How Many Days Does Scientific Postpartum Recovery Typically Last?

Chinese women have had the custom of confinement after childbirth since ancient times. Many traditional confinement rules have been scientifically proven to be incorrect. How many days does scientific confinement last? Scientific confinement lasts for 42 days, not 30 days as some older people believe. During confinement, there are some things that can be done. Let's take a closer look:

1. It is essential to rest for one month or one and a half months. For the first two weeks after childbirth, except for eating and using the bathroom, the mother should spend most of her time in bed. Frequent sitting or getting up and walking may cause uterine prolapse.

2. Prepare two or three white gauze bands with a width of about 30 to 40 centimeters and a length that can wrap around the abdomen 12 and a half times. After childbirth, it is important to tightly bind the abdominal band to prevent internal organ prolapse. Internal organ prolapse can lead to gynecological diseases, protruding abdomen, and unsightly body shape. Binding the abdominal band can also improve the condition of a prominent abdomen before childbirth. The abdominal band cannot be replaced by ordinary panties or abdominal belts, as they are ineffective and may have adverse effects.

3. For the first two weeks, bathing should only be done by wiping the body with warm liquor. This can be done by mixing half boiled water and half rice wine, adding a little salt, soaking a towel in it, wringing it out, and wiping it over the body. Starting from the third week, showering is allowed, and after the full month, soaking in a bath is permissible.

4. When washing your face and brushing your teeth, use boiled water that has cooled to a warm temperature. Skin care products can also be used.

5. Strictly avoid washing your hair, as the scalp should not be exposed to cold.

6. Do not hold the baby, as this may cause internal organ prolapse. When breastfeeding, it is recommended to lie on one side.

7. Do not bathe the baby, as this may lead to backache, soreness in the waist, hands, and feet. Therefore, it is advisable to ask someone else, such as a partner, to bathe the baby.

8. It is essential to have a quiet and comfortable environment. When the sun is too strong, pull the curtains to protect your eyes. Avoid exposure to drafts, as all pores of the body are open after childbirth, and drafts can easily cause headaches and joint pain. Even fans should not be used.

9. During confinement, it is not advisable to climb stairs, and heavy lifting should be avoided for the first six months after childbirth to prevent internal organ prolapse.

10. Avoid crying, as it can prematurely age the eyes and potentially lead to conditions such as glaucoma or cataracts.