Tips On How To Eat Right During The Confinement Period


Your pregnancy journey may be over, but your body still needs the time, attention, and nutrients to heal correctly. After giving birth, you lose blood, energy, and nutrients. So, a balanced diet can provide more benefits than you could imagine. Some are speeding up wound recovery, boosting milk supply, rebuilding energy, helping regulate mood, and supporting baby growth (especially through breastfeeding).

You might wonder how to eat right during the confinement period. This blog will provide you with easy-peasy tips that will help you!

Eat Fully-Cooked Food

Your immune system changes during pregnancy and confinement. This makes you more vulnerable to food poisoning than before you were pregnant. It is best not to eat undercooked or raw food during confinement, as the bacteria in these foods could harm your health and the baby you are breastfeeding. Some examples of food that are commonly eaten undercooked or raw are eggs, beef and salmon. Eating fully-cooked food protects you against the risk of food poisoning caused by Salmonella bacteria, which can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and headache. Before you cook your raw meat, store it in a fully sealed container in the fridge so its juice won’t stain the other food. Furthermore, wash your hands and all utensils thoroughly before and after handling raw meat.

Keep Your Diet Varied & Well-Balanced

While maintaining a healthy and nutritious diet during confinement is essential, many new moms overlook the importance of having a well-balanced diet. You could be missing out on some essential nutrients if you stick to eating repetitive food during confinement. 

Or you can refer below for a much simpler way to see what you can eat and what to avoid!

What to Eat During Confinement

Protein-Rich Foods
  • Chicken, eggs, tofu, red meat, and fish.
  • It helps repair tissues and support hormone recovery. 
  • Meanwhile, eggs also contain choline, which is great for your baby’s brain development.
Leafy Greens
  • Spinach, kale, collard greens and cabbage.
  • They are rich in iron, folate, and vitamins A, C and K. 
  • They aid in blood replenishment and immunity.
Whole Grains & Fibre
  • When you eat during the confinement period, choosing food that supports both recovery and nourishment is important.
  • Oats, quinoa and brown rice 
  • These ingredients help prevent constipation and stabilise energy levels. 
  • Oats are beneficial! They’re high in beta-glucan, which supports your heart, skin, and breastfeeding needs.
Healthy Fats
  • Avocados, olive oil and almonds 
  • They provide energy and promote skin repair. 
  • Almonds are also rich in vitamin E and calcium, which are great for you and your baby.
Calcium-Rich Dairy
  • Milk, cheese, and yoghurt 
  • They support bone strength. 
  • Aim for 2 servings daily (about 1000mg calcium). 
  • Based on your needs, choose fortified soy or low-fat dairy.
Iron & Folate
  • Found in liver (in moderation), red meat, broccoli and beans.
  • These nutrients help your body produce red blood cells and fight fatigue.
Vitamin C & D
  • Fruits like oranges and kiwis boost wound healing and immunity. 
  • For vitamin D, enjoy salmon or early morning sun.
Chinese Rice Wine
  • Traditionally used to improve blood flow and “warm the body,” it also contains antioxidants and may support gut health.
  • Ideal when used in cooking.

❌ What to Avoid

Raw or Undercooked Foods
  • Skip runny eggs, sashimi, and dishes with raw mayo or mousse to prevent food poisoning.
Cold & “Cooling” Foods 

(TCM perspective)

  • Avoid iced drinks, crabs, oysters, starfruit, and kangkung. These are believed to affect digestion and slow recovery.
High Mercury Fish
  • Avoid shark, bigeye tuna, and swordfish—mercury may harm your baby’s nervous system.
Unpasteurised Dairy
  • Risk of Listeria. Stay clear of soft cheeses and raw milk products.
Alcohol & Excess Caffeine
  • Alcohol can affect your baby’s development, and too much caffeine may disturb their sleep. Limit to 1–2 cups a day.
Excess Vitamin A
  • Liver should be avoided during pregnancy, but small amounts after birth are safe. Overconsumption may harm the baby’s development.

Let Tian Wei Signature Help

Are you too tired to cook during confinement? Let us handle mealtime. At Tian Wei Signature, we bring warm, nutritious confinement food in Singapore to your doorstep, blending time-tested traditional recipes with modern fusion flavours. There is no added MSG, and the ingredients are tailored to your needs. Every dish is designed to support your recovery and breastfeeding journey.

Rest, recover, and eat well without lifting a finger!