"Is it okay to consume sour food while under confinement?"

Postpartum Nutrition and Dietary Considerations

After giving birth, women often experience physical weakness, lowered resistance, and immunity. During this period, known as confinement or postpartum confinement, proper rest and nutrition are crucial. Typically, new mothers may have a poor appetite during confinement. Eating moderate amounts of acidic foods can help stimulate appetite, promote intestinal motility, and prevent constipation. However, excessive intake of acidic foods can irritate the gastrointestinal tract and damage teeth.

Can You Eat Acidic Foods During Postpartum Confinement?

Yes, during postpartum confinement, it is acceptable to consume acidic foods such as vinegar. These can enhance appetite, increase intestinal motility, and improve the overall dining experience. During this time, new mothers should be provided with ample fresh vegetables, fruits, high-protein foods, dietary fiber, including essential micronutrients, minerals, and vitamins. Such a diet is highly beneficial for both the mother's recovery and the baby's growth and development.

What Foods Are Suitable During Postpartum Confinement?

1. Iron-Rich Foods: Both during pregnancy and postpartum, new mothers need to consume iron-rich foods. Postpartum blood loss and breastfeeding can lead to anemia, so iron supplementation is essential. Iron-rich foods include chicken liver, pig liver, duck blood soup, egg yolks, lean meat, beans, spinach, tomatoes, red dates, and amaranth.
2. Protein-Rich Foods: Protein is vital for lactation, as it constitutes a significant part of breast milk. Insufficient protein intake can result in unbalanced nutrition for the baby. Foods high in protein include milk, eggs, beef, lamb, pork, chicken, duck, goose, and various beans like soybeans, green beans, and black beans.
3. Calcium-Rich Foods: Calcium deficiency during pregnancy can cause leg cramps, while postpartum deficiency can lead to loose teeth, joint pain, and insufficient milk production. Breastfeeding mothers should consume enough calcium daily, preferably through dietary sources or supplements. Sun exposure also aids in calcium absorption.

Dietary Precautions During Postpartum Confinement

1. Avoid rapid tonics as they may do more harm than good. Consuming full-bodied soups immediately after childbirth can block milk ducts and exacerbate breast tenderness.
2. Avoid raw, cold, and hard foods, which can impair blood circulation, digestive functions, and hinder the discharge of lochia and blood stasis.
3. Steer clear of spicy and stimulating foods like peppers, which can deplete body fluids, exhaust qi, damage blood, exacerbate constipation, and adversely affect breastfeeding babies.
4. Avoid astringent foods like dark plums, lotus seeds, persimmons, and pumpkins, which can impede blood flow and lochia discharge.
5. Refrain from cold drinks and stimulating beverages like ice cream, icy beverages, strong tea, coffee, and alcohol, which can harm the digestive system, teeth, and disrupt sleep and gastrointestinal function, affecting both the mother and baby.
6. Malt extract, containing maltose and maltol, is not recommended as it can affect milk production.
7. Limit MSG intake to prevent zinc deficiency in infants.
8. Avoid blood-activating Chinese herbal medicines like ginseng, dangshen, astragalus, safflower, danshen, achyranthes, frankincense, and myrrh within the first one to two weeks postpartum.
9. Eat small, frequent meals with a balanced mix of meat and vegetables.
10. Ensure foods are soft, tasty, easy to digest, and absorb.
11. Vary your diet by swapping similar food types, such as alternating between whole grains and refined grains, and different types of meat.