The Chinese confinement tradition, also called “zuo yue zi”, literally means “to sit a month”, and is believed to date back to the year 960.
During this period, a mother enjoys specially prepared confinement meals and adheres to a set of traditional postnatal practices to nourish and strengthen her body.
Some mothers also opt to have a confinement nanny to help them with these practices and care for the baby.
Alice Lee Yok Choy, a confinement nanny from Kampar, Perak, is one such person. The 52-year-old shares the dos and don’ts that should be observed during the confinement period.
Rebalancing ‘qi’
“There are certain vegetables a mother should avoid, such as bean sprouts, bitter gourd and cucumber, as these are ‘cold’ foods,” says Lee, who decided to become a confinement nanny as she loves babies and enjoys cooking.
The Chinese believe in the concept of “yin” (cold) and “yang” (hot), and by avoiding these “cold” foods, it can help to rebalance the body’s natural “qi” (vital energy or life force).
It is also believed these “cold” foods can introduce “wind” to the body, which could cause other health problems for the mother.
“I encourage the new mother to eat a lot of ginger to dispel the wind in the body. Additionally, Chinese rice wine is good to maintain the body’s heat,” Lee tells FMT.
She also cites fresh milk and hazelnut as being beneficial during this period.
“These days, I find women are more health-conscious and there is more awareness about nutrition. In the past, many of these confinement practices were merely passed down from one generation to another without considering the health aspects,” she reflects.
“For example, not having enough fibre can cause constipation. That is why consuming fruits such as dragonfruit, apple and kiwi can help prevent it.”
She also boils dates and Chinese herbs for the mother to drink every day, “to help her recover her strength after childbirth”.
Personal hygiene
“When it comes to bathing, I will boil water with Chinese herbs for the mother to bathe in as this can help to dispel wind from the body.
“After she bathes, there will be another pail of boiled water ready for her to wipe her body so she doesn’t feel sticky,” she says.
Hair washing, Lee adds, is permitted after the first week, though it should be limited to just once weekly.
“I will also encourage the mother to wear socks throughout the day to ensure that no ‘wind’ enters the body.”
According to Lee, although the confinement period is usually 28 days, some mothers opt for 30 or 42 days.
“These mothers want to rest more. With me around to look after them and care for their baby, they can do that,” she smiles.
Her tender touch extends to the newborns as well. She says it is important to gently pat the baby on the back after feeding, as this can help the baby to burp and not vomit.
Happy and healthy mothers
Lee has looked after approximately 50 babies and their mothers in her eight years as a confinement nanny. Although she is based in Kampar, most of her clients are in the Klang Valley.
She typically takes in about six clients a year, who contact her through word of mouth.
And although these days there are confinement centres for new mothers, she observes that mums who have second babies and beyond prefer a stay-in confinement nanny so they can be with the other children at home.
Lee clearly has a special relationship with these mothers, some of whom still keep in touch and ask for her advice on caring for their babies.
“Some of the mothers are open and talkative. Some are on the quiet side, so I make the extra effort to get to know them,” she says.
With her help, Lee hopes mothers will enjoy their confinement. “It is well-deserved after carrying their child for nine months and delivering them. At the end of the day, all I want is for the mothers to be happy and healthy.”
For Lee, the best part of the job is the adorable babies. “I love the sight of them, especially when they smile,” she says warmly.
Those who could use Alice’s services can contact her at 016-5992088.