The confinement period, which is the first 30 to 40 days after giving birth, is a crucial time for new mothers to recover and regain their strength.

One of the most important factors that can help with postpartum recovery is nutrition.

Confinement food has been a traditional practice for postpartum recovery in many cultures, and with good reason.

During this period, new mothers require a well-balanced diet that provides them with essential nutrients to heal and support their overall health. 

At this time, the right nutrition can make a significant impact on a new mother's physical and mental well-being, and even help prevent postpartum depression.

Therefore, it's crucial to pay close attention to what you eat during the confinement period and to make sure that you're getting the proper nutrients to support your recovery.

Confinement food

In Singapore, confinement food is an important part of postpartum recovery for new mothers.

These meals are specifically designed to provide the necessary nutrients for postpartum healing and to support lactation.

Traditionally, confinement food is prepared by a professional confinement nanny or by the new mother's mother or mother-in-law.

ALSO READ: 3 confinement food delivery caterers that are great for even the fussiest eaters

However, there are also many confinement meal delivery services and catering services available in Singapore that offer a range of confinement food options.

These services can be easily found online and offer convenient and hassle-free options for new mothers who may not have the time or energy to prepare their own meals.

Additionally, confinement food ingredients can be found in speciality grocery stores or wet markets throughout Singapore, allowing new mothers to prepare their own meals if they prefer. 

Benefits of confinement food

Here are seven benefits of confinement food that can help new mothers during their postpartum recovery:

1. Boosts your immune system

Confinement foods are typically made with nutritious ingredients such as ginger, sesame oil and Chinese herbs that help to boost the immune system and improve overall health.

2. Helps with breastfeeding

Certain ingredients in confinement foods, such as papaya, fish and chicken, are believed to help promote lactation and increase milk production in new mothers.

3. Promotes healing

Confinement foods are often prepared with ingredients that have healing properties, such as red dates and wolfberries, which can help to speed up the healing process after childbirth and reduce postpartum bleeding.

4. Aids digestion

Many confinement foods are also designed to aid digestion, which can be helpful for new mothers who may experience constipation or other digestive issues after childbirth.

Ingredients such as ginger, black vinegar and Chinese yam can help to improve digestion and promote regular bowel movements.

5. Provides essential nutrients

Confinement foods are often prepared with a variety of nutrient-rich ingredients, such as fish, chicken and leafy greens, which can help to provide new mothers with the vitamins and minerals needed to recover from childbirth and support their overall health.

6. Reduces risk of postpartum depression

Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet during the postpartum period can also help to reduce the risk of postpartum depression.

Confinement foods that are rich in nutrients and easy to digest can help to promote mental wellness and prevent mood disorders.

7. Saves time and energy

Finally, one of the most practical benefits of confinement food is that it can save new mothers time and energy during the postpartum period.

Rather than having to cook meals or worry about grocery shopping, new mothers can simply focus on resting and recovering while enjoying delicious, nutritious meals that are specially prepared for their needs

Recommended confinement foods

During the confinement period, it's important to focus on eating nutritious foods that can aid in postpartum recovery. Here are some recommended foods:

Ginger: Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory agent that can help reduce postpartum pain and inflammation. It can also aid digestion and relieve nausea.

Fish: Fish, especially salmon, is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce the risk of postpartum depression and boost brain development in the baby.

Eggs: Eggs are an excellent source of protein and can help in tissue repair and healing after childbirth. They also contain choline, which is essential for brain development in infants.

Whole grains: Whole grains such as brown rice, oats and quinoa are good sources of fibre, vitamins and minerals that can help in postpartum recovery and boost energy levels.

Vegetables: Vegetables such as broccoli, spinach and sweet potatoes are packed with nutrients and antioxidants that can help in postpartum healing and boost immunity.

It's important to note that the quality of the ingredients and the preparation methods can greatly affect the nutritional value of confinement food, so it's crucial to choose reliable sources and consult with healthcare professionals or nutritionists for advice.

The confinement period is not a time to focus on weight loss, but rather on recuperation.

By consuming a nutritious diet and getting ample rest, new mothers can support their physical and mental health during this crucial period of postpartum recovery.

It's also essential to consult with a healthcare professional or a nutritionist for personalised advice on the best foods and nutrition plan for your individual needs.

ALSO READ: Best foods to eat for new mums during confinement

This article was first published in theAsianparent.