In India it is a tradition that all new moms be provided postpartum confinement after the birth of a child.
The confinement is a period lasting for 30 to 40 days after the birth of a child, when according to elders a new mom should
- Rest
- Avoid physical strain, and
- Focus on recovery.
The mom is supposed to stay at home and attended by close family and friends. Some women even hire a professional confinement “lady” or maid. These helpers cook special recovery meals for the new mom, teach her how to bathe, swaddle, and care for her new-born, and take care of the baby when mom needs rest. In some cases, the new mom might receive a daily massage to soothe her body and help her blood circulation.
The primary purpose of the 40-day seclusion is to provide the sensitive new-born physical protection and to allow the mother complete rest and recuperation.
As for their diet, this is also a sensitive period for new mother’s digestive system—hence a strong emphasis is laid on the consumption of simple, digestible foods. In some houses mothers of new-born are fed very simple but special foods and several herbal drinks to promote healing & recovery, boost immunity and improve milk supply.
The first 40 days of life are supposed to impact the next 40 years of life, so make sure proper care is taken for recovery.
It might feel odd to today’s mothers to follow this restriction but make the best use of this period and take this as an opportunity to bond with your new-born baby before the rush of life sets a routine again.
