Can I eat pears during the postpartum confinement period?
Sep 01, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Lu
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, women can eat pears during the postpartum recovery period (sitting month), but it is not recommended to consume them in large quantities. When consuming pears, it is important to choose warm preparations such as steaming or stewing, and avoid eating raw or cold pears directly, to prevent gastrointestinal discomfort or worsening internal coldness. Each serving should be moderate, as excessive consumption may increase digestive burden. Gastrointestinal function is relatively weak in the early postpartum period.
Generally speaking, women can eat pears during the postpartum confinement period (坐月子), although excessive consumption is not recommended. Detailed explanation is as follows:
Pears are rich in water, vitamins, and dietary fiber, which can help replenish fluids needed after childbirth, alleviate common discomforts such as dry mouth and constipation, and provide gentle nutrition to aid physical recovery. When consuming, it is advisable to steam or stew the pears, which helps reduce their cooling properties and makes the texture more tender and soothing, thus avoiding irritation to the sensitive digestive system after childbirth. It is suitable for postpartum women to consume in small amounts during the gradual recovery phase, adding nutrition and flavor to their confinement diet.
It is important to note that pears should be consumed using warm cooking methods such as steaming or stewing, rather than eating them raw or cold, to prevent gastrointestinal discomfort or increased internal coldness. The quantity consumed each time should not be excessive, as overconsumption may burden digestion. Due to weaker gastrointestinal function in the early postpartum period, it is advisable to delay consumption until the body has partially recovered, then cautiously try small amounts. If symptoms such as diarrhea or abdominal pain occur after consumption, stop immediately.
