Traditional Confinement vs. Scientific Confinement: What’s the Difference
by Taste For LifeZi JIn Tang 紫金堂澳洲 on Oct 20, 2022
What Are the Taboos During Confinement? Let’s Find Out
After ten months of pregnancy, the baby is finally born, and the mother begins her recovery period—commonly known as “confinement.” In traditional practices, confinement comes with many taboos, such as no bathing or washing hair, no brushing teeth, no exposure to wind, and no eating fruits or vegetables, etc.
Are the Traditional Confinement Rules Truly Correct? Which Are the Essentials, and Which Are Outdated?
Taboo #1 – No Bathing During Confinement?
→ Traditional View
According to traditional customs, after childbirth a mother’s pores and joints are open, and her body is weak in both energy and blood. Bathing during confinement was believed to allow cold and dampness to invade the body, lingering in muscles and joints. This could lead to poor circulation, menstrual irregularities, and joint or muscle pain later in life.
→ Modern Medical Perspective
From a modern medical standpoint, bathing during confinement is safe. The old taboo arose mainly because living conditions in the past were poor—without heating or proper facilities, mothers risked catching cold. After delivery, hormonal changes loosen the pelvic joints, making women more vulnerable to chills.
Today, with improved living environments and heating, mothers can bathe safely using warm water. Herbal bath packs such as mugwort or wormwood may be used, but cold water should be avoided. It is important to bathe in a warm, draft-free bathroom, dry off thoroughly, and dress warmly before leaving.
【Practical Tips 】
- In summer, keep the bathroom at a comfortable room temperature; in winter, ensure it is warm and draft-free. Water temperature should be around 35–37°C.
- Shower is recommended rather than soaking, to avoid infection.
- Dry the body quickly and put on warm clothing immediately after bathing to prevent chills.
Taboo #2 – No Washing Hair During Confinement?
→ Traditional View
In traditional customs, during the postpartum period the scalp and pores are believed to remain open. Washing hair was thought to let dampness and cold enter, lingering in the scalp and causing long-term problems such as headaches, hair loss, neck pain, or what is commonly called “confinement illness.”
→ Modern Medical Perspective
From a modern medical perspective, this restriction has no scientific basis.
In fact, avoiding hair washing is unhygienic and may negatively affect a mother’s physical and mental health. After childbirth, mothers sweat heavily, and the scalp can become dirty and odorous. Washing and combing hair removes dust and impurities, preventing infection. Combing also stimulates scalp meridians, improves circulation, boosts mood, and supports hair growth, reducing postpartum hair loss.
【Practical Tips】
- Massage the scalp gently with fingertips while washing. Dry hair immediately with a towel and use a hair dryer to avoid chills.
- Keep water temperature warm, ideally around 37°C, not too cold.
- Avoid harsh shampoos, as postpartum hair is often oily and more prone to shedding.
Taboo #3 – Can You Brush Your Teeth During Confinement?
→ Traditional View
In traditional customs, there is a saying: “Having a baby means losing a tooth.” It was believed that rinsing or brushing teeth during confinement would loosen the roots, damage the gums, and cause premature tooth loss, bleeding, or gum problems. As a result, many mothers avoided brushing their teeth during this period.
→ Modern Medical Perspective
This taboo originated because, during pregnancy, hormonal changes often cause gum bleeding, swelling, and sensitivity—especially when brushing. In the past, limited knowledge about calcium intake led to deficiencies, which indeed worsened dental health after childbirth. This gave rise to the belief that brushing teeth was harmful.
Modern medicine, however, emphasizes that mothers must brush and rinse daily during confinement. Without proper oral hygiene, food residues—especially from high-protein and sugary diets—remain between teeth, increasing the risk of cavities, gum disease, bad breath, and mouth ulcers.
【Practical Tips】
- Brush teeth every day to maintain oral hygiene. Recommended routine: morning, evening, before bed, and after late-night snacks if consumed.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle technique to avoid gum irritation. Pair brushing with rinsing to keep the mouth fresh and clean.
Taboo #4 – Can You Eat Fruits and Vegetables During Confinement?
→ Traditional View
It was believed that postpartum women have weak digestion, so eating fruits and vegetables during confinement could cause long-term stomach discomfort, diarrhea, or even damage the teeth.
→ Modern Medical Perspective
Fruits and vegetables are essential during confinement. Recovery and breast milk production require vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin C, which helps stop bleeding and promotes wound healing. Dietary fiber in fruits and vegetables also prevents constipation and supports healthy digestion.
【Practical Tips】
- Start with small portions to avoid overwhelming the stomach.
- Avoid overly cold fruits and vegetables, as they may irritate digestion. Choose fresh, warm, or room-temperature produce for better tolerance.
Taboo #5 – No Exposure to Wind During Confinement
→ Traditional View
After childbirth, it was believed that the body’s joints and bones are “open,” making it easy for wind to enter and linger, causing chronic pain or “confinement illness.” Mothers were advised to stay tightly wrapped and seal doors and windows to avoid drafts.
→ Modern Medical Perspective
In the past, poor nutrition, living conditions, and limited medical care made mothers more vulnerable to infections. Today, with improved healthcare and living environments, mothers have stronger immunity.
Proper ventilation is healthier than sealing the house. Overheating or excessive wrapping can even cause heat exhaustion, especially in summer.
【Practical Tips】
- Maintain a comfortable indoor temperature with good airflow. Avoid direct drafts from fans, air conditioning, or natural wind.
- Adjust clothing according to the season; in hot weather, lighter clothing is acceptable.
Traditional confinement practices carry cultural wisdom, but not all are suitable for modern mothers. Some are outdated taboos, while others contain valuable insights. The best approach is to keep the essence and discard the excess—combining tradition with science for safe, balanced postpartum care.
