For a Malaysian-Chinese mum, the confinement period lasts for a whole month from baby's birth. Malay women usually observe a pantang period of 42 to 44 days. For a Malaysian-Indian mum, the confinement period varies between 30 and 40 days.

Some mothers choose to extend their confinement period in certain situations to receive more help and care. For example, you might not have family living close by, or you are taking longer than expected to recover from a caesarean section.

In every community, the confinement period is a time for the new mum to rest and avoid any physical work. During this time, sex is not allowed as the mum is not considered fully healed. 

Who will help me during my confinement?

Traditionally, your mother or mother-in-law will take care of you during the confinement period.

Many Chinese mothers who can afford it also hire a confinement nanny or confinement lady, also known as a pui yuet (Cantonese for "companion for a month"), who will see to your needs as well as your baby's. Read our BabyCenter mum's account of her confinement with apui yuet. 

Similarly, new mums in the Malay and Indian communities can also hire a special helper. 

Mums in bigger cities and urban centres may also have the option to check into aconfinement centre. These centres usually provide lodgings, confinement meals and have confinement ladies on hand to help. However, fathers are not allowed at some centres. Malay mums may also find it difficult to find a centre serving halal food.

Do I have to observe all confinement taboos and restrictions?

Some mums consider confinement to be old-fashioned and opt to not follow the more restrictive practices. Yet, many do still observe confinement as they welcome the enforced rest built into this tradition. Whatever your options, do what is comfortable and makes sense to you. 

These prohibitions are said to help ensure that your body retain as much heat as possible. It is believed this will help you avoid health problems such as rheumatism, arthritis, headaches and body pains later in life.

Some Malay practices:

Read more about Malay pantang.

Indian women may:

Read more about traditional Indian confinement. 

Will I have to go on a special confinement diet?

If yours is a more traditional-minded family, family elders may expect you to observe a special diet during the confinement period. The aim of the diet is to boost your immune system and strength.

Chinese confinement diet
You will be required to eat a variety of dishes that will "warm" the body up. These include ginger and a traditional tonic brewed with herbs. They are believed to promote better blood circulation and strengthen the joints. The Chinese also believe that fish soups can help boostlow milk supply. Read more about traditional confinement foods.

It is believed that "cooling" foods such as cold drinks, cucumber, cabbage and pineapple should be avoided. Also, "windy" foods such as onions and jackfruit are off limits as they are believed to cause colic in your baby. Read more about what not to eat during confinement, according to traditional Chinese medicine.

To take the hassle out of cooking these confinement dishes, which can be laborious to prepare, some companies now offer catering services for Chinese confinement foods.

Malay confinement diet
You will be encouraged to eat fresh fish, avoiding dried and salted fishes. It is believed fresh fish, such as snakehead fish (ikan haruan) will promote healing internally. Certain fishes, such as mackerel (ikan kembong) and shellfish, prawns and cockles must be avoided as they are believed to cause allergies and itchiness.

Similar to the Chinese, the Malays believe "cooling" elements found in foods such as cucumber, young coconut, water spinach (kangkung) and sugarcane should be avoided. "Cooling" foods are said to cause rheumatism, arthritis and weak joints in a mother's body.

Indian confinement diet
Certain gourd vegetables such as lauki and tori are believed to increase milk supply. Betel leaves are supposed to help with lactation as well. Here are some recipes for traditional Indian confinement dishes. 

You may start receiving postpartum massages as soon as you feel comfortable. Your therapists will position you comfortably if your abdomen or breasts are sore. If you have maternal complications, first consult with your medical provider.

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