Berpantang is the traditional rest and recovery period after giving birth, usually about 40 to 44 days for Malay mothers and around a month for Chinese mothers. Its best parts, rest and family support, are worth keeping. But according to the NHS, you do not need a special diet after birth: eat a varied diet with plenty of fruit, vegetables, protein, fibre and fluids, especially if you are breastfeeding. Some old pantang larang, such as avoiding water, vegetables, fruit or eggs, are not supported by evidence and can make constipation worse. Watch for warning signs after birth, and get help if you feel low for more than 2 weeks.
Apa itu berpantang?
Berpantang (also called pantang or confinement) is a period after childbirth when a mother rests, is cared for by family or a carer, and follows traditional food and activity rules. Malay, Chinese and Indian families in Malaysia each have their own customs, and many mothers now stay at a confinement centre or have a confinement lady at home.
Recently, a mother’s story about drinking teh ais during pantang went viral after her mother-in-law scolded her. She chose to follow her doctor’s advice instead. Her story reflects a question many families face: which traditions help, and which ones are worth rethinking?
Pantang bersalin berapa hari?
- Malay tradition: pantang typically lasts 40 to 44 days, as reported by Malay Mail.
- Chinese tradition (“doing the month” or zuo yuezi): usually around 30 to 40 days, according to research on this practice.
- Medically, the NHS advises a postnatal check 6 to 8 weeks after your baby’s birth to make sure you are recovering well.
Whatever length you choose, use this time to rest, bond with your baby and recover, and do not skip your postnatal check.
What the research says about berpantang
Research on traditional confinement shows a mixed picture:
- A review of “doing the month” found that its strengths include recognising the mother’s contribution and providing consistent family support, but raised concerns about the effect of some practices on mothers’ physical and mental health.
- A 2023 systematic review of 16 studies found conflicting results, and overall, confinement practices did not show a clear protective effect against postnatal depression.
- In one study of 198 Chinese mothers, stricter adherence was linked to lower fitness and more depressive symptoms at 6 weeks.
- In a study of Chinese, Malay and Indian first-time mothers in Singapore, many still followed confinement but modified or skipped practices they found impractical, and many felt restricted or stressed by the rules.
The takeaway: keep the rest, care and support, and adjust the rules that leave you hungry, thirsty, unwashed or isolated.
Makanan untuk ibu berpantang
According to the NHS, you do not need to follow a special diet while breastfeeding. Like everyone, you should eat a healthy diet with a variety of foods every day:
| Food group | What the NHS recommends |
|---|---|
| Fruit and vegetables | At least 5 portions of different coloured fruit and vegetables a day |
| Starchy foods | Rice, bread, noodles or potatoes; choose wholegrain or higher fibre types where possible, such as brown rice |
| Fibre | Wholegrains, beans, lentils, fruit and vegetables; constipation is common after birth and fibre helps (see sembelit) |
| Protein | Fish, eggs, lean meat, beans and pulses |
| Dairy | Milk, cheese or yoghurt, or calcium-fortified alternatives |
| Fluids | Drink plenty; keep a drink beside you when you breastfeed, such as water or milk |
A Malaysian study of first-time mothers in the Klang Valley, mostly Malay, found that at 2 weeks after birth, eggs and nuts were the foods most often avoided, while fish and vegetables were eaten more. Mothers who ate more fruit had higher vitamin C in their breast milk, and the researchers stressed the importance of vitamin C-rich foods such as fruit during pantang.
If you lost a lot of blood during birth or feel very tired and breathless, ask your doctor to check for anaemia; see our guide to kurang darah.
Ikan, sayur & buah untuk ibu berpantang
Ikan untuk ibu berpantang: fish is a good source of protein. The NHS advises breastfeeding mothers to:
- eat at least 2 portions of fish a week (a portion is about 140 g), one of which should be oily, such as mackerel or sardines;
- eat no more than 2 portions of oily fish a week;
- eat no more than 1 portion a week of shark, swordfish or marlin.
Cook fish well. Steamed, grilled or soup dishes are all good choices.
Sayur dan buah untuk ibu berpantang: there is no need to avoid them. The NHS recommends at least 5 portions a day, and fruits such as apples, grapes and strawberries contain sorbitol, which the NHS says can help soften stools. Wash fruit and vegetables well and cook vegetables if you prefer them warm.
