too low. It is recommended to keep temperature between 25oC – 27oC.
Confinement Myth #4 – Eight Glasses of Water Per Day, No?
It is believed that new mothers should not drink water during confinement as it may cause water retention in the body.
However, sufficient fluid is essential to replace the lost fluid produced during breastfeeding. It is usually recommended for new mothers to consume longan and red date tea but it may not be adequate.
Hence, do consume plenty of longan and red date tea but also not forgetting to have plain warm water at times as well.
Apart from knowing about the confinement myths, do not forget to spend quality bonding time with your newborn and enjoy your new stage of life – motherhood.
Confinement Myth #5 –Washing Hair
Despite the traditional Chinese ban on hair washing during confinement, new mothers are encouraged to wash their hair when they are more stable on their feet after delivery. The worry is that some women may get giddy spells when shampooing and slip. The tradition is that washing hair during confinement allows 'wind' to go into the heads and thus lead to headaches later on. This, again, has no scientific basis.
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