Categories
Confinement meals

Foods To Eat During Confinement To Boost Breast Milk Supply

The issue of milk supply can be a constant source of anxiety for breastfeeding mums. If your baby seems to be hungry shortly after feeding time, then it’s possible your little one is not getting enough to eat. Mothers who breastfeed need to maintain a balanced and nutritious diet to meet the various demands placed on their bodies. Your plate should feature the five food groups: fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy and protein. NouRiche takes pride in providing nutritious meals including confinement food for new mothers in Singapore, and we’ll share the types of food you can incorporate into your confinement meals that will support lactation and help naturally increase your milk supply.

Barley

confinement meal in a jar

Whole grains are very nutritious for breastfeeding moms, and they are also thought to have properties that support the hormones responsible for making breast milk. Barley is an excellent choice for your intake of whole grains with one of the richest dietary sources of beta-glucan. Beta-glucan is a polysaccharide that has been shown to increase prolactin, the hormone responsible for lactation. High in fibre and a good source of niacin, a vitamin B that protects against cardiovascular risk factors, there is no denying the health benefits barley brings.

Oats

Oats and oat products are a great addition for a healthy breastfeeding diet and as confinement food. These food products come with many positive effects on nursing mothers. With the abundance of nutrients in oats, it’s considered a superfood when it comes to increasing a woman’s milk supply. Oats contain iron, which is a must for breastfeeding mothers, helping to promote lactation.

Papaya

papaya slices for confinement meals

Despite its sweet taste, papayas have low sugar content and are an excellent food option to include in confinement meals. They possess a number of benefits and high nutritional value that are useful for you and your baby. Apart from aiding in digestion to soothe your baby’s tummy, papayas also have the essential vitamins and minerals that you need to recover from giving birth. Additionally, papayas are known to have a lactogenic effect, which helps increase milk production in nursing mothers. This is especially so in green papayas, and hence, nursing mothers should definitely also try out different recipes incorporating them.

Fenugreek

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) is a type of herb that often is used in Asian and Middle Eastern recipes. It can range in taste from slightly maple-flavoured to bitter, depending on your palette. Most often used to increase milk supply, it has been reported to be an excellent galactagogue for some mothers, and is thought to boost the production of breast milk due to an effect on the stimulation of sweat production. Most women can consume fenugreek without any complications. However, do speak with your healthcare professional before using it if you’re allergic to peanuts or chickpeas, or if you take blood thinners or medication for diabetes.

Lean meat

Protein is essential in ensuring a steady supply of milk. Adding lean meat in your confinement meals is a great source of iron and protein which has proven to increase milk supply. Eating lean meat in general is recommended to fuel both you and your baby.

NouRiche ensures the confinement food we serve is filled with the best ingredients for both mother and baby. Reach out to find out more if you’re looking for a pregnancy meal delivery service in Singapore.

Categories
Confinement Foods

5 Ways Husbands Can Help Out During Confinement

Welcoming a newborn into the family is undoubtedly an exciting step for new parents. But the changes that come after pregnancy and childbirth can be overwhelming, and a new mother will need all the help she can get both physically and emotionally. Fulfilling duties as a new mother while still finding the time to take care of herself might seem impossible. NouRiche are experts at taking care of your confinement food menu, and we’ve come up with a list of ways husbands can help their wives out during her confinement period to make it a smoother transition.

Confinement food catering

To ensure new mothers get a nutritious and balanced diet during their confinement period, consider signing up for a confinement food package with a reliable confinement food caterer. These caterers have confinement food menus that are specially designed to strengthen the bodies of new mothers, ensuring they regain the energy needed to take care of their recovering bodies, and making sure having regular meals is still possible while caring for their newborn.

Offer emotional support

It’s critical for new mothers to get some nurturing in return as well after nurturing her newborn all day. Being at home with an infant can feel isolating, and it’s important for new mothers to know that they’re not alone. Simple things like phone calls, video calls, sending meal deliveries or small thoughtful gifts can be a bright spot on a hard day. Be sure to keep checking in and offering support even after the initial newborn days of motherhood. Assuring her that she’s doing a wonderful job can also do wonders for her mental health, and boost her confidence.

