Can I eat crayfish during the postpartum confinement period?

May 24, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Lu
Introduction
The nutrients in crayfish are very beneficial for postpartum women experiencing weakness, effectively helping to replenish energy, promote recovery after childbirth, enhance immunity, and strengthen disease resistance. Additionally, in traditional Chinese medicine, shrimp are believed to have functions including nourishing the kidneys, invigorating yang, promoting lactation, dispelling wind-phlegm, and can be used to treat symptoms such as insufficient breast milk secretion in postpartum women. It should be noted that crayfish should be consumed during the postpartum confinement period.

  It is generally safe for women to consume crawfish during the postpartum confinement period (sitting the month), provided it is eaten in moderation.

  If the new mother is in good health, has no history of allergies, and has normal digestive function, moderate consumption of well-cooked crawfish is acceptable. Crawfish is rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals, which can help supplement nutrients after childbirth. However, it is important to ensure the crawfish is thoroughly cooked and not consumed raw to prevent food poisoning or infections.

  The nutrients in crawfish are highly beneficial for postpartum women who are physically weakened, as they can effectively restore energy, promote recovery after childbirth, boost immunity, and enhance disease resistance. Additionally, traditional Chinese medicine believes that shrimp has functions of nourishing the kidneys, strengthening yang, promoting lactation, and expelling wind-phlegm, and can be used to treat symptoms such as insufficient milk production after childbirth. It should be noted that crawfish consumed during the postpartum period should be prepared using light and easily digestible cooking methods.

  If crawfish is prepared with excessive spiciness or oil, it may irritate the gastrointestinal tract, leading to discomforts such as abdominal pain and diarrhea in the mother. In daily diet, it is recommended to maintain a balanced dietary structure and diversify food intake to help maintain overall health.