Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
FAQ
Confinement Centre
Pros:
■ All-in-one service: No need to worry about meals, chores, or baby care. Just check in and rest.
■ Professional team: Usually staffed with registered nurses on 24-hour shifts who can better handle a newborn's health issues.
■ Complete rest: The baby can be cared for in the nursery, allowing the mother to get uninterrupted deep sleep.
■ Social support: You can share experiences with other mothers, reducing postpartum loneliness.
Cons:
■ Higher cost: Typically the most expensive option.
■ Unfamiliar environment: You need to adapt to a new environment and the centre's schedule.
■ Visitor restrictions: Strict limits on visits from family members (especially older children) for infection control.
Confinement Lady
Pros:
■ Comfort of home: Recuperating in your own familiar environment is more reassuring and comfortable.
■ One-on-one care: The mother and baby receive dedicated, personalized attention.
■ High family involvement: The husband, older children, and other family members can be present and involved at all times.
■ Flexible meals: Confinement meals can be adjusted to your taste preferences at any time.
Cons:
■ Inconsistent service quality: Heavily dependent on the individual lady's experience, sense of responsibility, and personality.
■ Rest may be disturbed: Even if the lady handles night duties, the baby's cries may still affect the mother's sleep.
■ Potential for friction: It may take time to align on living habits and parenting philosophies with the confinement lady.
【Our Advice】 If you are looking for a hassle-free, systematic, and professional level of care and have an adequate budget, a Confinement Centre is a good choice. If you value the warmth of home, flexibility, and personalized one-on-one care, a good Confinement Lady would be more suitable for you.
Pros:
○ Cost-effective: You can save a considerable amount of money compared to hiring a confinement lady or staying at a centre.
○ Family companionship: Being cared for by your closest family members at home feels warm and loving.
○ Solves the meal problem: Outsourcing the most time-consuming part of confinement—the meals—greatly reduces the burden on your family.
Cons:
○ Family can get tired: Caring for a newborn and a new mother is physically exhausting, especially for older parents.
○ Generational friction: Disagreements on parenting methods may arise between the two generations.
○ Limited professional knowledge: Family members may not be able to spot professional issues in a newborn, such as severe jaundice or umbilical cord inflammation.
【Our Advice】 If you have smooth communication and a good relationship with your family, and they are in good health, this is definitely a heartwarming and high-value option.
Core Preparation Checklist:
1. Item Preparation: Pack your Hospital Bag for both you and the baby in advance.
2. Knowledge Preparation: Attend prenatal classes to learn about breathing techniques for labour and basic breastfeeding knowledge.
3. Planning & Arrangement: Choose your preferred hospital for delivery and plan your confinement method ahead of time (e.g., booked a confinement
lady/centre).
Regarding "Prenatal Lactation Massage":
This is a type of breast massage performed in late pregnancy (usually after 37 weeks) to help clear the milk ducts in advance.
○ Proponents believe: It helps with the earlier arrival of milk postpartum and reduces the chance of severe engorgement.
○ Neutral parties think: The baby's suckling after birth is the most natural and effective way to initiate lactation.
【Our Advice】 This is not a "must-do" item. If you wish to try it, ensure you find a certified and reputable lactation consultant, and always consult your obstetrician first.
● Living Arrangements: Prepare a clean and comfortable room for the confinement lady to rest in.
● Ingredients & Tools: Ask her in advance if there is a list of specific herbs, dried goods, or kitchen tools she requires you to prepare.
● Baby Supplies: Ensure you have an adequate stock of basic supplies like diapers, wet wipes, and clothing for the newborn.
● Effective Communication: Before she begins work, sit down with her to discuss your expectations, house rules, and emergency contact information. A good start is half the battle won.
Main programs include:
○ Pelvic Floor Repair: To improve and prevent postpartum urinary
incontinence and uterine prolapse.
○ Diastasis Recti Repair: To help tighten the loose abdomen and alleviate back pain.
○ Pelvic Realignment: To help restore the pelvis, which widens during pregnancy and birth.
○ Uterine Care: To condition the body and warm the womb after childbirth.
Is it necessary?
It is not medically "mandatory," but it is highly recommended for your long-term health and quality of life. Postpartum recovery is not just about getting your figure back; it's about preventing potential chronic health issues in the future, making it a very worthwhile investment in yourself.
● Scenario 1: Postpartum breast engorgement or clogged ducts
This is an emergency! When you feel lumps, swelling, or pain in your breasts, contact a professional lactation massage therapist or consultant immediately.
● Scenario 2: For routine breastfeeding guidance
If you want to learn proper latching techniques, how to tell if your baby is getting enough milk, etc., you can book a consultation before birth or within the first week postpartum.
● Scenario 3: To try prenatal lactation massage
If you decide to try this service, it is usually recommended to book it after the 37th week of pregnancy.