WeLoveBlog #040: What Should You Eat During Postpartum Confinement? A Journey of Holistic Healing for Body and Mind

— A Special Series by BROTH

Childbirth is an extraordinary challenge—physically and emotionally—for every woman.

Traditionally, postpartum confinement (or “sitting the month”) has been bound by outdated beliefs: no washing hair, heavy tonics, and strict avoidance of cold or wind. But today, science tells a different story—a balanced recovery that respects both the body’s healing needs and the modern pace of life.

As autumn sets in, BROTH invites you to rediscover the true meaning of postpartum recovery: it’s not just about healing wounds, but restoring rhythm; not only caring for the body, but also the heart.

I. What Exactly Is Being Healed During Confinement? — It’s More Than Just the Uterus

Postpartum recovery is far more than physical wound healing—it’s a complex, multi-system process:

• Uterine Involution: The uterus shrinks at a rate of approximately 1.52 cm per day, descending into the pelvis by day 10 and returning to its pre-pregnancy size in about six weeks.
• Lochia Discharge: The progression from bloody to serous to whitish lochia can last 4–6 weeks, indicating endometrial healing.
• Lactation Activation: From colostrum to transitional to mature milk, milk production is not only essential for baby’s nutrition but also demands significant maternal energy.
• Hormonal Shifts: A sharp drop in progesterone and a rise in prolactin can lead to mood swings, excessive sweating, and fatigue.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, this stage is known as “a period of complete deficiency,” where qi and blood are depleted and organ systems remain unstable. Improper care can lead to “postpartum syndrome”—cold sensitivity, back pain, mood disorders, and more.

A well-managed confinement period doesn’t just prevent long-term complications—it lays the foundation for lifelong health.

II. A Scientific Approach to Postpartum Nutrition

1. Early Stage (Days 1–7): Gentle, Light, and Warm to Awaken the Digestive System

In the first week, the digestive system is still weak, and lochia discharge is ongoing. Stick to light, warm, easy-to-digest liquids:

• Recommended: rice water, brown sugar water, egg-drop congee, steamed egg, oil-free fish broth
• Avoid: milk, greasy soups, salty or heavily seasoned foods, which may cause bloating or blocked milk ducts

Avoid excessive tonics or overly rich soups at this stage—they may cause discomfort or milk stagnation.

2. Mid Stage (Weeks 2–3): Replenishing Qi and Blood, Gently Nourishing the Spleen

As the uterus recovers and appetite returns, begin introducing tonic foods that boost qi and blood:

• Nourishing Soups: Angelica and Astragalus Chicken Soup, Longan and Red Date Soup
• Ingredients: chicken, lean pork, fish, eggs, red dates, Chinese yam, wood ear mushrooms, carrots
• Cooking Methods: slow simmering, steaming, boiling—avoid frying or alcohol-based stir-fries

We recommend starting a daily serving of BROTH’s Jujube Goji Chicken Essence, a nourishing base supplement ideal for this phase.

Jujube and goji berries are time-honored ingredients for restoring qi, enhancing liver and spleen function, and regulating emotions—making this essence the perfect companion for a physically and emotionally vulnerable period.

3. Late Stage (Week 4 onward): Balanced Nutrition for Energy Recovery

By the fourth week, you can gradually return to a normal diet—but avoid overeating or cold foods:

• Increase protein intake (eggs, fish, shrimp, soy-based products)
• Add cooked vegetables and fruit purées to aid digestion and ease constipation
• Focus on rice and noodles as staples; limit refined sugars and icy drinks

If breastfeeding, maintain five small meals a day to support stable milk production and prevent energy drain.

III. Don’t Overlook Emotional Recovery After Birth

While diet and physical care are often emphasized, emotional well-being is just as critical—and frequently neglected. Studies show that up to 80% of women experience mood fluctuations postpartum, and about 15% may develop postpartum depression—a genuine psychological condition that requires attention, not dismissal.

