What is the 555 Postpartum Rule

Postpartum–the magical, messy, and mind-blowing time after you bring your baby into the world. It's a whirlwind of emotions, physical changes, and figuring out this whole motherhood thing.

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You may have heard your girlfriends talk about Chinese confinement traditions, but have you heard about the 555 postpartum rule? 

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The 555 rule for postpartum mamas basically means five days in bed, five days on the bed, and five days around the bed, which gives you two weeks of focussed intentional rest. 

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Origins of the 555 rule

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This rule has its roots in traditional Chinese confinement practices. The primary goal is to allow the mother's body to recover from the physical and emotional demands of childbirth.

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However, it’s important to note this is a tradition passed down from many generations ago. In fact, current medical research has shown that walking after childbirth, especially those who underwent C-section, is very important. This prevents blood clots, improves circulation, decreases gas, and aids in bowel function. A 20-minute walk every day at a moderate pace is a common recommendation by gynaecologists. 

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Nonetheless, here's the breakdown of each component of the 555 postpartum rule.

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5 Days in Bed

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Yep, you read that right. The first five days after giving birth, try to lie on the bed as much as possible. During these initial days, the mother should not have any physical exertion. 

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Let your partner, family, or confinement nanny bring you anything you need. Focus on resting, bonding with your baby (skin-to-skin is key!), and letting your body recover from the physical demands of childbirth. 

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5 Days on Bed

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This period is quite similar to five days in bed, but with some slight modifications.

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Good news – after those five days of lying in bed, mamas can begin to slowly increase their activity levels. This gradual increase is crucial to prevent overexertion and allow the body to continue healing.

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Here are some gentle activities that can be incorporated into your daily routine:

• Sit up: Start by sitting up in bed for short periods, gradually increasing the duration as tolerated.
• Stretch: Gentle stretches can help improve circulation and alleviate any stiffness or discomfort experienced during the period of restricted movement.
• Rocking: Rocking in a rocking chair while holding your bub can be a soothing activity for both you and your baby.

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With mummy confined on the bed for another five days, older siblings can come over to participate in bedside activities such as reading stories, playing simple games, or colouring books.5 Days Around the BedFinally, mamas can get out of the bed to to perform some activities, but do ensure you’re limited to the immediate vicinity of the bed.

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Think walks to the bathroom or perhaps even short strolls around the room. These movements help improve circulation and gradually prepare the body for more significant activity.

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Benefits of the 555 Postpartum Rule

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The 555 postpartum rule primarily focuses on allowing the mother's body to recover from the physical and emotional demands of childbirth. 

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1. Physical recovery

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Minimising physical activity can help alleviate the discomfort of any tears or episiotomies sustained during childbirth at the perineum. Less movement means less strain on the perineal area, leading to reduced pain and discomfort. Rest also allows for more comfortable positioning and reduces the risk of aggravating the injury. It also reduces the risk of re-injuring the delicate tissues and disrupting the healing process as well.

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2. Emotional recovery

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Moreover, it’s believed that the 555 postpartum rule can improve mummies’ emotional well-being too.This rule provides a crucial period for the mother to adjust to the significant hormonal and emotional shifts that occur after childbirth. Rest and relaxation can help alleviate postpartum blues, anxiety, and even more serious conditions like postpartum depression.

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It can even help regulate sleep patterns and combat postpartum insomnia, which is common in new mothers.The extended period of rest also allows for uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact and ample time for bonding with the newborn. This helps stimulate the release of oxytocin, a hormone that promotes milk production and uterine contractions, crucial for establishing breastfeeding and fostering a strong parent-child relationship.

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Challenges When Trying to Adhere to the 555 Postpartum Rule

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Probably the biggest elephant in the room is that the 555 postpartum rule goes against current medical recommendations of moving around after childbirth, as mentioned previously. If you’re adamant on sticking to the 555 postpartum rule, consider adjusting certain parts of it to fit your own unique situation.

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For instance, while in bed for five days, wear medical compression stockings to improve your blood flow and keep blood from pooling in your legs. You can even exercise – even while on the bed – to help maintain circulation in your legs and prevent deep vein thrombosis.

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Some exercises include rotating your ankles or pumping your feet up and down to encourage blood flow.

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Furthermore, while the 555 postpartum rule emphasises rest, adhering to it strictly can present challenges in today's world. Modern life often demands attention to various responsibilities. For instance, the constant demands of childcare, school runs, and extracurricular activities can make it difficult for the mother to prioritise rest and remain confined to the bed. Maintaining a household also requires ongoing effort.

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Cooking, cleaning, laundry, and grocery shopping are essential tasks that cannot always be completely delegated.Also, the 555 rule is a traditional practice with varying cultural relevance. Some cultures may emphasise early mobility and involvement in childcare, while others may promote extended periods of rest and recuperation.In addition, each mother's experience of childbirth and postpartum recovery is unique.

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Some women may feel more energetic and capable of resuming activities sooner than others. Personal preferences and individual needs should always be taken into consideration as well.Certain medical conditions, such as complications from childbirth or preexisting health conditions, may also require specific medical advice and may not align with the strict limitations of the 555 postpartum rule.

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In short, while this rule offers a valuable framework for postpartum recovery, it's crucial to acknowledge and address the practical limitations and cultural variations that may impact its application in modern life. Mummies, especially new mothers, ought to to look at their individual needs and circumstances as well and discuss their recovery plan with their healthcare providers.

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The Takeaway

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We understand–life doesn't stop just because you had a baby. Household chores, older children, and other responsibilities still demand attention. The 555 postpartum rule, like many other confinement traditions is ultimately a guideline and doesn’t have to be strictly followed.

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However, don't feel guilty about asking for help, such as engaging the services of a professional confinement nanny agency in Singapore. A confinement nanny can provide invaluable support in the comfort of your home, such as cooking confinement recipes to boost your energy as well as caring for bubba.

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Alternatively, a confinement centre in Singapore is another option for postpartum care. This is a specialised facility that offers a nurturing and supportive environment where you can enjoy personalised care while receiving expert guidance on breastfeeding, infant care, and postnatal recovery techniques.