Keeping the house clean

image2

Helping with the household chores without being asked shows your wife that you’re in this together. One option to consider is using disposable plates and cutleries for the first few weeks with your newborn, which will in turn save you tons of time from washing dirty dishes. NouRiche is also able to provide confinement food delivery for added convenience during a mother’s confinement period. There’s so much to do with a new baby in the house, on top of all the other household chores. But with a little planning and communication, you can tackle the new responsibilities together.

Actively help with the baby

image3

Taking over the reins for a task such as changing a diaper, nighttime feeding, tells her that the parenting and household responsibilities don’t fall squarely on her shoulders. Being more involved with taking care of the baby can also help husbands develop a stronger bond with their newborn.

Manage visitors

Friends and family always mean well and are likely just eager to see your new bundle of joy. And truthfully, who can blame them? But setting some ground rules and healthy boundaries such as saying “no” to surprise visits, should mean people understand your wishes, helping to manage the expectations of visitors.

There’s only so much a new mother can handle with having to focus on taking care of her child, as well as her own recovery. NouRiche are committed to providing the best support with our selection of confinement food menus. Contact us to find out more!

Categories
Confinement Food Confinement Tips

The Importance of Postpartum Recovery and Confinement Food

Confinement is a common practice in Asia that has a long history dating back centuries, and many mothers today consider it to be an outdated and unnecessary practice. Having to follow a strict diet, adhere to various new lifestyle practices and pay extra attention to your health may seem draining and restrictive, especially for liberal minds. However, confinement is a very important part of pregnancy and childbirth that mothers must go through. 

The confinement period of 30 to 40 days is critical because it helps in many aspects of postpartum recovery. It also helps you adjust to your newborn, bond with your child and adapt to a new lifestyle with an additional family member. Throughout pregnancy, as well as during and after childbirth, mothers go through excessive stress physically, mentally and emotionally, and the postpartum recovery period is necessary to nurse one back to good health in all aspects.

Aside from getting plenty of rest and adhering to strict lifestyle practices, your diet during this time is crucial for providing you with the energy you need to get through each day as well as the nutrients you need to nourish both your body and your baby’s. Your breastmilk supply will be affected by the confinement food you eat, which can either help you get a pleasant breastfeeding experience or make it excruciating for you.

Most mothers need to consume at least 1,800 to 2,000 calories a day to keep up with their energy needs. This amount will increase if you’re breastfeeding. Additionally, breastfeeding mothers must ensure that they are consuming enough nutrients through their confinement food to aid in their baby’s development. 

Why is the Confinement Period Important? 

1. Prevent postpartum complications

Confinement Food in Singapore Why is the Confinement Period Important Prevent postpartum complications

If mothers do not take this time to consume all the right confinement food and recover properly, they may suffer from postpartum complications such as infection or sepsis, cardiomyopathy, and more, which can last a lifetime and lower their quality of life. It also allows mothers to live in peace, away from the stress that may come from their friends, family, or other people, and to spend more time reflecting, recovering from any negativity, and strengthening relationships with their closest family members. This helps to prevent them from developing mental health issues, such as postnatal depression.

2. Boost your health and promote recovery

The confinement period and confinement food comes as a package, you can’t recover well without the right diet. Whether your mother or mother-in-law prepared your food for you or you hired confinement catering services, the food you eat will typically contain high amounts of nutrients that will help you recover faster and return to a normal, healthy state. 

A mother needs to consume a lot of protein, calcium, and iron after childbirth to help her recover, regain strength, protect her bones, and generate new blood cells to replenish blood lost during delivery. This is just the tip of the iceberg as there are many more nutrients her mother needs in order to fully nourish every part of her body. The normal meals you eat on a daily basis may not contain sufficient nutrients, hence the importance of specially prepared confinement food

3. Strengthen the bond between mother and baby

The confinement period also provides mothers with the chance to form and strengthen bonds with their newborns, learn how to interact with them, understand their baby’s needs, and how to best care for them. If mothers return to work or spend their time right after childbirth on other tasks and activities, they will not only cause harm to their own health but also jeopardise their relationship with their child. 

