In many parts of Asia, a woman who has just given birth will have to go through a period of confinement, where many things are prohibited and/or restricted, all for the sake of her health and that of her baby’s. This practice is essentially a structured process that aims to preserve the health and femininity of new mums. There are three main confinement practices in Malaysia and they represent the three main races.

The Malay Pantang

Aiming to preserve the health and femininity of Malay women, especially the womb area, the pantang period stems from the belief that the womb is a woman’s life force and affects her overall health. Thus, a healthy womb ensures that a woman stays radiant and alluring.

Most new mums in the Malay community readily and willingly observe the restrictions and taboos that are part and parcel of this time-honoured postnatal tradition. It is said that women who diligently follow the traditional Malay confinement practices or pantang will regain their pre-baby figure, health and energy levels.

It is widely acknowledged that without someone to help, it would be difficult to fully observe the confinement taboos and practices for all 44 days. Traditionally, a new mum in confinement is helped by either:

  • a bidan (traditional midwife);
  • a specialised nanny or carer;
  • her own mother or mother-in-law.

Bengkung

The bengkung or traditional wrap (also known as a traditional girdle or even corset), is the cornerstone of the confinement practice. It is used to flatten the stomach, shrink the uterus and tighten the vagina. Today, these specially made tummy wraps can be purchased from Malay medicine shops or traditional wellness shops.

Jamu

Nutrition and dietary supplements (commonly known as jamu) are considered an essential part of the Malay confinement to help new mums recover their energy and heal from the rigours of labour and birth. The right kind of Jamu is said to be able to boost energy levels; keep the body warm; expel excess fat and toxins; shrink all the swollen organs, muscles and veins; remove excess fluids; dispel wind and slim down the tummy.

Bertungku ( Hot compress)

A hot compress is traditionally used to dissolve residual blood clots in the uterus (womb). It is believed to be able to help the womb contract, break down fat and help the body return to its pre-pregnancy state. A hot compress is made out of herbs, leaves and a heated river stone wrapped in a cloth.

Chinese Confinement Tradition

According to the traditional Chinese custom, new mothers are required to rest for a whole month at home. During this period, rest is paramount. The predominant belief is that if confinement practices are not carried out in the proper way, the woman’s uterus will not be able to contract and this will result in “drooping womb” or uterine prolapse.

Chinese confinement dietary recommendations are mostly aimed at warming the body, improving blood circulation, “expelling” toxins from the blood and promoting contraction of the uterus. Women are encouraged to eat liver and kidney cooked in old ginger, sesame oil or rice wine. Herbal soups and tonics are also a main part of the diet, as they rejuvenate the body.

In the Chinese confinement practice, there will be:

  • No bathing for twelve days
  • Absolutely no washing of hair for at least twenty-one days
  • No direct exposure to wind
  • No crying or feelings of sadness
  • No carrying of heavy objects
  • No physical exertion

Confinement – The Indian Way

Quite like the Malay and Chinese confinement practices, the practices in Indian confinement customs are also aimed to help the new mum to make a full recovery from the stress of childbirth. It is also believed that the new mum has to be meticulously cared for so that she can be prevented from entering the “cold stage”. Traditionally, a knowledgeable older assistant called a dai or amah prepares special meals for the new mum, massages and bathes her and her baby too.

One of the main objectives of the Indian confinement practice is to help the uterus shrinks back to its normal size and to help internal “wounds” heal properly. It is a belief of the Indian custom that if a new mum does not heed or practice proper confinement care, the results will be backaches and pains in the joints as she grows older.

Taboos in the Indian confinement:

  • Seafood is discouraged when a new mum is breastfeeding, as it will cause vomiting and rashes in the baby.
  • Windy’ foods like cabbage and eggplant are prohibited from a new mum’s diet
  • Excessive drinking of water is discouraged
  • Certain foods such as onions are not given to breastfeeding mums, for they are said to cause colic in her baby