Question 1

What is Gelai or Po Ge Lai?

Accepted Answer

Po Ge Lai (坐月子) is the Filipino-Chinese tradition of postpartum confinement. For 30-40 days after giving birth, new mothers rest, stay warm, eat nourishing foods, and let their bodies heal. It's a gift of care passed down through generations.

Question 2

What foods should I eat during gelai?

Accepted Answer

Traditional gelai foods include tablea/sikwate (native chocolate), lapu-lapu (grouper) soup for milk production, chicken with sesame oil (麻油鸡), pigs feet with ginger (猪脚姜), red date tea, black chicken soup, and papaya soup. These 'warming' foods help restore the body's balance after childbirth.

Question 3

What foods should I avoid during gelai?

Accepted Answer

During gelai, avoid cold drinks and water, raw vegetables and salads, fresh fruits (considered 'cooling'), shellfish like shrimp and crabs, sour foods, very salty foods, and spicy foods. Sweet chocolate bars don't count as 'hot' food - only real tablea or dark chocolate.

Question 4

How long does gelai last?

Accepted Answer

Traditional gelai lasts 30 days (one month), though some families practice 40 days of confinement for complete recovery. The duration can vary based on family tradition and the mother's recovery progress.

Question 5

Is my data private on Gelai.ph?

Accepted Answer

Yes, completely. All your information (progress, mood, completed tasks) is stored only on your device in your browser's local storage. We never see your data. It stays completely private, just for you. Note: Private/Incognito browsing mode will prevent data from saving.