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Confinement Food

Confinement Food Recipes For Mothers

Confinement is a traditional Chinese practice in Singapore that is seen as an extremely important time for new mothers to recuperate their bodies after childbirth. During this period, mothers are advised to observe various routines that will aid their recovery. One of which would be taking in confinement food that are supposed to address the nutritional needs of the mother, with some even designed at boosting milk supply. This allows the new mother to get a much needed immunity boost and a quicker recovery from the delivery of her baby. As such, we’ve listed some recipes that will be helpful for mothers going through their confinement period. Read on to learn more about these recipes that are both healthy, and tasty.

#1 Sesame oil chicken 麻油鸡

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kg4jUnio3z8

Sesame oil chicken is a popular confinement food among women during their confinement period. The recipe usually contains sesame oil, ginger and hard liquor because it is believed that “heaty” foods are beneficial for women recuperating from childbirth. While chicken needs no introduction as one of the best sources of protein, it is also able to promote heart health and boosts metabolism. A great source of vitamin E, this recipe is sure to leave you wanting more!

Ingredients

  • 300g chicken

  • 100g black sesame oil

  • 25g red dates

  • 25g wolfberries

  • 100g old ginger

  • 250ml rice wine

  • A pinch of salt

  • A pinch of sugar

Directions

  • Slice old ginger and add into a heated pot

  • Add in black sesame oil, saute till the edges of the ginger turns brown

  • Add in chicken

  • Add salt and sugar

  • Saute for 5 minutes

  • Add in rice wine

  • Add red dates and wolfberries, simmer for 15 minutes

  • Serve with hot rice

View full recipe here.

#2 Black vinegar pig trotters 猪脚醋

Source : https://youtu.be/qwTXFlvmvM0

A popular Cantonese dish for postnatal mothers during confinement, black vinegar pig’s trotters is a traditional confinement food believed to help replenish collagen, warm the womb and purge “wind” generated during childbirth. The gelatinous pig trotters in sweet black vinegar is a highly appetising and mouth watering dish that is now also commonly seen on the tables of many families.

Ingredients

  • 300g pig trotters

  • 100g old ginger

  • 100g rock sugar

  • 300g black vinegar

  • 10g black sesame oil

  • 2 eggs

Directions

  • Lightly blanch the pig’s trotters for 3-5 minutes

  • Wash the foam on the surface and set aside

  • Boil 2 eggs for 6 minutes, then peel and set aside

  • Smash large pieces of old ginger

  • In a heated pot, add in smashed old ginger and rock sugar

  • Add in black vinegar and saute until aroma is released

  • Add in blanched pig’s trotters, stir-fry until it has been well coated

  • Add hard boiled eggs and simmer for 45 minutes

  • Add in black sesame oil for seasoning

  • Serve with warm rice

View full recipe here.

#3 Nourishing cordyceps flower with threadfin fish soup 虫草花滋补午鱼汤

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZGQbQVsUTY

Cordyceps flower is a herb that helps to reduce fatigue, boost immunity, and is especially beneficial for a mother’s body after delivery. If you’re searching for nutritious confinement food to boost your stamina, look no further. This soup takes just one hour to simmer on low heat, making it so easy to prepare. A wholesome and nourishing meal best served with hot rice.

Ingredients

  • 20g cordyceps

  • 5g solomonseal rhizome

  • 10g codonopsis root

  • 5g astragalus root

  • 5g dioscorea

  • 3g wolfberry

  • 5g poria

  • 300g threadfish

  • 20g old ginger

  • 2 teaspoon rice wine

  • A pinch of salt

Directions

  • Slice old ginger into thin strips.

  • Lightly blanch the threadfin for 1 minute to remove fishy smells.

  • Run all herbs under running water gently to remove impurities.

  • Add washed herbs, rice wine, threadfin and ginger slices into boiling water.

  • Boil over low heat for an hour.

  • Add salt to taste.

View full recipe here.

We hope this article has provided you with some inspiration for tasty and nourishing meals during your confinement period. NouRiche understands the importance of good nutrition for new mothers. Browse our extensive confinement food menu, or reach out to learn more about our confinement food delivery services in Singapore today!

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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.