Not allowed to touch water, bathe, or wash hair during postnatal confinement?

These beliefs derived from poor living conditions and healthcare standards in the past. Postpartum women right after giving birth are frail and coupled with the previous living environment where new mothers do not have the access to using the water heater or hairdryer. Thus, taking a bath is not suitable for postpartum women who are very weak.

In our current environment, after a natural delivery, if a mum's physical recovery allows her to get off the bed and walk, she should bathe herself. After a cesarean delivery, if there is no wound infection and the wound is covered with waterproof wound dressing, it is alright for a new mother to bathe 3-5 days after birth. A bath helps promote good personal hygiene and comfort. Most importantly dry your body and hair immediately after a warm shower.

Within a month after giving birth, you can wash or comb your hair if your health condition permits. A few points below to take note of:

1. Massage your scalp with your fingertips while washing your hair. You should dry your hair immediately after washing to prevent exposure to cold air.
   
   
2. When you wash your hair, the water temperature should not be too cold or too hot. It recommends keeping it at body temperature level. The basic rule of thumb is that it should not be too warm for your scalp.
   
   
3. Oily hair and hair loss are common to postpartum mums. Try using a mild formula shampoo.
   
   
4. After washing your hair, don't sleep immediately with your wet hair to avoid catching a cold and or have a headache.