Though confinement may appear to be a restrictive and agonising practice, it is an important practice that will only benefit you and your baby in the long run. Some confinement practices, however, are myths and traditions that no longer apply today, so do your research and nurse your body back to health in the safest way possible. 

In addition to daily living practices, confinement food is essential for your recovery.

Get your meals taken care of with NouRiche’s confinement food package, prepared with love to help new mothers enjoy delicious meals while nourishing their bodies. NouRiche is one of Singapore’s best confinement food caterers. Visit our website to view our menu offerings

Categories
Confinement Food Confinement Tips

Chinese Confinement Guide For New Mothers

A woman’s body needs to be nourished with highly nutritious food from the moment she becomes pregnant until she goes into labour in order to strengthen her body and nurture the foetus. Pregnant women go through a number of bodily changes that can weaken their immune system, cause a loss of strength, and wear down their physical function after childbirth. A nutritious diet and plenty of rest are essential for protecting both the mother and the baby. It is also associated with normal brain development, a healthy birth weight, and can help reduce the risk of many birth defects.

Whether during pregnancy or after childbirth, mothers must consume highly nutritious foods and avoid certain foods that can be harmful to their infants. In Chinese culture, the first 30 to 40 days after delivery are critical for recovery, this is also known as the confinement period, during which mothers are expected to rest as much as possible and consume a confinement food menu filled with beneficial foods. Read on to learn more about this tradition and to get more pointers on how to make your confinement as pleasant as possible.

1.1. What Is Chinese Confinement?

Chinese confinement, 坐月子 (zuo yue zi) or literally translated to ‘sitting the moon’ refers to allowing postpartum mothers to do nothing but to rest and recover for a month following childbirth. This practice has been a tradition for thousands of years in Chinese history and it is still practised by most Chinese, including those in Singapore. 

Mothers are encouraged to rest and recover from the physical trauma of childbirth for at least 30 days, if not longer. Many believe that this is the most critical period of recovery and that mothers must be nourished with highly nutritious confinement foods supported by Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) or they will suffer from a variety of other ailments or a weaker body.

In Singapore, a typical confinement period lasts for 28 days. It can go up to 42 days for some mothers. This period of confinement is still insufficient as postpartum recuperation typically takes about three to six months. A woman’s body must undergo significant physiological changes, such as hormonal changes, weight gain, fluid retention, stretch marks, stretching of abdominal muscles, and many others. This puts a lot of stress on the mother both physically and mentally during the 9 to 10 months of pregnancy. It will take an equal amount of time for mothers to fully recover and regain vitality.

1.2. The Purpose Of Chinese Confinement

The purpose of Chinese confinement in Singapore

The purpose of this confinement period is to allow your reproductive organs to recover and return to normal. There is also a lot of emphasis placed on the confinement foods that mothers eat; these meals must be tailored to help accelerate the mother’s recovery from her weakened body, dispel “wind” from the body, alleviate the heat in the body, boost blood circulation, revitalise strength and increase the mother’s breast milk supply. Furthermore, this period of care, as well as the special diet consumed, can prevent postnatal hair loss and depression, as well as backaches, rheumatism, and other ailments, while preparing your body for future pregnancies. 

1.3. What To Take Note Of During Confinement?

1. Physical Care

Your physical body underwent rapid transformations, and you had to endure hours of labour, even sustaining wounds during childbirth. It’s no surprise that your body is tired and weak. There are a few things you should do to care for your physical body during your confinement.

  • Keep your body warm

Chinese confinement in Singapore keeping yours and your child’s body warm

According to TCM, it is critical for mothers to keep their bodies warm after delivery because their body constitution has weakened, resulting in lower immunity. Mothers with a weakened immune system are more susceptible to catching a cold and falling sick. While it is safe to turn on the air conditioner or fan, mothers should take care not to be directly exposed to the wind flow and to keep the air-conditioning temperature above 24°C at all times.

