【China Times Electronic News】

Lin Fengxiu (Tainan Dada Chinese Medicine Clinic, Chinese Medicine Practitioner) Some say that the postpartum confinement period is the best time for women to change their physique, but the traditional concepts and methods of postpartum confinement have their historical background and lifestyle. If the ancient concepts of postpartum confinement are applied to modern life, how can the practices remain unchanged! It is believed that many new mothers may feel overwhelmed by some of the sayings about postpartum confinement. Below, we clarify some common misconceptions about postpartum confinement.

Misconception 1: "Should one eat the 13-ingredient formula (Safe Pregnancy Formula) as soon as they are pregnant?"
Answer: Wrong! Taking it in the early stages of pregnancy (first three months) may actually increase the risk of miscarriage. The correct usage is during the final stages of pregnancy (last three months) when there is fetal restlessness, incorrect fetal position, or to prevent difficult labor.

Misconception 2: "I heard that eating coix seed can cause miscarriage, is that true?"
Answer: Wrong! Dr. Li Zhengyu also confirmed that this is incorrect. Coix seed promotes diuresis and strengthens the spleen, and it is actually recommended for pregnant women to eat more to avoid symptoms like gestational toxemia and foot swelling.

Misconception 3: "Should one take 10 to 20 doses of Sheng Hua Tang after giving birth?"
Answer: Wrong! Generally, only 3 to 5 doses are needed postpartum. When the lochia changes from purplish-black to grayish-white, it should be stopped. Taking more may lead to fresh blood discharge, and over time, the body may become weak.

Misconception 4: "During postpartum confinement, can one only drink rice wine water and not plain water?"
Answer: As long as one does not drink unboiled water to avoid wound infection, boiled plain water is fine.

Misconception 5: "Can one not wash their hair during postpartum confinement? Do they have to stay indoors for a full month?"
Answer: Wrong! It's fine to take a hot bath and blow-dry the hair. As long as one feels physically well, going out is not a problem, but one should avoid lifting heavy objects and overexertion.

Misconception 6: "Should women eat more red beans (to replenish blood)?"
Answer: Chinese people believe that red enters the blood, and red-colored foods can replenish blood, but this is not entirely true. While red beans have decent nutritional value, because farmers have indicated that red beans are the most heavily pesticide-treated legumes, it is recommended not to eat them.

Misconception 7: "Can pregnant women not eat ginseng before and after childbirth?"
Answer: It depends on individual physique; those with a weak constitution can use it in moderation.

Source: http://tw. news. yahoo. com/ 060527/ 19/ 36koa. html