We have all seen the memes and advice posts on social media that direct us as to how to visit a new mom. Essentially, you should know better than to be all up in a new mom’s face or in her baby’s face! This is why postpartum confinement makes a lot of sense.
In this article we will look at postpartum confinement and why it might be important for those who observe it. We will also consider some of the limitations of confining yourself after childbirth.
What is postpartum confinement?
Postpartum confinement is a tradition observed by some new mothers whereby they seclude themselves after childbirth for a set period of time. That period of time can vary by mom to mom and by culture to culture or society to society. For some, it is 30 days and for others, it can be 40 days, for example. Some moms isolate themselves for much longer than that.
During the period of postpartum confinement, certain practices may be routinely followed by the new mom from a strict diet of specific foods to a specific way that she must clean herself.
Particularly in non-Western cultures, confinement after childbirth may be seen as a necessity and the society will decide it is important for the women around a new mom to be skilled in caring for her in the appropriate way.
Is confinement after birth necessary?
Confining yourself after your birth is not necessary. It can, however, be useful for various reasons. Postpartum confinement can be an important time for the new moms who choose to observe it.
The importance of confinement after giving birth
The importance of postpartum confinement can be found in its many benefits.
Here are advantages of confinement after childbirth.
- The new mom gets the chance to adjust to her changed family without outside interference. Becoming a mom for the first time is a big change, of course. However, even if this is not your first baby, you may take some time for you to get used to this new addition to your family. Postpartum confinement allows you to take in this big life change at your own pace.
READ: How Best to go about Rediscovering yourself after Motherhood
- Secluding yourself after giving birth, along with support from those around you, allows you the opportunity to truly focus on making sure that you are taking care of your physical and mental health. It is possible that both took a beating during the period of your pregnancy. However, even if they did not, it is a good idea to make sure you are healthy in every way possible and that can take a lot of time and planning.
- Postpartum confinement means that you get to protect both yourself and your new baby from the germs that visitors might be bringing in with them. Does your friend who wants to visit have the flu? Well, good thing you are not seeing anyone for another month or so. Maybe your baby’s immune system is too fragile to handle the flu right now. Maybe you would like to adjust to having a new baby without being ill yourself.
Are there any problems that can be created by confinement after birth?
Loneliness. Secluding yourself after birth means that you do not get to socialize with anyone apart from your immediate family or those you live with. In some cases, that could leave you feeling alone.
Inadequate support. Your husband and/or other kids might have a clue as to the level of tiredness and sleep deprivation you are probably experiencing but they may not have the will or ability to help you in the ways you truly need help. This is why it is important to consider the level of knowledge and understanding of the postpartum period of those around you before you decide to confine yourself after childbirth.
Are there any issues that might limit a new mom from confining herself after giving birth?
The greatest limitation to postpartum confinement is inadequate access to professional healthcare providers from home. Yes, even moms who have home births will need after care in both the mental and physical sense. If they are unable to have that aftercare come to them at home while they are confining themselves, they could be putting themselves in a dangerous situation.
If you are considering confining yourself postpartum, please be cognizant of how important it is to have both yourself and your baby monitored and take that into consideration as you plan out your confinement.
Are you planning to confine yourself postpartum? What plans have you put in place?
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I had to be confined after delivering because it was through the pandemic… but I actually loved it! Having that private time with my child and husband made all the difference in getting used to being a new mom.
How lucky that you enjoyed it!