Contoh menu berpantang
Here is an example of a balanced day during pantang, based on NHS healthy eating advice. Adjust it to your culture, appetite and any doctor’s advice.
| Meal | Example |
|---|---|
| Breakfast | Oats or wholegrain bread with an egg, a glass of milk or soya milk, and a piece of fruit |
| Lunch | Brown or white rice, ikan kembung or chicken soup with ginger, stir-fried green vegetables |
| Snack | Fresh fruit with a handful of unsalted nuts, or low-sugar yoghurt |
| Dinner | Rice or noodles, steamed fish or lean meat, vegetables such as spinach, broccoli or long beans |
| Drinks | Water throughout the day, especially while breastfeeding; limit sugary and caffeinated drinks |
Pantang larang: what to keep and what to rethink
Many pantang larang come from care and love. Here is what the evidence says about some common ones:
| Pantang larang | What the evidence says |
|---|---|
| No cold drinks or teh ais | NHS advice for breastfeeding mothers does not restrict cold drinks; drink plenty of fluids. For teh ais, watch the sugar and caffeine: the NHS suggests no more than 200 mg of caffeine a day while breastfeeding (a mug of tea is about 55 mg, coffee about 90 mg) |
| Drink very little water | Not recommended. The NHS advises plenty of fluids while breastfeeding, and not drinking enough is a common cause of constipation |
| Avoid vegetables and fruit | Not recommended. Eat at least 5 portions a day; fibre helps prevent constipation, and fruit supports vitamin C in breast milk |
| Avoid eggs and nuts | Not necessary for most mothers. Eggs are a good protein source, and the NHS says peanuts are fine while breastfeeding unless you are allergic |
| Stay in bed and avoid moving | Rest is important, but after a caesarean the NHS encourages getting up and moving around as soon as possible, and a daily gentle walk to reduce the risk of blood clots |
| Do not shower or wash | Keeping clean matters, especially with stitches or a caesarean wound. The NHS advises gently cleaning and drying a caesarean wound every day. Use warm water if you prefer |
If your family feels strongly about a practice, talk it through together with your doctor, midwife or nurse, who can explain what is safe for you and your baby.
Berpantang selepas czer (caesarean)
Recovering from a caesarean (bersalin czer) takes longer. According to the NHS:
- you can eat and drink as soon as you feel hungry or thirsty;
- you will be encouraged to get out of bed and move around as soon as possible;
- gently clean and dry the wound every day, wear loose clothes and cotton underwear, and watch for signs of infection;
- paracetamol or ibuprofen are usually suitable painkillers while breastfeeding, but not aspirin;
- you may not be able to drive, exercise, carry anything heavier than your baby or have sex for about 6 weeks; start again when you feel able.
The same balanced diet applies, with enough protein, fibre and fluids. See the warning signs below.
Urut, bertungku, bengkung & jamu
Traditional treatments are very common. In a study at a rural klinik kesihatan in Perak, 66.2% of mothers used traditional or complementary treatments after birth, most often massage (88.3%), mainly to feel generally better. Family belief was the biggest influence.
If you choose urut, bertungku, bengkung or herbal drinks:
- tell your doctor or midwife what you are using, especially after a caesarean or if you have stitches;
- ask your doctor before using heat or pressure near a healing wound or stitches;
- check with a doctor or pharmacist before taking jamu or herbal products while breastfeeding, and only buy products registered with KKM (see how to check KKM registration);
- stop if anything causes pain, burns or skin irritation.
Choosing a confinement centre or carer
Confinement centres have become popular in Malaysia, among both non-Muslim and Muslim families. In a Malaysian study of 187 Chinese mothers, 47% spent their confinement month in a centre. Of these mothers:
- 43% noticed that staff had inadequate hand hygiene;
- 66% reported no hand basin in their room, and 30% reported no soap at the basins;
- 92% had their baby sleeping separately in a shared nursery, and 74% spent less than 6 hours a day with their baby.
When choosing a centre or a confinement lady, ask about hand washing, how babies are cared for, whether your baby can stay in your room, and how breastfeeding is supported.
Meroyan, baby blues & postnatal depression
Feeling tearful, anxious or irritable in the first days after birth is very common. According to the NHS, these baby blues usually go away within 2 weeks. If the feelings continue, get worse, or you struggle to cope, it may be postnatal depression, which in Malaysia is often called meroyan. The NHS lists symptoms such as:
- low mood, or finding it hard to enjoy anything;
- feeling hopeless, guilty or that you are a bad parent;
- constant worry, anxiety, irritability or difficulty sleeping even when you can rest;
- difficulty bonding with your baby;
- thoughts of harming yourself or your baby.
Postnatal depression is common and treatable, with talking therapy and, if needed, medicines that are safe while breastfeeding. It can start any time up to a year after birth. Talk to your doctor, and see our guide to kemurungan (depression). Hair shedding a few months after birth is also common; see postpartum hair loss.
If you are struggling, call Talian HEAL 15555 (8am to midnight daily) or Befrienders KL +603-7627 2929 (24 hours). If you or your baby are in danger, call 999.
Warning signs: when to get help
After a caesarean, the NHS advises contacting your doctor straight away if you have:
- severe pain, or pain when peeing, or leaking urine;
- heavy vaginal bleeding;
- a wound that becomes more red, painful or swollen, or discharges pus or foul-smelling fluid;
- a cough or shortness of breath;
- swelling or pain in your lower leg, which can be a sign of a blood clot.
