The national two-child policy has sent ripples across society. Many mothers are torn between having another child or not—it's truly a tough choice, right? That's why it's time for our editor to step up and help! You've surely heard the saying, "Postpartum ailments require postpartum care." But is this approach reliable? If it is, wouldn't that give you another compelling reason to embrace having a second child?After reading this article, we hope to cure your indecision! You're welcome!
The Powerful Case for Having a Second Child: Is Treating Postpartum Illnesses During the Confinement Period Reliable? (Public Health Network)
Given modern medical standards and living conditions, we should redefine the phrase "treating postpartum illnesses during confinement." It now means that any ailments arising during confinement should be treated and recovered from within that very confinement period, not postponed to the next one.
Before the 1980s, limited economic conditions left many people chronically malnourished. Postpartum confinement offered new mothers rest and nutritional replenishment, making it an ideal time for recuperation. For mothers who were physically weak or hadn't fully recovered from their previous birth, this period truly provided a valuable opportunity for healing.
For modern individuals, however, daily meals already provide ample nutrition. Any health issues that arise can be addressed promptly with readily available rest and medical care, eliminating the need to rely on the postpartum period for recuperation. If a new mother experiences discomfort during her first postpartum period or after her first delivery, prompt and thorough treatment is essential. The notion of postponing treatment until the next postpartum period is fundamentally inadvisable.
In fact, most common postpartum ailments can be prevented through scientifically informed confinement practices. New mothers should neither blindly adhere to outdated customs like wrapping their heads to ward off wind nor abandon traditional methods entirely in favor of excessive indulgence. Instead, they should educate themselves on scientific confinement principles to prevent postpartum issues before they arise.
Getting out of bed and moving around early helps the uterus recover faster.
Typically, the uterus takes 6 to 8 weeks to fully recover postpartum. If recovery is poor, issues like persistent lochia and abdominal pain may arise. Poor uterine recovery is a common postpartum ailment, often linked to prolonged bed rest and insufficient activity. The sooner a new mother gets mobile after delivery, the better her uterine recovery will be.New mothers who delivered vaginally should ideally sit up within 6-8 hours postpartum and attempt to get out of bed around 12 hours later. After 24 hours, they can engage in brief indoor activities, such as basic baby care or a 20-minute walk. Mothers who had a cesarean section should also try to sit up within 24 hours and perform simple movements. The old custom of bed rest throughout the entire postpartum period is highly detrimental to uterine recovery.
Maintaining perineal hygiene helps prevent postpartum infections.
Postpartum lochia discharge typically lasts 3–6 weeks. If uterine recovery is poor, this period may extend further. Childbirth is a major physical exertion that can lead to blood and energy deficiency, weakening the mother's immunity. Failure to maintain perineal hygiene—such as avoiding bathing or cleaning the perineum for extended periods—allows bacteria to proliferate, significantly increasing the risk of postpartum infections.Bathing during the confinement period is permissible, but showers should be taken instead, keeping sessions brief. Close doors and windows in the bathroom, using warm air conditioning to maintain a comfortable temperature and prevent exposure to drafts or cold. Dry hair and body thoroughly after bathing to avoid catching a chill. Even if not showering, establish a daily habit of cleansing the vulva. Additionally, abstaining from sexual intercourse for the first two months postpartum is crucial for preventing infections.
Avoiding cold water and overexertion helps prevent postpartum back and leg pain.
During pregnancy, the growing abdomen exerts pressure on the mother's waist and legs. After childbirth, most new mothers experience a deficiency in qi and blood. Since the kidneys govern the bones, insufficient kidney qi can easily lead to issues like back and leg pain.Overworking while caring for the baby during confinement, prolonged sitting or standing, or exposure to drafts and cold can trigger postpartum rheumatism, leaving lingering pain in the lower back, legs, and joints. New mothers' pores remain open postpartum, making them susceptible to external wind and cold. Therefore, avoid contact with cold water. Use lukewarm water for washing hands, face, and brushing teeth.Expectant mothers recovering in summer aren't prohibited from using air conditioning. However, if the environment is excessively hot without cooling, new mothers may sweat profusely, risking dehydration and exhaustion. Just ensure the AC isn't set too low—28°C to 30°C is ideal. Avoid directing airflow or fan currents directly at the mother. It's best to keep bedroom and living room doors open, running the AC in the living room to indirectly regulate the bedroom temperature.
Stay hydrated to prevent venous thrombosis.
Postpartum blood viscosity is elevated, increasing the risk of blood clotting. Insufficient hydration may lead to venous thrombosis, causing leg pain and potentially serious complications like pulmonary embolism. Beyond hydration, early mobilization after delivery is crucial for preventing venous thrombosis.
Encourage frequent breastfeeding to prevent postpartum breast issues.
During the confinement period, new mothers may experience breast problems like mastitis or nipple cracks due to improper feeding techniques. Frequent breastfeeding and learning correct feeding positions are key to preventing these issues.
Keeping windows and doors tightly closed is not an effective way to prevent postpartum colds.
New mothers, having just undergone childbirth, have pores that remain open. Exposure to drafts or cold air can indeed make them susceptible to colds. Consequently, many families keep doors and windows tightly shut around the new mother to prevent her from catching a cold.However, prolonged lack of ventilation not only creates unpleasant odors but also increases bacterial concentration, potentially harming both the new mother and baby. Proper room ventilation is essential. Just ensure the new mother isn't directly exposed to drafts. She can move to another room while you open windows for ventilation. After airing out the room, close the windows and doors before bringing her back.
Moderate intake of vegetables and fruits is key to preventing postpartum constipation.
Many new mothers consume overly refined diets during confinement, loading up on high-protein, high-fat foods. Others mistakenly believe vegetables and fruits are off-limits, drastically reducing their intake and leading to constipation. In reality, vegetables and fruits are perfectly acceptable during confinement.For new mothers with generally strong digestive systems, in addition to cooked stir-fried or stewed dishes, moderate amounts of fresh fruit can be consumed. Those with weaker digestive systems should limit fresh fruit intake—for example, start with a quarter apple instead of a whole one. A crucial reminder: never eat fruit straight from the refrigerator; always allow it to reach room temperature first.
Communicate Openly to Prevent Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression has become a common postnatal condition in recent years. The heightened excitement and tension experienced during pregnancy and childbirth, coupled with hormonal changes, can lead to emotional fluctuations. The demands of caring for a newborn during the postpartum period—combined with physical exhaustion and navigating relationships with elders and caregivers—can cause negative emotions to accumulate, potentially triggering postpartum depression.New mothers should not bottle up negative emotions. Learning to find opportunities to express feelings—whether to husbands, mothers, or close friends—can effectively alleviate tension and anxiety.