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Green Papaya Soup To Increase Milk Supply For Breastfeeding Mothers
Either Myth or Fact — It Works!
Introduction
I am not sure whether confinement is practiced in Western countries as is common in Eastern societies. According to a study, the confinement period is restrictions placed on diet and practices during the month right after delivery (Fok, 2016). Regardless of religion or ethnicity, as long as they belong to Asian-ethnicity, most likely, they will undergo a confinement period as it is believed to be the key feature of Asian populations (Fok, 2016). There are many ways of confinement practices — and one of them is choosing the right food for breastfeeding mothers.
In this article, I will be sharing with you one of the recipes for mothers who have recently given birth. This recipe is highly popular amongst the Kadazan ethnic group(and F.Y.I, I belong to this ethnic group). The Kadazan ethnic or also known as Kadazan-Dusun ethnic (due to political initiative) is the largest ethnic group in Sabah. If you have never heard of or have never been to Sabah, — Sabah is one of the states in Malaysia — located in the northern part of the beautiful island of Borneo. With the development of modern medicine in line with advanced science and technology — don't be surprised to learn that the Kadazan-Dusuns still practice the old traditions passed down to them from the older generations. One of them is to eat unripe or green papaya soup during the confinement period.
The Experience
The length of confinement days varies according to the ethnic group respectively. Some practice for a month, others for 44 days or longer. After delivery, breastfeeding mothers begin the confinement practice at home. During the month(s) of the confinement period, mothers are advised not to eat spicy foods, fast foods, seafood (except fish but that depends on the type of fish), and anything that is part of an unhealthy diet. From my own experience, I would say, that the confinement period was a healing process for me because I had a C-section, and food choices are limited. And most importantly — not tasty! The first week was difficult because I could not move freely and I had to climb into bed like a slug. Speaking of breastfeeding my daughter, as I said, I could not move freely — and lack of…
