Many friends and women I know hate going through confinement. It is probably the thought of not being able to go out and being well, confined to the house, that gets to you. A bad streak of cabin fever you can say. For those who do not practice confinement, they may retort and say than why do it!
There are many reasons that women who have just given birth, and even those who had miscarriages, go through a confinement period that generally lasts between 40 to 44 days. Mainly practiced in the Malay society but I think some Chinese and Indian ladies practice it too.
After being pregnant for 9 months and delivering a baby, your body has gone through many hormonal and physical changes. For one, you have expanded to sizes beyond your control. That is what you can see. What you can't see are the changes to your internal especially your womb. It is during the confinement period that your body and womb will recover from the "trauma" and get back into shape.
That is why it is very important for you to take extra good care of your health and your body during these 40 odd days. There are certain restrictions to what you can eat, drink and what you can do to your self and body. Many modern women may poo-pooh all these old wives tales but I for one believe in it. My mom always told me it is something that you won't feel now but in your old age, how you took care of yourself after childbrith will take its toll during your old age. Like effects on your knees, womb is weak, back and spine.
Take for example the rule of not having cold drinks and ice cream during confinement. Why? Cause it is cold and not good for your nerves and veins. You need warmth to ensure all the nerves and veins shrink back to size. Cold will cause them to be swollen. Also if you are breastfeeding, it is not good for the baby as it may cause colic. Cold stuff is also not advisable if wanting to lose weight.
Eating cold food, meaning food or vegies that cause wind, is also not advisable. Such as cabbage, pumpkin, some people carrots etc. Always best to stick to green leafs. Even lamb is not good as it is cold. Despite people thinking lamb is heaty but during confinement apparently it is the opposite.
Your confinement is also the time for you and baby to adjust to each other. If there are other family members it is for them to adjust too. The baby is still young and "new" and sometimes bringing them outside too early is not advisable cause of germs and "other disturbances".
As much as I hate it, I listen to these old wives tales cause I am sure they know what they are talking about and some of the tales do make sense. I even confine myself upstairs as they say going up and down the stairs not good for your womb. It is still recovering.
Today is my 30th day of confinement. How do I feel? Gets a bit boring of course especially not being able to go out (shopping!) but there are certain joys to it. Always best to make the best of it lah, look on the bright side. This month has gone by pretty fast too. It also helps I have a great confinement lady who takes good care of me when she comes with the massages, hot stone, scrubs and steam baths!
Once my 44 days are up, world! Here I come ... !
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