  • Maintain good personal hygiene

Many believe that mothers should not shower during confinement. This is a tradition of the past as women in history bathed in cold water collected from a well or rain. This puts them at risk of catching a cold or suffering from an infection or inflammation from contaminated water. Today, mothers can bathe safely in warm and clean water, so it is recommended that you maintain personal hygiene to keep your wounds clean. 

During the confinement period, mothers may consider bathing in herb-infused water, which is beneficial for overall blood circulation, repelling dampness and “wind” in the body, and keeping you clean.

  • Minimise exposure to electronic devices

From a TCM perspective, the prolonged use of your eyes impairs and depletes the Qi and blood in your body. We advise you to refrain from looking at your devices for long periods of time and take breaks in between to reduce eye strain and allow your eyes to rest. 

If you’re breastfeeding, you are constantly losing nutrients through your breast milk. These nutrients, including those essential for vision health, are given to your baby, resulting in a deficiency of nutrients in your body to maintain your vision. Problems of vertigo, dry eyes, and blurred vision may follow. 

  • Wear a binder

A binder supports your muscles and assists the uterus in returning to its original size by providing gentle compression that safely holds muscles and ligaments in place. It is strongly advised that you wear a binder, but not too tightly, as this could cause tissue and muscle damage, restrict movement, and impair breathing.

  • Get postpartum massages

chinese confinement in Singapore postpartum massage

After giving birth, acupressure points along your meridian channels can be stimulated with a postpartum massage to correct Yin and Yang imbalances. Depending on the massage, it can also help with uterine contraction, flatulence, improve overall immunity, and even increase breast milk supply. Not to mention that a massage can help your body relax and improve your mood.

  • Engage in simple exercises

Exercising improves blood circulation, which boosts Qi and energy recuperation. Light and simple exercises, such as walking around the house, are beneficial to both your physical and mental health. High-intensity cardio or strength training, on the other hand, may cause an incision wound to tear or even affect your back and uterus.

2. Good Dietary Habits

chinese confinement in Singapore dietary guidelines

In addition to nutritious Chinese confinement food, there are dietary guidelines that recovering mothers should follow to avoid jeopardising their own recovery.

  • Avoid cold or chilled food

Cold foods can have an impact on your Qi and blood circulation, as well as your digestion and nutrient absorption. During your confinement, avoid foods like watermelon, coconut, pumpkin, tomatoes, radish, and ice cream.

  • Avoid oily or greasy food

Foods such as butter, animal fats, deep-fried or barbecued food can interfere with digestion, nutrient absorption, and they can cause blocked milk ducts which will affect your breast milk flow. 

  • Avoid hot and spicy foods

Chilli, garlic, wasabi, and curry will irritate your stomach and spleen, slowing their recovery and affecting your digestion. They may even alter the taste of your breast milk, causing your baby to reject it. The same is true for foods with strong flavours. They could put additional strain on your digestive system.

  • Avoid heavily salted or seasoned food

Additional salt intake and heavily seasoned food put stress on your kidneys, cause water retention and hinders your recuperation and weight loss process.

3. Confinement Essentials

In addition to proper nutrition from your confinement food and adequate rest, here are some essentials you need during your confinement period. These items can help you stay comfortable. 

  • Nursing Pads

When you have breast milk leaks, nursing pads can help you absorb them and keep your shirt from getting soaked. They can help save you a lot of mess while you’re out or sleeping.

  • Breastfeeding Friendly Clothes

Such clothing usually has buttons or designs in the front that makes it easier for you to breastfeed. 

  • A Donut Ring Cushion

When your private parts are sore after delivery, it may be difficult for you to sit anywhere. A donut ring cushion keeps your private parts from rubbing against the surfaces you’re sitting on.

