3 Ways Husbands Can Help Out During Confinement

Pregnancy is a beautiful and miraculous time for many women. However, it can also be a time of great discomfort. The hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy can cause a variety of symptoms, including fatigue, nausea, and bloating. The growing uterus puts pressure on the bladder, resulting in frequent trips to the bathroom. And as the due date approaches, the added weight can make it difficult to move around and get comfortable. In addition, pregnancy can cause back pain, headaches, and even varicose veins. While these discomforts are all part of the natural process of pregnancy, they can still be frustrating for pregnant mothers. 

Now, after nine long months of pregnancy, your little bundle of joy has finally arrived! But your work still needs to be completed. Also, for some mothers, the postpartum period can also be marked by a number of injuries that require medical attention. 

One common injury that mothers may experience is perineal tearing, which occurs when the tissue between the vagina and anus tears during childbirth. This type of injury can range from mild to severe and, in some cases, may require stitches to heal properly. Additionally, many mothers develop haemorrhoids as a result of pregnancy and childbirth. 

These are swollen veins in the rectum or anus that can cause pain and bleeding. Haemorrhoids often go away on their own, but in some cases, they may require medical treatment. Lastly, some mothers may experience pelvic floor dysfunction after pregnancy and childbirth. 

This is a condition that can cause incontinence, pain during sex, and difficulty urinating or passing stool. While pelvic floor dysfunction can be difficult to manage, there are a number of treatments available that can help alleviate symptoms.

In Chinese culture, it is customary for new mothers to undergo a month-long confinement period after giving birth, during which they are to stay indoors and rest in order to recover from childbirth. 

This means that husbands need to step up and help out around the house more during this month. Here are three ways you can be of assistance to your wife during her confinement.

1. Be her foot massage therapist 

After giving birth, a woman’s feet go through a lot of changes. The body is going through immense hormonal shifts, and the feet are no exception. For example, increased levels of oestrogen can cause the tissues in the feet to swell and become more sensitive. This can lead to pain and discomfort, as well as difficulty walking. Massaging the feet can help to relieve some of this discomfort by increasing blood flow and helping to relax tissues. 

In addition, regular foot massages can help to prevent cramping, fatigue, and other problems that can arise during this time. By taking care of their feet, women can help make their postpartum period a little bit easier. Who else better to help take care of their feet than their husband?

2. Be her personal chef 

After a woman gives birth, she enters a period of confinement where she is restricted to her home in order to recover. During this time, her appetite may be significantly reduced, and she may lose her taste for certain foods. In addition, she may experience indigestion and nausea. 

During confinement, your wife should only be eating traditional foods that are meant to help her recover and are easy to digest. You can cook these meals for her or have them delivered to her at home. There are many traditional Chinese foods that mothers are recommended to eat during the confinement period. 

These foods are believed to help the mother recover faster from childbirth, increase her milk production, and boost her energy levels. Some of the most common confinement foods include ginger soups, porridge, chicken, fish, and ginger. 

Mothers may also drink herbal teas and eat various kinds of nuts and seeds. While these foods are all considered to be beneficial for new mothers, it is important to consult with a doctor or dietitian before making any major changes to the diet.

These foods are believed to help the mother heal and provide the nutrients she needs to produce milk for her baby. While a traditional diet may seem restrictive, it is important to remember that it is only temporary and that it will ultimately help the mother to recover and bond with her new infant.

3. Do the household chores 

Your wife will likely need help with light household chores such as laundry, cleaning, and grocery shopping. You can take on some of these tasks so she can rest and take care of her baby.

In Chinese culture, it is believed that new mothers should not do any type of physical labour for the first month after giving birth. This includes everything from housework to carrying laundry up and down stairs. 

Women who have just given birth need time to recover physically. Their bodies have been through a lot and need time to heal, especially if they had a caesarean section or a perineal tear. She could also experience heavier bleeding and longer periods of discomfort. In addition, the uterus needs time to contract back to its normal size, which can take up to 6 weeks. 

It is believed that postpartum women are susceptible to “wind,” which can enter the body through the pores and cause health problems. New mothers are also advised to avoid taking showers or baths, as this can also lead to wind entering the body. 

During this time, she may feel cramps and slight discomfort. Yes, she is encouraged to do some light physical activity, such as walking leisurely without pushing anything, as soon as she feels able to do so. 

Light physical activity is beneficial in promoting quicker recovery as physical movement helps to prevent swelling on the feet and supports postpartum mental health, but she should not be pushed to do intense physical activity too soon. 

Intense physical activity too soon may put pressure on her wounds which may lead to prolonged bleeding and delay recovery. 

Generally, mothers may start light physical activity as early as 4 weeks after birth. When in doubt, always seek advice from your Gynaecologist before doing any more intense physical activity. 

So, while it is understandable that new mothers want to get back to their usual routine as soon as possible, it is important to take things slowly and give their bodies the time they need to recover.

4. Take care of the baby

The birth of a baby is an amazing and life-changing event for any couple. The mother will undergo many physical and emotional changes as she adjusts to her new role. The father, too, will have many new responsibilities. 

One of the most important things you can do during your wife’s confinement is to take care of the baby during the mother’s confinement. This includes changing diapers, feeding, and bathing the baby. You can also take him or her for walks or to see friends or family members.

This will give the mother a much-needed break from the constant demands of caring for a newborn. It will also allow the father to develop a strong bond with his child. 

In addition, helping to care for the baby during this time can help the father to better understand the needs and challenges of parenting. 

Ultimately, husbands should help take care of the baby during the mother’s confinement because it is good for both the parents and the child.

5. Give her emotional support 

It’s important for your wife to have emotional support during confinement. Make sure you spend time with her, talk to her about how she’s feeling, and provide any assistance she needs.

Let’s remind you that for nine months, a mother’s body is going through numerous changes to accommodate the developing baby. From the initial bloating to the eventual weight gain and everything in between, a mother’s body is constantly shifting to make room for her little one. 

Then, when the big day finally arrives, the baby makes his or her grand entrance into the world and mummy is left with an entirely new set of challenges. The postpartum period can be difficult for any mother, but it can be especially tough for those who are confined to bed rest. 

Not only are they dealing with the physical recovery from childbirth, but they are also adjusting to the new role of motherhood. This can be an overwhelming and emotional time for any woman, but it is especially so for those who are confined to bed rest. 

It is important for these mothers to have a strong support system in place to help them through this challenging time. Friends and family members can provide much-needed emotional support, and there are also a number of online resources available for mothers who are on bed rest. 

By seeking out support from those who understand what they are going through, mothers on bed rest can get the help they need to navigate this difficult period.

Closing Words 

By helping out with some of the more strenuous activities around the house, you can give your wife the chance to fully rest and recover during her confinement period. From massaging her feet to cooking her confinement meals, there are plenty of ways you can help out and show her how much you care.

Trust us, your wifey will appreciate you reading up on confinement food recipes. Similarly, if cooking isn’t your style, how about signing up for our Tian Wei confinement food delivery services? That’ll make everyone happy!