Postpartum Meal Guide: Foods to Avoid During Confinement

Are there foods to avoid during confinement? Yes, there are. 

For some new mothers, the thought of eating food can be as scary as the thought of taking out a bag of dirty diapers. It is normal to have no appetite, especially if you are breastfeeding a crying little bundle of joy who has barely slept in a stretch longer than an hour. 

But eating regularly and well is very important during the confinement period (postpartum week). 

What Is Postpartum Confinement

Postpartum confinement is a time for new mothers to rest and recover after giving birth. It's an essential period for bonding with your newborn and a window of opportunity for you to rest, eat well, and take care of yourself before returning to work or taking on other responsibilities.

During this time, you'll be encouraged to stay home and rest rather than go out in public or socialise with friends and family. You'll also be given specific advice about what foods are good for you during this time and exercises that will help strengthen your core muscles after having a baby.

The most important thing is getting all the rest you need and ensuring your body is ready for whatever comes next! Now, what foods to avoid during confinement?

What Foods to Avoid During Confinement

You're probably familiar with the idea that certain foods are off-limits during confinement. But you might be wondering: What foods to avoid during confinement? What exactly is off-limits?

Well, we've got you covered! Here are a few of the foods you should avoid during your postpartum recovery period:

• Spicy foods

Spicy foods can cause indigestion, making your recovery process more difficult. It's also important to avoid spicy food because it might be hard on your kidneys and stomach.

• Raw food

Raw food can introduce bacteria into your body, leading to infection—and nobody wants that!

• Fried food

Fried food is high in fat and calories, so it's best to limit how much of this type of food you consume during pregnancy, especially since your body is going through so many changes right now!

• Dairy products

Dairy products may cause heartburn or nausea for some people, so it's best to avoid them during pregnancy (and after).

• Foods with lots of sugar

Sugar can increase blood sugar levels, which may make you tired or nauseous—so try not to have too much sugar during pregnancy, either!

• Caffeine

Caffeine is a stimulant that can cause your body to produce adrenaline, making you jittery. If you're already feeling jittery and anxious, caffeine will worsen those feelings!

• Alcohol

Drinking alcohol can lead to dehydration, which is not advisable for those recovering from labour and delivery, and breastfeeding.

Can I Eat Prawns During Confinement

The short answer is yes. You can eat prawns during confinement! It's a good idea to get a little variety in your diet.

Prawns are high in protein and vitamin B12, which help with energy levels, blood circulation, and much more. They're also low in fat and sodium.

So what's the catch? Well… it depends on how you prepare them. If you don't cook them well enough or eat too many at once, prawns might be bad for you.

You probably know that shellfish like prawns can contain bacteria like salmonella and other harmful bacteria. That's why it's important to eat them only after they've been cooked thoroughly (at least until they're opaque). 

You should also avoid eating shellfish raw or undercooked as this can increase your risk of food poisoning—which is why it's best not to serve raw seafood at any meals where pregnant women are present!

Make sure you know which shellfish are included in the foods to avoid during confinement.

Does Ginger Cause Jaundice in Baby

Is ginger one of the foods to avoid during confinement? No evidence shows eating ginger while breastfeeding will cause jaundice in your baby. However, you should eat it in moderation while breastfeeding and during confinement.

Why is ginger not recommended for new moms?

Ginger is a root used throughout history to treat nausea and other digestive issues. It's also said to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can be helpful if your body is experiencing some pain or discomfort during pregnancy and delivery. Some women also use ginger to help with postpartum depression.

However, as with all medications, overeating can lead to side effects like heartburn, indigestion, diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting. 

Is Pig Trotters Vinegar Allowed During Confinement

Pig Trotters Vinegar is a famous tonic used during postpartum confinement. It's made by boiling pig trotters in water with salt and then straining out the solids.

In traditional Chinese medicine, Pig Trotters Vinegar is believed to have many health benefits, including strengthening hair and nails, reducing swelling, aiding digestion, and helping with blood circulation. It can also help improve lactation after childbirth.

What Food Is Good for Postpartum Confinement

When you think of what foods help you heal faster after giving birth, the first thing that probably comes to mind is eating plenty of protein. 

And it's true: Protein is essential to a healthy diet and can help you recover faster from injuries or surgeries. But if you're looking for other foods that will help speed up your recovery, here are some of our favourites:

• Bananas

Bananas are packed with potassium and fibre—essential nutrients for helping your body repair itself after giving birth.

• Beets

Beets are high in folate, which helps reduce postpartum depression. They also contain iron, which helps boost energy levels and fight fatigue.

• Avocado

Avocados have more potassium than bananas (more than twice as much!), so they make a great addition to any postpartum meal plan. They're also high in fibre and healthy fats like omega-3s and monounsaturated fats, essential for healing after childbirth.

• Yoghourt

Yoghourt contains probiotics that can help with digestive health after pregnancy by improving the bacteria in your gut.

• Salmon

Salmon contains omega-3 fatty acids that support brain health and improve memory function after birth (source). This means it's crucial to eat plenty of salmon when recovering from childbirth so that your body has an easier time repairing itself after such an intense experience!

• Broccoli

Broccoli contains vitamin C, which helps the body produce collagen, which helps your skin heal faster after giving birth.

• Oats

Oats are a great food to eat during confinement. They're rich in fibre, which can help women avoid constipation and other digestive issues during this time. They're also low in fat, which makes them a good choice for those who want to shed excess pounds gained during pregnancy.

• Almonds

Almonds contain magnesium, which helps relax muscles and reduce pain. These are also high in protein and fibre, which will help keep your energy levels up during this recovery time!

• Pork Liver

Pork liver is a great food to eat during confinement. It's rich in vitamins and nutrients and very easy to digest. You can add it to soups or stews or just eat it on its own. This dish has been a staple for centuries for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

ALSO READ:

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Things to Consider During Confinement

• Eat small meals often. You'll need more calories than usual right now, but it's best to eat smaller portions every few hours instead of eating larger meals less frequently.
• Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially when breastfeeding (which requires a lot of fluids).
• Avoid raw fruits and vegetables until you have finished your antibiotic treatment (usually about 3 weeks after delivery).
• Don't forget about fibre! Fibre helps regulate digestion, prevent constipation and haemorrhoids, and keep your bowel movements regular. It also helps keep blood sugar levels steady and prevents heart disease by lowering cholesterol levels in your bloodstream. 

What Foods Help You Heal Faster After Giving Birth

Here at theAsianparent Singapore, it's important for us to give information that is correct, significant, and timely. But this doesn't serve as an alternative for medical advice or medical treatment. theAsianparent Singapore is not responsible for those that would choose to drink medicines based on information from our website. If you have any doubts, we recommend consulting your doctor for clearer information.