1.3.1. Understanding The Three Stages Of Confinement

chinese confinement in Singapore three stages

Stage 1 | Uterus Recovery & Wound Healing

During childbirth, mothers experience significant blood loss, vaginal tears, and other wounds that can result in blood clots and pain. The uterus may even continue to bleed after delivery until it returns to normal size. As a result, during the first week of confinement, it is critical to focus on helping your wounds heal, promoting blood circulation, and reducing blood stasis as quickly as possible.

Stage 2 | Strengthen Digestive System & Tissue Repair

A woman’s body produces 50% more blood during pregnancy. Some of the blood may remain in the body after delivery, causing fluid buildup. It is critical for mothers to strengthen their gastrointestinal system during the second stage of confinement in order to flush out excess fluids and repair tissues.

Stage 3 | Strengthen Physique & Nourish Body

In order to resume their normal lives after confinement, mothers must focus on regaining vitality, improving immunity, and strengthening their bodies. Good nutrition from confinement food can help you recover faster, improve blood circulation, and keep your body warm.

1.4. How To Ensure A Comfortable Confinement?

Postpartum care can be unpleasant and stressful, especially with so many new things to learn about caring for your baby and yourself. It can become overwhelming when you’re physically hurting in multiple areas, feeling weak and tired, and yet you have so many things to take care of. To ensure a pleasant recovery experience, take advantage of all the services and assistance available from confinement companies, friends, and family.

  • Get plenty of rest

There are many things to do, but your top priority during confinement is to care for yourself. Other responsibilities, such as running errands or doing housework, can be postponed until you feel better. Make sure to get plenty of rest, sleep 7 to 8 hours per night, and avoid overexertion.

  • Get help & support

chinese confinement in Singapore help and support husband cleaning

During this time, you can always turn to your friends and family for assistance. Even if they have no experience with confinement or caring for a baby, they can assist you in purchasing groceries, replenishing household supplies, and even cleaning the house.

Aside from your friends and family, there are many confinement companies, such as confinement food delivery or nannies, that provide very useful services that can relieve some of your burdens. There are people you can hire to help you with whatever you need, whether it’s cleaning the house, preparing your confinement meals, or caring for your baby. You should not feel guilty for not being able to do everything yourself because you are supposed to be resting.

  • Embrace your body

It is natural for you to balloon in size after undergoing numerous bodily changes and gaining a significant amount of weight. It will take some time for you to regain your healthy weight, but you should be patient and embrace your new body in the meantime. It is a body that has gone through pain and suffering in order to bring the family a healthy new life.

  • Support groups

Postnatal depression is a serious problem that many new mothers face even months after giving birth. The guilt of not being able to properly care for your child, or the fear of not doing a good job, can have a negative impact on your emotions. It is critical to recognise your emotions and figure out how to deal with them.

Finding support groups is an excellent way to begin caring for your mental health. There are many support groups on social media that mothers can join to find other mothers going through the same thing, as well as to learn more about their stories and how they overcame postnatal depression.

Alternatively, your best support will always be your husband and family. Having your loved ones help you, keep you in good spirits and assure you of your efforts can do wonders for your mental health. If you find yourself struggling to be content with how you’re doing, open up your heart and speak to a loved one about it. Chances are, they’ll be more than happy to be in your safe space and to reassure you. 

  • Start preparing early

chinese confinement in Singapore early preparation

You can begin preparing for your confinement and recovery in advance, just as you did with baby products before delivery. Having all of the herbs and supplies you need, as well as arranging for care and assistance prior to delivery, can put your mind at ease.

1.5. Debunking Confinement Myths

#1: Don’t shower

It is believed that coming into contact with cold water will cause “wind” to enter your body, eventually leading to chronic diseases. The truth is that good personal hygiene is essential, and mothers must bathe and keep clean, particularly the area between the genitals and anus, to prevent infection and promote wound healing.

#2: Don’t drink water

Drinking water during confinement is thought to increase water retention and allow “wind” into the body. However, mothers must stay hydrated in order for their bodies to function. Breastfeeding mothers, in particular, should drink at least one glass of water after each breastfeeding session.

