Confinement pantang really necessary or old wives tale?

Two kids, and I took a middle path both times which I recommend. The core idea behind confinement is REST and recovery, that part is legit and important, your body went through a lot. So I fully embraced resting, eating warm nourishing food, and having help (confinement lady/mum). But the extreme parts, no shower for days or no aircon in Malaysian heat, I politely declined for hygiene and my sanity, I showered with warm water and used aircon at moderate temp. My doctor said keeping clean and comfortable actually reduces infection risk. The trick with the mums was to say "doctor advised" rather than "I dont believe your ways", frame it medically and they backed off. Confinement food (the ginger, the soups) I mostly followed and honestly it helped with recovery and milk supply. Take the wisdom, skip the extremes, and prioritise your mental health, postpartum is no joke.

I hired a confinement lady (bulan) for both kids and it was worth every ringgit. She cooked the nourishing meals, helped with baby at night so I could sleep, and buffered between me and the mothers on the pantang debates. If budget allows, this is the best money you can spend as a new mum. Exhaustion is the real enemy in the first month, not skipping some herbal drink.

Listen to your own body and your doctor first, elders second. Some pantang has hidden logic (keeping warm helps circulation, avoiding heavy lifting protects healing) but some is just outdated. In our KL weather, banning aircon can literally cause heat rash and misery for mum and baby. You are the one recovering, you decide. Be respectful but you dont owe anyone a 44 day sauna.

Watch out for postpartum depression signs, that is more important than any pantang rule. If you feel constantly down, crying, disconnected, tell your husband and doctor, dont dismiss it as normal "moody". The old confinement culture sometimes ignores mental health entirely. Rest, sunlight, and support matter more than herbal tonics.