In TCM, emotional turmoil, overthinking, and sleep deprivation are believed to damage the heart and spleen’s qi, leading to stagnation of liver energy (liver qi stagnation).

Left untreated, it can affect milk production, delay physical recovery, and evolve into chronic mental health issues—posing a threat to both mother and baby.

That’s why postpartum care isn’t just about “replenishing qi and blood” or “nourishing the spleen”—it’s also about “calming the spirit.” Families should provide empathy and space for new moms, without pressure to appear joyful. Instead, offer support, listening, and gentle presence.

Even small things—a thoughtfully prepared bowl of soup, a lighthearted conversation—can be the beginning of emotional healing.

Emotional stability is the umbrella that protects physical recovery. Nurturing your emotions is nurturing your health.

IV. Let BROTH Walk with You Through This Tender Journey

To us, postpartum confinement is no longer an outdated tradition—it’s a precious window for modern women to restore their bodies and reconnect with themselves.

A well-planned diet is not “excessive replenishment,” but rather thoughtful nourishment that honors your body’s needs. And in this sacred window of recovery, Chicken Essence serves as a warm, gentle broth that quietly supports your healing.

What Is Chicken Essence?

Chicken Essence is made by slow steaming whole organic chickens for over 8 hours, without adding a single drop of water. The process uses steam extraction to collect pure, concentrated chicken essence, naturally filtered and rich in nutrients.

No preservatives, no additives, and no greasy fat—only the essence of the chicken’s strength.

It’s packed with:

• Small-molecule premium proteins
• Essential amino acids (leucine, lysine, etc.)
• Trace minerals (iron, zinc, selenium)
• Vitamin B complex

These elements support tissue repair, energy restoration, and immune function.

Specially Recommended: Jujube Goji Chicken Essence

Formulated for postpartum women experiencing fatigue, blood deficiency, or emotional instability, BROTH’s Jujube Goji Chicken Essence is the perfect daily tonic.

Enhanced with traditional restorative herbs—jujube and goji berries—it helps regulate the liver and spleen, boost energy, and calm the spirit:

• Jujube: strengthens the spleen, nourishes blood, calms the heart—ideal for fatigue and dull complexion
• Goji berries: nourish the liver and kidneys, ease dryness, support vision—especially helpful for moms dealing with sleep issues and irritability
• One warm pouch a day, non-greasy and pleasantly mild—an easy, long-term source of everyday nutrition

From restoring qi and blood, to supporting lactation, to rebuilding vitality, BROTH INC crafts each drop with care.

👉 Learn more about our Chicken Essence collection

A Note to Every New Mom

Dear Mama,

You don’t need to be perfect. You don’t need to bounce back overnight. And you certainly don’t have to suppress your emotions.

This postpartum chapter is not just about recovery—it’s your first act of self-care as a mother.

Taking good care of yourself is the greatest gift you can offer your baby.

Take it slow. You’re doing just fine. 💛

References

1. 0730 News. (n.d.). Postpartum recovery: It’s not just about the uterus. Retrieved from https://www.0730news.com/detail?infoid=130711
2. Shenzhen Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital. (2023, February 1). Postpartum depression is a real illness, not an overreaction. Retrieved from https://www.szsdjrmyy.com/d40/c682/20230201/i2945.phtml
3. Hello Sleep. (n.d.). Emotional support for new mothers: Listen, understand, and accompany. Retrieved from http://hellosleep.net/share/5c246b89c0322b7710b108b9
4. BROTH INC. (n.d.). Jujube & Goji Chicken Essence – BROTH Official Website. Retrieved from https://welovebroth.com/zh/collections/broth-滴雞精/products/jujubegoji-chickenessence-30packs
5. BROTH INC. (n.d.). Chicken Essence Collection – BROTH Official Website. Retrieved from https://welovebroth.com/zh/collections/broth-滴雞精