Living in Singapore provides plenty of opportunities to experience oriental traditions, which can complement western customs and practices. Here Joyce Lin reveals the unique post-natal birthing rituals available in the Republic - a melting pot of eastern and western cultures.
Confinement
Following childbirth, Chinese women experience a "confinement period" - during which a close female relative or trained confinement nanny takes care of both the mother and baby. This confinement lasts for a minimum of one month, but may be extended in the case of a Caesarean birth, where recovery time is typically longer.
As Tan Ai Lian, a mother of two, relays, "The confinement period is very important for new mothers. After nine months of pregnancy and childbirth, you need plenty of rest and good food to recover. I found the food prepared during my confinement delicious and nourishing. Overall, the confinement period was an enjoyable experience. I had plenty of time to rest, while the nanny did the chores!"
Apart from babysitting, overseeing a new mum's diet and helping out with household chores, a confinement nanny also stipulates traditional lifestyle rules for the mother - to help nurse her back to good health. The Chinese believe a woman's body becomes "cold" and filled with "wind" during childbirth, due to a loss of blood and energy. To replenish this loss of heat, confinement nannies prepare dishes infused with Chinese herbs, ginger, sesame oil and DOM medicinal wine. New mothers are advised to stay indoors, refrain from sleeping under direct air-conditioning and fans and reduce their number of showers - or wash using a bucket filled with ginger water - to retain body warmth. Confinement nannies also offer advice and assistance with breastfeeding, bathing a newborn and night feeds.
TRY GPLS Confinement Care Agency Tel: 9111 4418, www.babymothercare.com.sg/
Birth & Beyond Tel: 6736 1636, www.birthandbeyond.com.sg
Binding
Malay and Indonesian women experience a similar confinement period to the Chinese, where they eat special foods and adhere to certain lifestyle restrictions. However, their confinement tends to last 44 days and also involves the daily practice of coercing the mother's internal organs back into place through massage and a practice known as "binding". A traditional Malay female masseuse performs a massage with specially-blended oils and then binds the new mother's abdomen, providing support with long lengths of cloth carefully wound around the torso. The massage and binding takes place for four hours each day for a period of three to four weeks. Occasionally, hot stones are gently placed on the abdomen for further effect.
Malays believe the combination of massage, binding and placement of hot stones expels any "wind" and impurities from the womb. The binding also helps new mums regain their pre-pregnancy figure in record time. Following the massage and binding, you're advised to wear a girdle to further support weakened abdominal muscles and also refrain from lifting heavy loads or doing too many household chores for six weeks post-birth. As Dorothy Cortese can testify, "I used a Malay binding service after the birth of both of my kids. I found it not only helped me regain my shape, it was also an effective stress reliever. The lady who visited me also massaged my babies, using mild herbal oils. I'd certainly recommend binding to other women who are open to traditional practices. The key is finding someone who is experienced and has references."
TRY East West Pure Spa Tel: 6722 0889, www.eastwestpure.com
Rustic Nirvana Tel: 6560 9193 www.rusticnirvana.com
Doula
A doula, meaning "a woman who serves" in Ancient Greek, is a birthing assistant who may accompany a pregnant woman before, during or after childbirth - or even throughout the entire process, according to her skills. Providing emotional support and professional knowledge, contact with a doula typically begins with a home visit eight weeks prior to your delivery date, to discuss your expectations of labour - so you'll know what to expect during childbirth. Close at hand when you start experiencing contractions, your doula will clarify any queries you may have and monitor your progress, guiding expectant mums and dads through the entire birthing process.
Post-delivery, most doulas care for both the mother and the newborn, imparting useful tips on breastfeeding and bonding. Some will help bathe and continue to care for the baby - even performing light household chores. If you want to engage the services of a doula, find someone you can feel a connection to and can trust. As Jaqui Browne confirms, "Being without family in Singapore, it was such a relief to see my doula's smiling face when we finally reached the hospital. As soon as I saw her I knew I was in good hands. She guided me throughout the entire birthing process, which was particularly necessary since I'd forgotten everything I'd read and learned! It was great to receive useful advice when I really needed it."
TRY Doula Parentlink Tel: 6536 4626, www.parentlink.org
Four Trimesters Tel: 9475 1585, www.fourtrimesters.com
Birthright Singapore Doula Services Tel: 9451 7702
Midwifery Sarah Das Tel: 9025 8874, Email: pregnancy-parenting@hotmail.com
Posted on July 09
