“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.
