What Is Chinese Confinement and What Are the Practices?

 Pregnant women need good nutrition to nurture the fetus. Nursing mothers also need a proper diet to produce enough milk for the newborn. Many changes occur postpartum and the woman needs time to recover and regain her physical strength. This explains the need for a confinement period where new mothers observe various diverse routines.

Chinese confinement allows new mothers to take a well-deserved break to recover from childbirth. It’s also known as Zuo Yue Zi, which translates to “sitting the month”. During this time, the woman is not supposed to go outside hence the name ‘confinement’. She’s also not supposed to exert herself so her mother or mother-in-law will come to live with her and help with household chores. Some modern families who can afford it hire a confinement nanny to help cook and clean or choose a confinement meal delivery service. In Chinese culture, confinement keeps baby and mother indoors protecting them from ill-health.

The Purpose of Chinese Confinement

The confinement lasts for one month but can go up to 45 days for better healing. The duration is usually longer for those recovering from a cesarean section scar. Many believe that this is one of the most important periods in the Malay and Chinese cultures, for both mother and baby. Here are the main reasons why:

1. It allows the postpartum mom to rest and recover fully. The reproductive organs change from conception till after birth
2. It allows both of them to be well-nourished to avoid ailments that weaken the body.
3. It gives the baby a chance to fully bond with the mom without interruptions from guests

Dos and Don’ts During The Confinement Period

The confinement practices have been around for thousands of years and are still being practiced. They allow her body to recuperate and recover from childbirth. During this time, there are some things new mothers can and can’t do. Here is a list of three each:

The Do’s

• Stay indoors and prioritize rest. Resting means that you should do any strenuous physical activities that worsen muscle fatigue like laundry. It’s advisable to lie in bed and avoid walking and moving around. Staying indoors also keeps you away from outdoor pollution and germs.
• Eat the right confinement foods five to six times daily to boost breast milk supply. Some ideal foods include fish soup boiled in papaya. chicken cooked in sesame oil, and a Chinese herbal traditional tonic. Always include quality proteins and anti-oxidants like fruits & vegetables, and avoid eating raw foods or yesterday’s leftovers.
• Get a massage that stimulates weight loss after pregnancy. Special ointments like mustard seed oil are used for the massages. After the massage, the abdomen is tightly bound with a special corset.

The Don’ts

• No sex because your reproductive organs aren’t well healed.
• Avoid air conditioning. The prohibition helps to ensure that the mother’s body retains as much heat as possible to help avoid health problems like rheumatism, arthritis, headaches, and body pains later in life.
• Don’t burn incense or visit a temple/alter. Mixing with crowds increases your chances of infections and we all know that a newborn’s immunity is weakened.

Ideal Hampers For New Moms During Their Confinement

Traditional Chinese confinement practices have the new mother’s well-being at heart. Here are some of our hampers that are ideal for all special occasions to help a new mom’s body recover from childbirth:

(With these hampers, you get to enjoy our free delivery services alongside a complimentary GFHK message card.)

• ULTIMATE WELL-BEING HAMPER

This gorgeous hamper features a wide range of Chinese luxury gourmets such as dried seafood, hair moss, and birds nest. The recipient will surely appreciate such a surprise.

The hamper includes:

• Harvest Garden Dried Conch Slices and Shiitake Gift Box, 200g
• IBN Life Gift Box – Abalone & Dried Mushroom
• Organic Goji Berry Gift Box, 150g
• Ginseng Workshop Candian Ginseng Slice, 50g
• Imperial Bird’s Nest, 45g x 6
• Tung Fong Hung Hairy Moss, 2 taels>
• Gift Hampers Hong Kong Eco Shopping Bag

• GOOD VIBES CARE

The Good Vibes Care Hamper will make a thoughtful gift for any occasion when you want to express your love and care.

The hamper includes:

• Aroma Matches
• Norfolk Natural Living Diffuser
• 2 x Castelbe Fragrant Sachet
• Silk Flower Decorations
• Natural Aromatherapy Candle
• Home Fragrance Scented Candle
• Gift Hampers Hong Kong Traditional Basket

• HEALTHY FRUIT HAMPER

Fruit hampers are chic and stylish. This is a great gift to send to your friends and family to show them that you love and care about them.

This fruit hamper includes:

• Seasonal fruits may include: apples, kiwis, oranges, pears, citrus leiocarpa, green pears, grapes, dragon fruit, avocado, grapefruit, pomelo, pineapple, melon
• Standard Basket Dimensions: 32cm(L) x 26cm(W) x 8cm(H); with 1 x large fruit & 19 – 22 x other seasonal fruits
• Large Basket Dimensions: 38cm(L) x 32cm(W) x 11.5cm(H); with 2 x large fruits & 26 – 29 x other seasonal fruits
• Gift Hampers Hong Kong Wicker Basket

Conclusion

Overall, a new mother’s confinement period includes traditional postnatal practices that are meant to help her recover from pregnancy, labor, and birth. Most of the beliefs we’ve talked about originate from culture and have little or no scientific backup. However, the most common basis for these beliefs is to purge ‘wind’ in the body to promote blood circulation, strengthen joints, and promote milk supply. Your elders mean well but do discuss your preferences with them because these practices are not set in stone. Modern Chinese people now choose what to follow and what to modify.