Analyzing Elements of Postpartum Confinement and the Effect on Overall Health: An Integrative Review

Abstract

Introduction: Postpartum confinement is a traditional postpartum custom in Chinese culture based on the theory of Yin-Yang (hot and cold). The purpose is to balance yin and yang energies after pregnancy, labor, and birth which is said to result in major loss of yang/heat. Postpartum confinement facilitates physiological and psychological postpartum healing through a combination of behavioral and dietary restrictions. The aim of this integrative literature review was to analyze elements of postpartum confinement and discuss the outcomes of the practice on women’s health. Method: PubMed and PsychINFO electronic databases were used to search for publications between 2016 and 2021. Search terms included postpartum and confinement. Whittemore and Knafl's integrative review guidelines were utilized to conduct the methodological review. Each article was assessed for level of research evidence. Results: A total of 17 articles were included in the review. Five themes were discovered from the literature analysis: effect of postpartum confinement on postpartum depression (PPD) and postpartum anxiety (PPA); role of family, friends, and professional support; impact of nutrition; relevance of breastmilk and infant gut microbiota; and taking warm showers to alleviate discomfort. Discussion: Different aspects of postpartum confinement were found to affect PPD/PPA in various ways, and adequate support is crucial in postpartum recovery. Postpartum confinement can be nutritionally beneficial to maternal and infant health. Measures such as warm showers should be encouraged to reduce postpartum fatigue. Based on these conclusions, health care providers should allow flexibility in combining traditional postpartum confinement practices with contemporary health care while also educating about any risks involved.