After any birth, do not wait out heavy bleeding, breathlessness or feeling very unwell because of pantang rules; go to your klinik kesihatan or hospital. If part of your breast becomes swollen, hot and painful, see our guide to mastitis. Attend your postnatal check at 6 to 8 weeks, where the NHS says your doctor will ask about your mood, vaginal discharge, stitches, feeding, contraception and any problems with bladder or bowel control (see kencing tak lawas).
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Pantang bersalin berapa hari (how many days is berpantang)?
Traditionally, many Malay mothers observe pantang for about 40 to 44 days, while Chinese families often follow a confinement month of around 30 to 40 days. Medically, the NHS offers a postnatal check 6 to 8 weeks after your baby is born to make sure you are recovering properly. The exact length is a family and personal choice.
Apa makanan untuk ibu berpantang (what should I eat during pantang)?
According to the NHS, you do not need a special diet after giving birth or while breastfeeding. Aim for a variety of foods: at least 5 portions of fruit and vegetables a day, wholegrain rice or bread, protein such as fish, eggs, lean meat, beans and lentils, milk or dairy, and plenty of fluids. Fibre helps prevent constipation, which is common after birth.
Can I drink cold water or teh ais during pantang?
NHS advice for breastfeeding mothers does not restrict cold drinks; what matters is drinking plenty of fluids. With teh ais, the main things to watch are sugar and caffeine: the NHS recommends no more than 200 mg of caffeine a day while breastfeeding, and a mug of tea has about 55 mg. If your family has concerns, discuss them with your doctor or midwife.
Ikan apa yang sesuai untuk ibu berpantang (which fish is good)?
Most well-cooked fish is a good source of protein. The NHS advises breastfeeding mothers to eat at least 2 portions of fish a week, one of them oily, such as mackerel or sardines, but no more than 2 portions of oily fish a week and no more than 1 portion a week of shark, swordfish or marlin.
Should I avoid vegetables and fruit during pantang?
No. The NHS recommends at least 5 portions of fruit and vegetables a day while breastfeeding, and fibre helps with constipation after birth. A Malaysian study of mostly Malay first-time mothers found that eating more fruit in the first 2 weeks was linked to higher vitamin C levels in breast milk.
Does berpantang prevent meroyan (postnatal depression)?
Not on its own. A 2023 systematic review found conflicting evidence, and overall berpantang-style confinement did not show a clear protective effect against postnatal depression. Family support and rest can help, but if you feel low, anxious or unable to cope for more than 2 weeks after the birth, speak to your doctor. Treatment works.
What should I eat after a caesarean (makanan pantang czer)?
After a caesarean, the NHS says you can eat and drink as soon as you feel hungry or thirsty. The same balanced diet applies, with enough protein, fruit, vegetables, fibre and fluids to help healing and avoid constipation. Keep moving gently, look after your wound, and avoid driving or lifting anything heavier than your baby until you feel able, which may be around 6 weeks.
Disclaimer
This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor, midwife or nurse. Traditional practices vary between families; talk to your healthcare team about what is safe for you. In an emergency, call 999. Health supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
References
- Breastfeeding and diet — NHS
- Caesarean section: recovery — NHS
- Postnatal depression — NHS
- Your 6-week postnatal check — NHS
- Constipation — NHS
- Yang X, et al. Maternal postnatal confinement practices and postpartum depression in Chinese populations: a systematic review. PLoS One. 2023;18(10):e0293667
- Liu YQ, et al. “Doing the month”: postpartum practices in Chinese women. Nurs Health Sci. 2015;17(1):5-14
- Liu YQ, et al. Effect of postpartum practices of doing the month on Chinese women’s physical and psychological health. Biol Res Nurs. 2014;16(1):55-63
- Tsai SS, Wang HH. Role changes in primiparous women during ‘doing the month’ period. Midwifery. 2019;74:6-13
- Tan ML, et al. A descriptive qualitative study exploring the postpartum confinement experiences among first-time mothers from the three major ethnic groups in Singapore. Midwifery. 2022;114:103463
- Mohd Shukri NH, et al. Breast milk vitamin C concentrations and their association with confinement dietary practices in the early postpartum period. Cureus. 2026
- Ridzuan MH, et al. Traditional and complementary medicine use during postpartum period: a cross-sectional analysis at a rural, public maternal and child health clinic in West Malaysia. Cureus. 2021
- Foong SC, et al. Mothers’ hygiene experiences in confinement centres: a cohort study. PLoS One. 2022;17(5):e0268676
- Muslim mothers in Malaysia say going to a confinement centre is not about being manja — Malay Mail (2024)
- Wanita disindir gara-gara minum teh ais waktu berpantang — mStar (October 2026)
- Talian HEAL 15555 tawar sokongan mental mula beroperasi — Sinar Harian
