Confinement is rooted in centuries of wisdom, but it was never meant to be rigid or stressful. At its heart, confinement is about protecting and nourishing the mother so she can recover well. True healing comes not from following rules blindly, but from finding balance, blending what is meaningful from tradition with what is practical and safe in modern life. 

Myth #1: You cannot shower.
Adaptation: Warm showers are not only safe but beneficial, especially for keeping the perineum clean. Just dry your body and hair immediately and thoroughly. Stay warm throughout.

Myth #2: You must stay indoors.
Adaptation: Fresh air and gentle walks aid mood and circulation. Avoid harsh weather and drafts.

Myth #3: Fans and air conditioning are forbidden. 
Adaptation: Comfort matters. Use cooling but avoid sitting directly in front of strong drafts.

Myth #4: Only meat tonics matter.
Adaptation: Vegetarian mothers can rely on beans, lentils, mushrooms, tofu, nuts and herbal broths for nourishment.

Myth #5: No visitors allowed.
Adaptation: Protect your energy by setting boundaries. Accept visitors who support rather than drain you.

Myth #6: Don’t cry.
Adaptation: There is no evidence that crying harms recovery. Emotional ups and downs (baby blues) are common and crying can release stress.

Myth #7: You shouldn’t walk or move about.
Adaptation: Rest is important, but gentle movement helps prevent blood clots, improves circulation, and supports recovery. 

Myth #8: Don’t drink plain water.
Adaptation: Staying hydrated is essential, especially if breastfeeding. Aim for at least 8 glasses a day, consisting of herbal teas and plain water.

A More Balanced Approach

Tradition Meets Today

Many traditional guidelines were created in a time without hot showers, modern heating, or medical care. While the principles remain valuable, they can and should be adapted. For example, you can shower during confinement, provided you use warm water and dry off quickly. Air-conditioning and fans can be used, so long as direct cold air is avoided.

Flexible Nourishment

Not every mother will want or need the same foods. Some may prefer vegetarian alternatives; others may need to adapt recipes to manage allergies or sensitivities. The principle to follow is simple: eat warm, cooked, nourishing meals that support digestion, blood, and milk supply.

Listening to Your Body

Balance also means tuning in to your own needs. If a practice feels too restrictive or stressful, it can undermine recovery rather than support it. Allow space for flexibility: enjoy foods you love in moderation, take short walks outside, and accept modern comforts without guilt. When mothers feel empowered rather than restricted, confinement becomes not just a cultural obligation, but a deeply healing and positive experience.

Confinement in Australia Today

For mothers living in Australia, confinement often looks different from how it is practised traditionally in Asia. Extended family support may be limited, and some ingredients may be more difficult to source. Finding balance may mean using Golden Month soup or lactation tea packages, hiring postpartum support, booking a stay at a confinement centre, or simply adjusting traditional wisdom to fit local lifestyles.