Confinement is a period for your body to recuperate and recover from childbirth. The idea of confinement is familiar to Asians but may be foreign to Westerners.
In the past when infant and maternal mortality rates were high, it was a practice to keep both the baby and mother indoors during the period of confinement. This was meant to protect them from ill-health.
Due to traditional beliefs and taboos, there are many wrong perceptions about healthcare during the confinement period. Here, we’ll share a few myths and truth, which have been debunked by Medical Doctors.
Myth #1: “Now that my baby is born, I will lapse into depression.”
Fact: It is true that most women experience a sad/depressed mood, beginning some days after the birth of the baby and continuing for varying lengths of time.
These symptoms, the “baby or postnatal blues”, and are believed to be associated with hormonal changes following the birth of a baby. Fortunately, this mood is of a relatively short-term duration (about two weeks) and most women recover from it.
Depression is diagnosed only when these symptoms persist in a small proportion of women. It may be accompanied by suicidal or infanticide intent. Prompt psychiatric attention is imperative in
such instances.
Myth #2: “I cannot to bathe or touch water for fear of ‘wind’ entering the body.”
Fact: There is no basis to these beliefs. In fact, bathing regularly ensures good personal hygiene and comfort. It reduces the incidence of skin and wound infections. On a personal note, it certainly ensures that the people around you find you more bearable.
Myth #3: “I must consume plenty of wine, sesame oil and traditional herbs to drive out the ‘wind’.”
Fact: Again, there is no medical reasoning behind this recommendation. In moderation, there is no harm in consuming these substances.
However, when taken in excessive amounts, they may affect you and your baby adversely. Furthermore, there are various substances present in the herbs that we are not fully aware of.
Alcohol and other organic substances might go into your breast milk, and when breastfeeding, these might be transferred to your baby. These substances may affect the liver and worsen jaundice in the newborn if it is already present.
Myth #4: “I cannot drink plain water at all during confinement.”
Fact: Adequate fluid consumption is advised especially if the mother is breastfeeding. The kidneys will produce more urine in the first few weeks after the baby is born to remove the excess fluid that has accumulated during the course of the pregnancy.
Myth #5: “I must not expose myself and my baby to any wind drafts or air-conditioning.”
Fact: For personal comfort, there is definitely no harm in switching on the air-conditioner or fan, as long as it makes you and your baby comfortable. It may even help prevent heat rash from developing in our hot and humid climate.
During the Confinement Period, it is important to maintain personal hygiene. TYT Confinement Herbal Bath is suitable for women to use during confinement after childbirth.
It can help improve blood circulation, removing body “wind”, improve metabolism and strengthen the body. It can also relieve mild swelling and ease the pain.