#3: Drink rice wine and other alcoholic drinks

Chinese confinement food cooked with alcohol, such as rice wine, are thought to improve blood circulation and warm the body. The truth is, it is not necessary for the recovery of mothers who have recently given birth. In fact, excessive alcohol consumption can be harmful to your baby, especially if you are breastfeeding. It has the potential to impede growth and development.

#4: Don’t use fans or air-conditioners

Heat and discomfort can make you irritable and lower your quality of life. It is acceptable to use fans and air conditioning to keep you cool and comfortable. However, avoid being directly exposed to the cold wind as this may increase your chances of catching a cold.

#5: Don’t read or cry

The eyes are thought to be linked to the liver, which has been weakened by childbirth. When your eyes are strained, your liver suffers more damage. However, this has not been scientifically proven, and there is no evidence that reading or crying can directly cause liver damage.

#6: Do not walk or move about

Walking or moving around is thought to exacerbate muscle weakness. It is recommended, however, that mothers walk around once they feel comfortable, as this can help reduce the risk of blood clots.

CHINESE CONFINEMENT FOOD

chinese confinement food in Singapore

2.1. Nutrients You Need

Moms who have recently given birth require proper nutrition to aid in their healing and recovery. Breastfeeding mothers’ diets also have a direct impact on their baby’s health and growth.

  • Iron

Iron is necessary for your baby’s development and thyroid function if you are breastfeeding. Iron is found in red meat, liver, clams, and green leafy vegetables.

  • Vitamin B12

Mothers with a vitamin B12 deficiency may be prone to anaemia. B12 is also essential for the development of red blood cells, energy production and DNA formation. Babies with B12 deficiency are also at risk of developmental delays and poor brain growth. Sources of vitamin B12 include tuna, clams, beef, salmon, liver, fortified dairy products and cereals. 

  • Omega-3 DHA

This aids in improving mental focus, lowering inflammation, and lowering the risk of postpartum depression. Salmon, sardines, fortified eggs, and dairy products are all good sources of Omega-3 DHA. A high DHA concentration in your breast milk also aids in the development of your child’s brain and vision.

  • Choline

This is an essential nutrient for infant memory and brain development. Eggs and liver are good sources of choline.

  • Vitamin D

This vitamin supports the immune system, brain and nervous system, lowering the risk of developing postpartum depression and anxiety. You can get vitamin D from salmon, tuna, liver, orange juice, and egg yolks. 

  • Folate

After delivery, folate is essential for cell renewal and heart health. If you are breastfeeding, folate helps in healthy brain development. Folate is not the same as folic acid, and research has shown that many women are unable to process folic acid. 

  • Calcium

Essential for the prevention of long-term bone loss and osteoporosis, calcium is important for both the mother and baby. A mother loses 3 to 5 % of bone density during the early stages of breastfeeding and this should be replenished by getting enough calcium.

2.2. What To Eat

Food to eat in chinese confinement in Singapore

Include salmon, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, eggs, fish oil, and flaxseed oil in your confinement meals to improve your brain function and help your child’s nervous system develop.

Consume more iron-rich foods such as lean beef, liver, sunflower seeds, beans, clams, and oysters for healthier red blood cells and higher energy levels. Vegetarian mothers can consume more green leafy vegetables for iron. 

Broccoli and spinach are high in vitamin A, calcium, antioxidants, and fibre, all of which are beneficial to the eyes, skin, bones, digestive system, and overall immune health. Two or more servings of fruit per day, such as brightly coloured fruits like grapes and blueberries, which are high in antioxidants, and oranges, which are high in vitamin C, are recommended.

Low-fat dairy products also provide you with B vitamins, vitamin D and protein. 

