Dealing With Confinement: Tips & Ideal Foods to Eat

The idea of confinement after childbirth is familiar to Asians. While many Asian confinement beliefs and practices originate from cultural ideas, this period is ideal for your body to recuperate from childbirth. During the confinement period, the new mother should be given adequate replenishment of nutrients and plenty of time and rest to recover from delivery.

Confinement practices are steeped in tradition and passed down from generation to generation, with each culture having its own practices. However, there are some common do’s and don’ts and dietary essentials that can help moms to restore health and boost milk supply as you begin nursing your baby.

Tips for a smooth confinement period

Have a restful and recuperative confinement with these essential practices:

• Get as much help and love as you can from your family and friends
• Focus on getting plenty of rest and bond with your baby
• Keep these on hand for comfort: nursing pads to catch drips and leaks, donut ring cushion to sit on so you feel less sore, breastfeeding-friendly clothes that open in the front so you can nurseeasily 
• Bathe in warm water and dry off immediately afterwards
• Don’t lift heavy things and limit climbing stairs
• Try drinking warm water instead of cold water
• Consume nutritious foods and stay hydrated with enough fluid intake
• Consider professional assistance like post-natal massage, belly binding and lactation consulting
• Hire a confinement nanny if you can do with an extra pair of hands 
• Have confinement meals delivered if that works best for you

Foods to eat during confinement period

Having a healthy and nourishing diet during confinement period is important as it aids in your recovery and boosts your milk supply during lactation. Aim to have nutrient-rich confinement meals during this period to fully soak in the benefits and pass them on to your baby through your milk supply as well.

Best foods to eat during confinement

Strawberries

Strawberries are full of vitamin C to support your immune system during recovery and protect against colds and flus. The dietary fibre can also help to prevent constipation. Strawberries are a delicious way to boost milk supply and the high water content keeps you hydrated while you breastfeed.  

Oats

You may find yourself lacking energy during this post-delivery recovery period. Oats are a great source of minerals, vitamins, fibre and protein to boost your energy levels and fight constipation that can also occur. It also builds and maintains milk supply. You can use rolled oats in a comforting oatmeal porridge, indulge in overnight oats with yummy toppings or treat yourself to oatmeal cookies.

Salmon

Salmon is rich in protein which gives energy to new mums and heals your wounds. Salmon also has zinc that  helps fight off post-partum blues. Like other fatty fish, salmon is loaded with DHA which is vital to the development of your baby’s nervous system. Add salmon to your confinement meals 2-3 times per week.

Green leafy vegetables

Green leafy veggies like spinach, kale, fenugreek leaves, mustard greens, and moringa leaves are nutritional powerhouses for new mummies. They are high in vitamin A, vitamin C, iron and fibre to replenish your blood, ease joint and back pain, and prevent constipation. Veggies don’t have to be boring and blanched. You can stir fry, steam or add them to soups. 

Lactation cookies

Lactation cookies are full of nourishing ingredients to keep your body and immune system strong while also boosting your milk supply. And the added bonus? They taste divine! If only taking care of yourself and baby was always this easy with baked goodies.

Foods to avoid during confinement

As nutrition is critical for both you and your baby, there are some foods that reduce your milk supply and shouldn’t be consumed during confinement and lactation periods. Foods like ginseng and peppermint are traditionally considered to have many health benefits, but can be harmful for lactating new mothers. Caffeine doesn’t need to be totally avoided, but intake should be limited. 

Take care to cut out these foods during confinement and lactation:

• Alcohol
• Ginseng
• Sage
• Parsley
• Peppermint
• Menthol
• Chasteberry

Deliciously nutritious confinement treats

Boost your nutrients and milk supply with lactation cookies and bakes from Marian’s Lactation Boost. Check out our  specials page  for the latest and newest promotions in store, so you can always have a stash of nutritious and delicious foods and treats during your confinement and lactation!