Can a postpartum mother cut her nails during confinement?

After giving birth, every mother needs to undergo postpartum confinement to recover her body. Many new mothers notice that their nails grow quite long during this period and worry about scratching their babies, whose skin is delicate and easily injured. However, some mothers have heard that it is not advisable to cut nails during confinement due to superstitions about causing "scissors wind." Consequently, many mothers hesitate to trim their nails.

1. Can new mothers trim their nails during confinement? The answer is yes. Traditional beliefs about confinement include many taboos, such as not cutting nails or washing hair, which are believed to cause ill effects. However, these beliefs are not supported by scientific evidence. During confinement, personal hygiene is crucial, including trimming nails and bathing, as long as one avoids getting chilled. Long nails can harbor dirt and bacteria, posing a health risk to both the mother and the baby. Moreover, long nails can accidentally scratch the baby's delicate skin, leading to inflammation. Therefore, it is essential to trim nails regularly to avoid potential health hazards.

When cutting nails, one should be careful not to cut oneself with the nail clippers and not to trim too much, which can lead to ingrown nails or paronychia.

2. What are the things to note during confinement? During confinement, it is important to keep warm and rest well to recover from the physical exhaustion of childbirth. Adequate sleep is essential. In addition, a balanced diet is crucial, especially if breastfeeding, as it helps with lactation. It is also important to clean up lochia promptly, maintain good hygiene to prevent infections, and attend postpartum check-ups at the obstetrics clinic 42 days after delivery. Maintaining good personal hygiene and taking care of oneself are paramount during confinement. One should not be swayed by traditional superstitions and worries but rely on scientific knowledge.

3. How should new mothers scientifically approach confinement? 3.1 Having a good mood is conducive to recovery. Postpartum women may be emotionally vulnerable due to physiological changes and increased stress, making them susceptible to postpartum depression. Therefore, maintaining a happy atmosphere at home, especially with support from husbands, is crucial. 3.2 Adequate rest is essential. Resting well is a top priority during confinement. New mothers should rest at home, prioritize sleep, and avoid excessive fatigue. However, they should also avoid staying in bed for extended periods and should start walking around the second day after childbirth. 3.3 Balanced nutrition is vital. In the early postpartum period, when the body is weak and recovering from childbirth while also lactating, mothers need sufficient calories and nutrients while considering their still-recovering gastrointestinal function.