We also recommend including herbs in your confinement meals

  • For breast milk supply: Tong Cao (通草), Huang Qi (黄芪), Dang Gui (当归), Dang Shen (党参), Mai Dong (麦冬) and Jie Geng (桔梗)
  • To strengthen the spleen and stomach: Fu Ling (茯苓), Huai Shan (淮山), Bai Shu (白术), Dang Shen (党参), Lian Zi (莲子) and Gan Cao (甘草)
  • To nourish the liver and boost kidney functions: Kidney Tonic Soup (补腰汤), Blood Nourishing Soup (养血汤), Niu Xi (牛膝), Shu Di Huang (熟地黄), Du Zhong (杜仲) and Sang Ji Sheng (桑寄生).
  • To boost Qi and blood circulation: Dang Gui (当归), Shu Di Huang (熟地黄), He Shou Wu (何首乌)

While TCM herbs are great for nourishment, there are certain herbs that nursing mothers should avoid. They contain high levels of alkaloids, which are harmful to an infant’s nervous system.

  • Huang Lian (黄连)
  • Huang Bo (黄柏)
  • Dahuang (大黄)
  • Fan Xie Ye (蕃泻叶)
  • Ku Shen Gen (苦参根)
  • Wu Zhu Yu (吴茱萸)
  • Lu Hui (芦荟)

For an easier confinement period, sign up for a confinement food package to have all your meals taken care of. 

Also Read: 7 Foods to Avoid During Confinement

2.4. Recommended Recipes

chinese confinement in Singapore recommended recipes

#1. Dang Gui Nourishing Soup

This is intended to be consumed during your first week of confinement. It aids in replenishing blood, blood stasis removal, and speeding up recovery. Dang Gui has the ability to strengthen the blood, nourish female reproductive organs, regulate menstruation, relieve period pains, and recover from low energy or chronic fatigue symptoms.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

  • 10g Dang Gui
  • 10g Tao Ren 
  • 15g Shu Di Huang
  • 10g Chuan Xiong 
  • 10g Red Dates
  • 10g Hong Hua
  • 250g Pork Ribs

1. Soak all the herbs in 1000ml water for 30 minutes.

2. Blanch the pork ribs in boiling water and add them into the pot of herbs.

3. Bring the pot of herbs and pork ribs to boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 2 hours.

4. Add salt or light soy sauce to taste.

#2. Chicken Herbal Soup

This soup is good for blood circulation and the strengthening of meridians, usually consumed during the second week of your postnatal confinement. 

Ingredients You’ll Need:

  • 20g Ji Xue Teng 
  • 9g Dan Shen
  • 5g Qin Jiao
  • 3g Gui Zhi
  • 2 pieces Candied Dates 
  • 300g Black Chicken
  • 3 slices Ginger

1. Wash the chicken and place it in a pot.

2. Add 1 litre of water and bring it to a boil.

3. Remove scum from the surface of the water and add the herbs.

4. Simmer over chicken until tender.

5. Add salt or light soy sauce to taste.

#3. Sesame Wine Chicken

This is a warming dish eaten during confinement to warm a woman’s body.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

  • 2 tbsp sesame oil
  • 35g Ginger, sliced thinly
  • 450g Chicken, cut to small pieces
  • 125ml Rice Wine
  • 75ml Water
  • ½ tbsp Light Soy Sauce
  • ½ tbsp wolfberries, soaked in water until ready to use

1. Heat sesame oil in a wok. Add the ginger and stir-fry until fragrant.

2. Add chicken into the wok and stir-fry until they are cooked on the surface

3. Add the rice wine, water and soy sauce. Then, cover with a lid and simmer for 15 minutes. Refill the wok with more water if necessary.

4. Add wolfberries during the last 2 minutes of cooking.


There are numerous things to keep in mind during your confinement, and the food that you consume is critical to your recovery. As it will be tough for you to manage all aspects of your recovery yourself, it is best to enlist the help of people who are more familiar with Chinese confinement, such as your mother and mother-in-law. In addition, you can order your confinement meals from a confinement catering company in Singapore

NouRiche was established to help mothers recover comfortably and well-nourished. Through the combination of traditional Chinese medicine and our chef’s expertise, we are able to design confinement meals that are both nutritious and delicious. Order your meals with us today