Here in Singapore, a few of our clients will do ‘confinement’ following birth – but what is it?
Confinement traditions, also known as postpartum confinement or “sitting the month,” refer to a set of cultural practices that are followed after giving birth. These traditions are followed in various cultures around the world, including Chinese, Korean, and Malaysian cultures.
The main purpose of confinement traditions is to provide support and care to new mothers during the postpartum period. This time can be physically and emotionally challenging, as the body is recovering from childbirth and the mother is adjusting to her new role. Confinement traditions aim to help mothers rest and heal, while also ensuring that they have the necessary support and nutrition during this time.
One common aspect of confinement traditions is the idea of “doing the month,” which refers to the practice of staying at home for the first month after giving birth. This can involve staying indoors, or only going out for short periods of time and avoiding public places. The purpose of this is to reduce the risk of infection and allow the mother to rest and recover.
Another aspect of confinement traditions is the focus on nutrition. Many cultures have specific foods that are believed to help with postpartum recovery and support breastfeeding. These may include soups made with nourishing ingredients like ginger and red dates, as well as supplements like fish broth or black sesame paste.
Confinement traditions also often include the use of herbal remedies and massages to help the mother’s body recover. In some cultures, a postpartum doula or confinement nanny may be hired to provide support and assistance with tasks like cooking and cleaning, as well as providing guidance on postpartum care.
Overall, confinement traditions are a set of cultural practices that are meant to provide support and care to new mothers during the postpartum period. These practices can vary widely from culture to culture, but the common thread is the idea of providing the necessary support and nutrition to allow mothers to rest and heal during this important time.
