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What Happens When One Does Not Adhere to Postnatal Confinement Rules
Nobody really likes being told to obey various rules of a particular lifestyle you are trying to follow at once. It can make anyone feel restricted, and the more we are told to not do something, the more we feel like doing it. It is just human nature.
Especially if we are talking about crucial aspects of life like our daily diet, feeling restricted and not being able to do and eat various things can easily overwhelm anyone. One phase that can feel particularly restrictive for new mothers is the postpartum confinement period.
“Do not wash your hair”
“Do not drink a lot of plain water, especially cold ones”
“Keep your body covered under layered clothing at all times”
“Do not turn on the A/C”
…and many more. Now, who wouldn’t get overwhelmed by these many ‘rules’ during postnatal confinement?
Regardless, it is also important to note that many of the ‘rules’ of confinement are no longer relevant and they are not backed by proper research and studies. Hence, it is best if you modify your own confinement routine and principles based on what you and your body are comfortable with.
The period after giving birth can be challenging for any mother. It doesn’t matter whether it’s your first born, third, or fourth. The experience you go through will leave your body weak and in dire need of adequate care to recuperate. It gets tough for busy or working mothers who may not have the luxury to go through confinement.
The unfortunate bit is that your body will not understand your busy schedule. Thus, it is essential to give yourself adequate time before hitting the road. During your confinement period, you will regain your health, thanks to the care and nurture you receive from those around you. Food for confinement period is made with all the necessary ingredients necessary for repair of worn-out tissues.
The effects of childbirth on your body cannot be properly recovered without adequate care, rest, and the suitable postnatal mother diet. Getting ample postnatal nutrition can greatly improve your overall healing progress.
Remember that you too need to have adequate milk for your infant. The body cannot produce adequate milk if you are under pressure or fatigued. With that said, here’s what will happen if you dismiss confinement rules:
Poor Recovery Rate
Imagine someone steeping on your raw wound! Extremely painful, right? Well, that’s the kind of torture you expose your body to, if you break confinement rules. You lost lots of blood during childbirth and so you need to give your body time to rebuild adequate haemoglobin and other components of blood. Your system cannot do so if you expose the body to fatigue. Remember, your child received nutrients from your system before birth. You must therefore eat well and have adequate rest, to replace all the nutrients and rebuild your immunity.
Lack of Nutrients for the Baby
The first days of your baby’s life will determine her health and wellbeing for the next couple of years. It is essential for the baby to build her immunity and get all the necessary nutrients. This can only happen through breastmilk. If you do not want to call your paediatrician now and then, drop everything you intend to do and relax. Help that baby get all her nutrients by focusing on your recovery and rest.
Prolonged Body Pain
You just had the life-changing experience of childbirth. However, the pain and trauma does not end at the labour ward. It will continue for quite some time. Whether you went through Caesarean section or vaginal delivery, you must give your body sufficient time to rest and recover. The gas trapped in your uterus will give you severe pain after childbirth. Your back has been through nine months of intense work supporting the growing pregnancy. It, therefore, requires time to adjust and recover. Failure to observe confinement rules can cause your back too much pain, and in most cases, lead to back problems later on.
Extreme Fatigue
Most infants have a hard time adjusting to their new life. Once born, the baby is now exposed to different types of irritants. Babies require complete care and attention throughout the day. Handling other chores can leave you exhausted, which will affect milk production.
Motherhood is a wonderful gift. Watching your little one grow is an experience of a lifetime. Though the modern lifestyle demands you have to work around the clock to make ends meet, allowing yourself time to recover is essential for your health and that of the baby. Everything else can wait.
During this period, you should be treated to some of the best confinement food in Singapore has to offer for a new mother. By the end of your confinement period, your baby will be healthy, and you will have the energy to take up your duties.
