What are the Indian post-pregnancy beliefs and traditions?

Hi, here are some Indian post-pregnancy beliefs and traditions: ƒ- The mother and the child are usually isolated immediately after delivery, due to beliefs about pollution and impurity linked to the delivery process. ƒ - The period of seclusion and confinement of postpartum women varies across regions. In many regions, the confinement period of postpartum women can be up to 40 days. ƒ - Confinement is is practiced to protect mother and infant from exposure to disease and from evil spirits. Both mother and child are considered to be in a vulnerable state after birth. ƒ - Postpartum practices are usually upheld and enforced by mothers-inlaw, aunts and other elderly female relatives. These women may decide the kinds of food a postpartum woman can consume. ƒ - Some women may be required to follow a diet of puffed rice, tea and hot water for the first three days after delivery. ƒ - The consumption of milk, butter, ghee and some types of fish is encouraged due to the belief that these foods will increase the quantity and quality of breast milk. ƒ - Postpartum women may consume a large quantity of garlic, to aid in the contraction of the uterus or to ‘dry the womb’. ƒ - Common foods that are traditionally avoided by postpartum women include certain varieties of green leafy vegetables, fibrous vegetables, melons, pumpkin, papaya, eggplant, shell fish, eggs (in certain castes and communities), certain varieties of fish, lemons, limes, oranges, grapes, chillies, bell peppers, spices, bananas, yoghurt, and oily food. ƒ - The placenta may be disposed of by burying it under the floor of the room where the birth occurred, or in the courtyard of the house. The placenta is buried to keep an enemy or evil spirit from seizing it and influencing the well-being and longevity of the child. Health professionals should offer the placenta to a postpartum woman. ƒ - Cold baths or showers are avoided. In the hospital, a postpartum woman may accept a warm bath, but may be reluctant to have a warm shower.