DIY confinement guide

Every mother who gives birth is expected to go through confinement. For most, hiring a confinement lady is a relief. But I heard unpleasant stories about hiring one whom we do not know.

This is why I never hired a confinement lady during my first two pregnancies and even for my third. I also do not like any stranger with us.

After the birth of my first child, my husband and I were able to cope with confinement without hiring a confinement lady or asking family members to help because my husband was able to go on leave from work and he was working in shifts.

After my second child, we asked my mother and my sister to help out in taking care of my children especially my eldest child and in doing the household chores.

Now that I’m expecting my third child in less than two months, I am already thinking of what to do during my confinement. My husband and I do not intend to get a confinement lady and we will still plan things as before so as to save on the expenses.

So, if you’re wondering how you can undergo confinement without having to spend much money in hiring a confinement lady, here are some ways.

Plan ahead

The key to getting through confinement on your own is to think of the possible circumstances you will go through before, during and after your child delivery. List down what you will do and what you will need during these times so you know when and from whom you will ask for assistance. Think of possible things you can do and alternative options in case your first options fail.

Delegate tasks

If there are tasks you cannot do on your own or will require the expertise or experience of another person during confinement, make sure you have delegated these tasks to them before your confinement. For example, now before giving birth to my third, I have already oriented my husband on what he needs to accomplish while I am in the hospital.

We also have spoken about the household tasks that need to be done and decided on whether to ask for help from family members or to hire a helper if we cannot do everything by ourselves anymore.

Get adequate rest and sleep

The confinement stage is a time when a woman has to recover her lost energy due to labor and childbirth. So try to get as much sleep as you can. Sleep while your newborn child is also sleeping. Since your newborn will sleep for most of the first three months, this will allow your body to recuperate and get back to its prenatal state.

Get help for household chores when needed

If possible someone else should do the daily or weekly household tasks of cooking, washing the dishes, washing and pressing the clothes, cleaning the house, and more. Aside from this, if there are other children, someone should bathe them, feed them, and look after them. If you think you can do the lighter tasks and your husband can do the heavier and bigger tasks, then you don’t have to hire or ask for help.

But if you think you and your husband will both be exhausted during this time, don’t hesitate to call your mother, mother-in-law, any family member or people who care to assist you. You’ll be amazed at how people would go out of their way to give a helping hand.

Eat a balanced diet

Aside from getting enough rest, eating a balanced diet will help you regain your strength. Whether you have your food catered or cooked by your mother, mother-in-law, husband or confinement lady, make sure that you eat the right kind of food to provide you with all the needed nutrients.

Avoid junk food. Instead, eat more of fresh fruits and vegetables. If you are breastfeeding, avoid certain foods that will affect your breast milk supply and eat those which can increase breast milk.

Drink plenty of fluids

One of the confinement myths is that mothers should not to drink water during the period. However, this will affect your breast milk supply if you are breastfeeding your baby. Fluids are necessary to replace the lost fluid produced in breast milk production.

Moreover, breastfeeding can really cause a mother to be very thirsty that drinking red date tea will not be enough. Consuming wine might also be passed on to your baby when your breast feeding especially if it’s too much already.

Maintain personal hygiene

Whether you follow confinement rules in not taking a bath or washing your hair for at least a few weeks or a month, make sure that you maintain personal hygiene. You can take a hot sponge bath whenever you want to feel fresh and clean especially if you are breast feeding your baby.

Having a good personal hygiene will also ensure the prevention of wound infection. Always change your clothes and underwear and dress comfortably.

Avoid stress

Postpartum stress can occur and can lead to depression. So before this happens to you, avoid situations and factors that will cause you stress. This means doing the above-mentioned tips to ensure that stress won’t get in the way of your recovery.

Bond with your baby

Though labor and childbirth may have been difficult for you, the pain will be forgotten as you bond with your newborn. You can better do this when you breastfeed your child and even as you bathe, clothe, and massage your child. Let him or her feel how much you love him or her through your touch.

Spend time with your spouse

Don't forget hubby when baby comes! Take some time to talk and laugh with your husband. Tell him how much you appreciate his efforts for what he has been doing for you. A simple "thank you" or a hug or kiss will already mean so much to him. Anyway, your husband is just human and he needs your attention.

Have fun with your children

If you already have toddlers or kids around, take time to also play with them. Give them attention and show them that you love them even when a new baby has arrived. This will prevent your children from feeling that you love them less because there is already a new baby. You should also be sensitive to your children’s feelings as they are also adjusting to the new baby.

Spend time to pamper yourself

With all the things that you need to do, you may feel overwhelmed. But this should not be a reason for you not to pamper yourself. Once you are strong enough to get up and go out, go to the salon or spa, have a massage or go somewhere else. You can also go to the gym or engage in exercise. It’s a part of the process of regaining your strength.

Remember this is the best time for you to get back in shape. Whether you choose to follow the traditional confinement rules or do as you like as long as you don’t sacrifice your health, then go for it.