The Wisdom of Ritual: Traditional Confinement

Post partum confinement has a long history in Asian culture.

So what is Postnatal Confinement you ask?

Postnatal confinement is a period of restoration and recuperation after childbirth. It is an important part of becoming a new parent as your body recovers from the process of childbirth. Not only is pregnancy and the birth process physically demanding, it is a strenuous time and your body requires this confinement period so the uterus can healthily contract, vaginal wounds can heal and stretched skin, as well as joints and ligaments can return to normal over time.

This is especially important if future pregnancies and children are in the picture!

Why is Postnatal Confinement necessary?

Proper care and rest during confinement period form a solid foundation for you and your baby’s health moving forward. The last thing you want post natal are side effects such as headaches, arthritis, immune deficiency, chronic fatigue, depression, insomnia or hormonal imbalance due to not enough rest or improper recuperation.

How long is Postnatal Confinement?

The first 28 days after childbirth is usually referred to the confinement period. This is when proper nutrition and rest is vital. This is made possible through a combination of daily soups and teas as well as complementary bath packs.

At Po Sang Chinese Herbal, we understand each and every body is slightly different so we offer a complimentary consultation prior to preparing the 28-day confinement soups and tea package for you.

28 Day Postnatal Confinement Package has all the necessary nourishment that helps your body recuperate and re-energise over a 28-day period. Coupled with plenty of rest, your body will revert to its original condition in no time.

Stage 1 (Day 1 to 7)

Uterus Recovery & Wound Healing

After delivery, there is considerable bleeding (lochia) from the uterus until the contraction phase. For the first few days after birth, lochia contains a fair amount of blood, so it will be bright red and look like a heavy menstrual period. There may also be pain due to blood clots thus it is advisable to consume food that promotes blood circulation and remove blood clots.

By two to four days after you have given birth, the lochia will be more watery and pinkish in color. About ten days after the birth, you should have only a small amount of white or yellow-white discharge.

To aid smooth expulsion of lochia and regulate the uterus contraction during this important phase, Sheng Hua Soup is recommended to be consumed once daily on the 2nd and 3rd day following childbirth.

Stage 2 (Day 8 to 14)

Digestive Well-Being & Tissue Repair

As your body continues to heal, focus on improving appetite, digestive function and blood circulation. Did you know? A woman’s body produces about 50% more blood during pregnancy, which helps to nourish and protect both baby and mother. But not all of this excess blood leaves the body during delivery. Fluid build up can also occur.

Accelerate the expulsion of the body’s excess water through herbal formulas such as Revitalising Tonic Soup to strengthen the gastrointestinal system. A strong gastrointestinal system reduces water retention and ensures that nutrients are effectively digested and absorbed by the body, which in turn helps with tissue repair and increases the quality of your breast milk.

Stage 3 (Day 15 to 28)

Physique Strengthening & Nourishment

As your gastrointestinal system strengthens, this is a good time to nourish the body. Good nourishment helps you regain your pre-pregnancy vitality, fight premature aging and better prepare you for future pregnancies.

Muscle pain especially around the lumbar section may occur as this part of the body has supported considerable weight throughout pregnancy. Strengthen your physique with soups like the Kidney Tonic Soup.

You may experience fatigue or cold limbs during this period after most of the lochia has been discharged. Consuming soups such as Energising Tonic Soup nourishes the blood and helps keep the body warm by improving blood circulation.

We know all bodies are different so these soups can also be customised to your body type.

Get in contact with us for a consultation!