In Malaysia, the confinement period is a sacred time for many mothers who have just given birth. Most, if not all, of the ethnic communities have their own traditional practices that dictate the care of mothers and their newborn babies. But with mothers and babies at their most vulnerable, what are the risks of confinement practices that largely take place in the community and, increasingly, in commercial settings? Consultant O&G Dr Imelda Balchin joins Azrul Mohd Khalib, CEO of the Galen Centre for Health & Social Policy, to discuss safe and unsafe confinement practices, and whether there should be standards and regulations governing these services.

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