8 Chinese Postpartum Confinement Rules & Traditions

‍

Becoming a mum is one of the most transformative experiences in a woman’s life. But while your heart overflows with love for your little one, your body needs time to heal and recover. 

‍

This is where the age-old practice of postpartum confinement zuo yuezi (坐月子) comes in—a Chinese tradition that helps new mothers recharge physically and emotionally after giving birth. 

‍

In fact, there’s an old Chinese adage that goes: "Eat well, sleep well, nothing is better than sitting the month well" (吃得好, 睡得好，没有什么比过好月子更重要).

‍

What is Chinese Confinement

‍

For those unfamiliar, zuo yuezi is a traditional postpartum practice observed by many Chinese women after childbirth. It involves a period of intense rest and recuperation, typically lasting 30 days.

‍

In Chinese confinement, there are a set of rules to follow. These are based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) beliefs that aim to protect the mother's health and facilitate postpartum recovery.

‍

It’s believed that the body undergoes significant physiological changes after giving birth. These changes are thought to temporarily weaken the body's defenses, making it more susceptible to external influences, including "wind" (风).

‍

"Wind," in TCM, is not a literal wind but rather a term used to describe a variety of external factors that can disrupt the body's balance. These factors can include:

• Cold: Exposure to cold temperatures or drafts.
• Heat: Exposure to hot environments or excessive sun exposure.
• Humidity: Exposure to damp or humid conditions.
• Dryness: Exposure to dry air or environments.

‍

According to TCM, these external factors can penetrate the body through "open pores", leading to various health problems, including headaches, muscle aches and pains, cold and flu, as well as skin problems like dry, itchy, or irritated skin.

‍

While the concept may seem unbelievable to some, many younger mothers in Singapore today are finding ways to adapt these practices to fit their modern lives. After all, sometimes it’s better to be safe than sorry, especially since the traditions are not difficult to follow through.

‍

Here are eight Chinese confinement rules in zuo yuezi to consider.

‍

Activity Rules

‍

1. Limit physical activities

‍

Childbirth is a physically demanding process. This is why rest is the golden rule during the Chinese confinement period. In fact, zuo yuezi literally means sitting down for one month. 

‍

Resting allows the body to heal from the physical trauma of labour and delivery. It also gives the uterus time to contract and return to its pre-pregnancy size, and helps prevent postpartum complications like excessive bleeding.

‍

Let your partner, family members, or nanny from a confinement nanny agency in Singapore handle everything else – cooking, cleaning, or even changing the baby's diapers.

‍

2. Minimise outdoor exposure

‍

As mentioned, TCM emphasises the importance of protecting the body from "wind" intrusion after giving birth. Cold is considered the enemy during the Chinese confinement period as it is a form of "wind" that can weaken the body and cause various health problems.

‍

For instance, new mothers can consider staying indoors during the cold weather in December, dressing in layers to stay warm and protected from the elements, as well as staying away from drafty areas and windows. This can also help the mother to keep warm, which is believed to improve blood circulation—essential for healing and preventing postpartum complications.

‍

3. Restrict the frequency of visitors

‍

Limiting visitors during the postpartum period is another common practice in Chinese confinement. Perhaps the most obvious reason is that this can help protect the mother and baby from potential infections, especially in the early days when their immune systems are still recovering.

‍

Moreover, constant guest arrivals can disrupt rest, increase stress levels, and make it difficult for the mother to relax and focus on her own needs.

‍

So how do you limit your visitors? Communicate your wishes by gently and respectfully explaining to family and friends that you would like to restrict the number of visitors during the initial Chinese postpartum period.

‍

The best way is to establish clear visiting hours or days to minimise disruptions. Otherwise, 

consider prioritising close family like immediate partners, parents, and siblings who can provide essential support. Alternatively, consider other ways to connect like through voice or video calls.

‍

Dietary Rules

‍

4. Focus on “warm” foods

‍

Chinese cuisine places a strong emphasis on “warm” and nourishing foods during zuo yuezi. Think ginger, brown sugar, and a whole lot of soup. These dishes are believed to help replenish blood loss, boost lactation, and improve overall health. 

‍

Don't worry, many modern recipes have been adapted to suit contemporary tastes, such as these confinement recipes to boost energy.

‍

5. Don’t consume cold foods & drinks

‍

As mentioned earlier, TCM emphasises the importance of keeping the body warm after giving birth as the body is more susceptible to "wind" intrusion during the confinement period. 

‍

Cold water is thought to exacerbate this, potentially leading to health issues like headaches, joint pain, and potentially weakening the immune system. It is also believed that cold water can hinder the contraction and involution of the uterus, which can increase the risk of postpartum bleeding and infection.

‍

So what can you do? Opt for warm water, herbal teas, and broth-based soups instead of cold drinks. If you’re eating leftovers, be sure to reheat thoroughly before consuming them. Of course, avoid ice in drinks and limit the consumption of ice cream and frozen treats.

‍

6. Stay away from certain foods

‍

Some believe that certain foods, such as spicy foods, dairy products, and some fruits, can interfere with milk production or cause discomfort for the baby. These traditional beliefs stem from the idea of "mother-baby connection" through breastmilk and the potential for certain foods to impact the baby's digestion or well-being.

‍

For example, spicy foods are believed to potentially cause digestive upset in bubba, leading to fussiness, gas, or even skin irritation. Citrus fruits and some other fruits are sometimes restricted due to concerns about potential baby allergies or sensitivities. Meanwhile, dairy can cause gas, colic, or digestive issues. However, it's important to note that this is not universally supported by scientific evidence.

‍

Are you a breastfeeding mama and worried about what to eat during your Chinese confinement period? Check out these breastfeeding-friendly confinement food recipes instead. 

‍

Hygiene Rules

‍

7. Hair washing is a no-no

‍

TCM believes that the pores on the head are "open" after childbirth, making the scalp more vulnerable to "wind" intrusion. If you wash your hair with cold water, it is thought to further aggravate thie intrusion, potentially leading to headaches, dizziness, and even more serious complications. In the past, many women have foregone even washing their hair during their Chinese confinement to avoid headaches and muscle aches.

‍

However, it’s almost impossible to not wash your hair in Singapore, especially with the hot weather year-round! Consider opting for dry shampoo or have your hair washed with warm water and a towel.

‍

8. Limit exposure to water

‍

Apart from showering, limiting contact with water—such as washing dishes or laundry—is encouraged. 

‍

As mentioned earlier, TCM emphasises the importance of protecting the body from "wind" intrusion after childbirth. Water, particularly cold water, is believed to be a pathway for "wind" to enter the body.

‍

If unavoidable and you do need to help out with household chores, wear washing gloves to protect your hands from prolonged dampness and cold.

‍

The Bottom Line

The postpartum period is a transformative time in a mother's life. You're probably feeling a whirlwind of emotions – exhaustion, joy, maybe even a little bit of panic. 

‍

Now, throw in a whole new set of rules and restrictions — many mothers may feel like walking a fine line when they’re navigating the world of Chinese confinement care.

‍

Of course, you don't have to follow every single rule to the T. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to adhere to these restrictions is a personal one. While traditional practices are still followed by some, many mums in Singapore today adapt the rules to suit their modern lifestyles. 

‍

This may involve incorporating some elements while modifying others to suit your needs. 

‍