Is it okay to use a mobile phone during the postpartum confinement period?
Disease description:
My sister just gave birth to my nephew and is currently in the postpartum recovery period (sitting month). She is not allowed to play with her phone and feels bored. She would like to consult a doctor whether it is permissible to use a mobile phone during the postpartum recovery period.
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhang Lu
The postpartum period, also known as the period of confinement, is a recovery phase after childbirth during which women may appropriately use their mobile phones. During this time, women's bodies are relatively weak and their resistance may be reduced. Using mobile phones moderately can help relax the mind and pass the time. However, prolonged use of mobile phones may lead to various problems, such as eye discomfort including eye fatigue, dryness, and even retinal edema; physical discomfort, as maintaining the same posture for extended periods while using a phone may cause shoulder pain, sore hands, and discomfort in the neck and lower back; additionally, it may affect sleep quality, leading to endocrine disorders and further impacting physical recovery.
During the postpartum period, women should control the amount of time spent using mobile phones. Each session should not exceed one hour, and total daily usage should be limited to less than four hours, avoiding prolonged screen staring. Proper posture should be maintained when using a mobile phone, avoiding prolonged bending of the head or lying down while using the device. It is advisable to get up and move around periodically to promote blood circulation. Moreover, sufficient sleep should be ensured to avoid affecting rest and recovery. A balanced diet and appropriate low-intensity exercises, such as slow walking or strolling, should also be maintained to promote overall physical recovery.
