Can soy sauce be used in postpartum confinement meals?

Postpartum recovery is a crucial phase for women after childbirth. During this period, it is essential for the mother to consume nourishing foods. Soy sauce, used for enhancing flavor, can be consumed moderately without causing harm. However, it is generally advisable to minimize its use, especially if there are wounds, as it may promote melanin deposition.

It is recommended to avoid soy sauce as much as possible, and if the urge to consume it is irresistible, it should be done in small quantities. The mother's diet should primarily consist of nutritious foods, and while soy sauce can be used sparingly for flavor enhancement, its omission is preferable.

During the first week postpartum, it is advisable to consume easily digestible and absorbent foods such as porridge, egg custard, rice noodles, noodle soup, and various soups. These foods are gentle on the digestive system and promote recovery.

Here are some dietary principles for women during postpartum recovery:

1. Eat small meals frequently: During pregnancy, the enlarged uterus presses against other organs, and the gastrointestinal function may not have fully recovered postpartum. Therefore, it is recommended to eat small meals frequently, perhaps five to six times a day. This approach ensures adequate nutrition without overwhelming the digestive system, allowing the body to gradually recover.
2. Balanced diet with both meat and vegetables: Consume foods rich in calcium and iron, including fresh meat, fish, seaweed, vegetables, and fruits. A balanced diet ensures a diverse intake of nutrients essential for recovery.
3. Adequate water intake: Mothers lose a significant amount of water through sweating during and after childbirth, and breastfeeding requires additional fluids as 88% of breast milk is water. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain adequate water intake, and drinking soup is an excellent way to both replenish nutrients and fluids.
4. Start with liquid or semi-liquid foods: After childbirth, the mother's body is relatively weak, and her gastrointestinal function may be compromised. Especially for mothers who have undergone cesarean surgery, it takes time for the gastrointestinal motility to recover after anesthesia. Hence, during the first week postpartum, it is advisable to consume easily digestible and absorbent foods such as porridge, egg custard, rice noodles, noodle soup, and various soups.

Following these dietary principles during postpartum recovery can help ensure a smoother and healthier recovery process for the mother.