Chinese Customs At Parturient Women

Chinese Customs At Parturient Women
By Yae Lok

Chinese people preserve many folk customs at parturient women. A mom-to-be or a new mom always feels nervous due to these "deep-rooted" traditions. The fact is that they are no longer believable. Modern medical studies tell us that parturient women can enjoy a normal and healthy life. Here are some of them,

* Don't wash hair and body

Fact : If the genitals hurt is healed and the new mom has fully recovered from tiredness, it is ok to take a shower. But the shower time can't be too long, only for about 5-10 minutes each time. After washing, make sure to wipe off water and put on clothes quickly so as to avoid getting cold. However, this just depends on the woman's health status and the bath conditions.

Further to this, keep in mind to wait until hair dries up before sleep. If not, the new mom may suffer headache or neck pain.

* Avoid wind

Fact : In the past, parturient women might be easily affected by bacteria and suffer fever due to nutrient deficiency and weak resistance. But it is not the case now. Today, a nutritious diet will increase a new mom's ability to resist infection. In addition, rooms must be adequately ventilated to keep the air clean and fresh. In hot summer, you can get a fan blow in the opposite direction (not towards the new mom) to create a "air short circuit". Try to maintain room temperature at 26-28℃ and humidity at 55%~65%.

* Don't have sex

Fact : Parturient women are told not to have sex. This is absolutely true, according to the experts. That's because it takes at least 8 weeks to recover the productive organs after delivery. Early sex may easily cause inflammation, uterine hemorrhage and perineum avulsion. Therefore, a new mom could only has sex when lochia is completely discharged in more than 2 month.

* Can't eat fruits and vegetables or cold foods

Fact : Modern medicine holds that a new mom could eat fruits and vegetables or cold food after delivery. There is no doubt that vitamins play an important role in body recovery and milk secretion. Of which, Vitamin C has positive effects on the hematischesis and hurt healing. Fruits and vegetables are accepted rich in vitamins and fibers. These elements are proven beneficial for stomach and bowel movements. However, a new mom should be cautious and choose to eat fresh foods.

Conclusion :

In fact, taboos after pregnancy depend on many factors related to time and space environment. In modern life, it is not a good idea to follow all the taboos because of household electrification and clean water sources. As a new mom, you will be told what you can and can't do during the puerperal period. But who's right, and who's wrong? What we can do is to develop and promote scientific ideas for body-recuperation after delivery.