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“Malays believe that the trauma of childbirth disrupts the body’s balance, leading to issues such as ‘wind’ (angin) in the body and significant blood loss,” said Aszafirah Abu, co-founder of Ukashah Confinement Meals, a Muslim-owned company providing halal confinement meals. “This belief underscores the importance of nourishing the body, and replenishing blood and energy through proper food and rest.” In Ayurveda, childbirth is seen as a “state of tissue depletion”, said Dharna Tiku, Ayurvedic physician, nutritionist and founder of ArujAyur Health and Wellness. “The body undergoes massive energy expenditure, depletion of vitality, as well as plasma and blood loss.” She added that childbirth also throws the mother’s body off-balance: Giving birth loosens her pelvis, joints and ligaments, weakens her digestion and immunity, and leaves her feeling tired and more prone to mood swings. Across all three cultures, the philosophy is that food is medicine, helping the mother heal. “How well a mother recovers in the first month after birth can influence her health for decades,” said Chen. “It can reduce the risk of future issues like body aches, fatigue, or lowered immunity, and support a woman’s long-term vitality and well-being.” In TCM, the recommended confinement period is 28 days, said Chen. For Malay mums, confinement food is eaten for 44 days, said Aszafirah. Ayurveda texts recommend a minimum of 42 days, said Tiku. In all cases, women can also continue beyond that. CHINESE CONFINEMENT: ROOTED IN TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE “From a TCM perspective, postpartum women are considered to be in a state of ‘cold and deficient’ body constitution,” said Chen. “That’s why confinement meals emphasise warmth, nourishment, and balance, gently guiding the body back to harmony.” Recipes are tailored to support the recovery of the uterus, replenish qi (vital energy), strength and blood lost during childbirth, and establish regular milk supply for the baby, she added.
