Postpartum is a universal experience, however it is often experienced differently around the world. Despite the differences there are some common threads which suggest:
- 1. We are more similar than different
- 2. There might be something to these traditional practices.
When looking at traditional practices for the postpartum period they often include:
- celebrating the transition into motherhood (whether first or 5th baby)
- decreasing the new mothers burdens
- nourishing the body with cooked foods that are easy to digest and often having warming properties
- allowing for rest
- practices that prioritize heat over cold
Many of these traditions are beautiful. It is important to keep in mind that not all with resonate. They are not necessarily the end all be all of how one should be cared for. We have an advantagenow of making connections, seeing what works, what makes sense and also the benefit of combining and eliminating certain practices as needed.
China
In China there is “zuo yuezi” this is a 30 day rest and confinement period. During this time new mothers have a strict diet they follow. And no it isn’t to get there bodies back or focus on cutting calories. The diet is to promote digestion and healing so no raw fruits or veggies, everything is to be cooked. Meals are often broth and protein focused. Also no cold water.
France
French moms get a longer hospital stay even for uncomplicated births with average stays of 5 days. When they do return home they are provided with la rééducation périnéale (pelvic floor physical therapy) because it is acknowledged that our bodies do in fact need to heal and recover after birth. In addition to this care they also have home visits from nurses as well.
India
In India the confinement period lasts a bit longer at a minimum of 40 to as long as 60 days postpartum. Visitors are limited and family steps up to care for the mother and baby. The diet is rooted in aurevadic practices focusing on food that has warming properties and that is easy to digest. During this time new moms bath and use sits baths infused with herbs and are provided daily warm oil massages. – Now that last practice is something I can really get behind!
Latin America
Many Latin American countries observe la cuarentena. A 40 day confinement period where strenuous activity and sex is restricted. Foods that are though to cause colic such as very spicey, acidic or greesy foods are avoided and herbs and foods that are thought to promote breastmilk are encouraged. This time is for the mother to heal, establish breastfeeding and bound with her baby. To allow that to happen other family members take over the cooking and cleaning as well as tending any other children. It isn’t just parenting that takes a village – it’s needed for getting through postpartum as well.
Nigeria
In Nigeria it is tradition for the maternal grandmother to perform babies first bath. This shows the new mom that she is not alone on her journey. If the grandmother is no longer available another close family member steps in.
The Middle East
Throughout the Middle East new moms also observe a 40 day rest period that focuses on establishing breastfeeding and avoiding sickness. During this time the mother and baby are to stay home and female family and friends visit to perform helpful tasks for the new mom, taking care of the house, cooking and children. New moms are encouraged to eat a diet focused on soups, meat and poultry, again to promote healing and milk production.
Jamaica
Rest and solitude are prioritized in this Caribbean island during the early postpartum days. Chicken soup is a staple as is food containing spices like ginger, cinnamon which can help reduce inflammation and aid digestion and nutrient absorption.
Native American Nations
There is a “lying in” period celebrated throughout many Native American tribes that tends to be around 20 days. During this time the mother will participate in ceremonial baths and sweat lodges. The postpartum diet is often rich in game meats like deer and elk.
Japan
After the birth of a baby the mother stays at her parents home with the baby to heal and rebuild her strength. Her parents care for her while she is allowed to care and bond with her baby.
Russia
In Russia while community is important it is also a necessity. For an increased charge you can have a private room in the hospital but most new moms stay with 2 to 3 other new mothers in hospital rooms for the first 5 days. Once they return home their mom or mother-in-law usually comes to stay during the first month. Also during this time a midwife will make 3 visits which turn into monthly visits for the remaining first year.
Indonesia
The early postpartum days for Indonesian mothers is filled with therapeutic baths and daily massages from midwives. They also perform belly wrapping in attempt to aide uterine healing. Jamu is a traditional dish made of egg yolks, tamarind, palm sugar and herbs that is thought to be healing for the new mother.
Zambia
Mothers in Zambia are strictly forbidden to perform any work until the umbilical cord falls off. Granted that is only 10 days but at least is some commitment to rest before gradually returning to activities of daily life.
Pakistan
In Pakistan new mothers are nourished with a dish called Goandh which is semolina, sugar and nuts in clarified butter. They are also encouraged to have a herbal milk drink with turmeric, dried dates and other spices. Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and this is thought to help with postpartum bleeding.
England
In traditional English practices teas of chamomile and raspberry leaf are used to promote calmness and general wellness during the postpartum period.
Korea
The time after the birth of a baby is seen as a sacred time for new mothers in Korea. In traditional practice they observe Saam-chil-il which is 21 days dedicated to the recover of the mother and the wellbeing of mother and baby together.
Herbal steam baths and sits baths are very common during this time as are massages with heated towels. Anything cold including food and drink is to be avoided. Soups, particularly seaweed soups are prioritized during this time.
A few things to keep in mind
First, this is just a snippet of how various cultures care for new mothers. This is by no means a definitive list.
While rest and staying home has its benefits it can also be potentially isolating and also possibly delay healing depending on how sedentary this time is. Getting fresh air and socializing (with the right people) also has its benefits. I can not speak to how much rest vs gentle movement is encouraged during these various periods of rest or confinement. Massage and warming practices can help with circulation and healing but so does light walking and gentle movement.
There are also traditional practices of belly binding which if done loosely could serve some benefit of gentle support and comfort but if done too tightly could also cause pelvic floor issues if done too tight and for too long.
I think overall we have a lot to gain by looking at these practices, especially the overlapping themes. We here (in the US) have a long way to go to optimize postpartum care. We should look to other cultures to see what is working, what we can add in and what makes the most sense. Things we might want to tweak and change vs what we want to keep traditional. As with anything I think we learn best from looking cross culturally. This is a look at practices that occur today many of which are steeped in tradition.