What to Eat During Confinement: A Malaysian Food Guide from Eggs to Durian

FM

Medically reviewed by

Dr Fatimah Mustafah

Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist

• M.D (UKM)
• M.O&G (Universiti Malaya)
• MMC 27460
• NSR 134372

Written by

Roseville Care Lady Team

Carers for mothers and babies at Roseville Confinement Villa, Bangi Gateway

Updated 29 October 2026 15 references

Disclosure: Dr Fatimah is one of Roseville’s owners.

What to eat during confinement: what Malaysia’s Ministry of Health says

Almost any nutritious food. The MyHEALTH portal of Malaysia’s Ministry of Health (KKM) says there is no special confinement diet; family customs are fine as long as meals stay balanced.

If you skip a food, swap it for another from the same group, such as a different fish. Build each main meal on the Malaysian Healthy Plate (Malaysian Dietary Guidelines 2020, KKM):

• A quarter: rice, bihun, wholemeal bread, sweet potato or corn, ideally whole grains.
• A quarter: fish, chicken, meat, eggs, dhal, tempeh or dairy.
• Half: vegetables and fruit.
• Drinks: plain water or unsweetened drinks; go easy on soy sauce and gravies high in salt, sugar and fat.

Eggs, fish, chicken and meat: are they really “bisa”?

Tradition: some fish, chicken, eggs and pineapple are called “bisa” (harmful) and said to slow wound repair (KKM). A KKM study in Kelantan (2017) found kembung, tenggiri and bawal avoided as “itchy”, and chicken and meat delayed about two weeks.

Evidence: KKM calls these foods good sources of protein, vitamins and minerals; protein matters for repairing birth wounds, and iron helps replace blood lost at birth. The NHS lists eggs, fish and lean meat as protein foods when breastfeeding.

A small 2026 Klang Valley study found 61.5% of first-time mothers avoided seafood and 53.8% avoided eggs; its authors note that guidelines do not advise avoiding eggs or fish while breastfeeding to prevent allergies in babies.

Safe way: at least two portions of fish a week, but no more than two of oily fish such as sardines, and no more than one of shark, swordfish or marlin (NHS).

“Cooling” foods: can you eat cucumber, banana, apple and corn?

Tradition: a new mother should stay “warm”, so ginger and black pepper are favoured and “cooling” cucumber and watermelon avoided (KKM, 2017). Lists vary between families, and some allow apples and certain bananas.

Evidence: KKM says no scientific study shows any benefit in avoiding these foods. Vegetables and fruit give vitamins, minerals and fibre, which the NHS says helps with constipation after birth.

So cucumber, bananas and apples are fine; the NHS lists apples among fruits for softer stools. Corn and wholemeal bread are fibre-rich whole grains (KKM, NHS). Yoghurt and milk provide calcium and protein; if your family worries they are cold, serve them at room temperature.

If your family still objects, choose sawi, kucai, ulam, oranges or papaya (KKM). For cold water and ice, see confinement rules and myths.

Durian, nasi lemak, soy sauce and ice cream: tradition vs evidence

A summary for mothers without complications; with diabetes, high blood pressure or allergies, follow your doctor.

Coffee, tea, chocolate and water: how much while breastfeeding?

Caffeine passes into breast milk and, in large amounts, may make your baby restless. The NHS and ACOG advise up to 200 mg a day while breastfeeding, and ACOG suggests less in the first days, as newborns are more sensitive. NHS estimates:

• One mug of coffee: about 90 mg
• One mug of tea: about 55 mg
• A 50 g bar of plain dark chocolate: under 25 mg

So yes, a postpartum mother can have coffee and chocolate within this limit. KKM recommends 6 to 8 glasses of water a day, as a mother makes about 800 ml of milk daily; drink more if your urine is dark yellow (ACOG).

Herbs and jamu can pass into breast milk, so take care, especially with a premature baby or one under two months (KKM). Take supplements only on a doctor’s or dietitian’s advice (KKM), and avoid alcohol while breastfeeding (NHS).

A sample day of meals, and what to ask a confinement centre

This general example follows the Malaysian Healthy Plate; it is not Roseville’s menu.

• Breakfast: oats or wholemeal bread, an egg, milk.
• Lunch: rice, steamed ginger fish, sawi, papaya.
• Afternoon: plain yoghurt with fruit, or nuts if not allergic.
• Dinner: rice, black pepper chicken soup, vegetables, an orange.

Choosing a confinement centre? Before paying a deposit, ask how many meals are served, whether allergies and customs are followed, whether food handlers have typhoid vaccination, and where ingredients come from.

At Roseville Confinement Villa & Spa, Bangi Gateway, every package includes four confinement meals a day, planned for mothers in confinement. Trained food handlers vaccinated against typhoid (TY2) run the kitchen, and extra meals can be added for a fee. Discuss the menu during a free villa visit.

C-section, diabetes or a baby with allergies: when to see a doctor

No special diet is needed after a C-section: NICE says mothers who are well without complications can eat and drink as normal, and the NHS says you can eat once hungry or thirsty. See confinement after a C-section.

With diabetes (including in pregnancy), high blood pressure or a food allergy, follow your doctor’s or dietitian’s advice; NICE recommends discussing diet at postnatal check-ups. Very rarely, a breastfeeding mother must cut out dairy for a baby with severe cow’s milk allergy (NHS); never drop a food group without medical advice.

Roseville is a confinement care centre, not a clinic, and a jaundiced baby needs a doctor. We can help arrange an appointment at the clinic or hospital of your choice.

Frequently asked questions

This article is general information and does not replace advice from your doctor or dietitian. The sample meals in this article are general examples, not Roseville’s menu. Roseville is a confinement care centre and women’s spa, not a clinic or hospital. For any health concern for you or your baby, please see a doctor or registered health facility.