Postpartum traditions around the world
While childbirth is technically a biological event, the way women experience pregnancy and the postpartum period is heavily shaped by social and cultural factors. Postpartum care in the UK is predominantly baby-focused, but across many cultures in Asia, Latin America, and Africa, postpartum traditions have long emphasised the importance of caring for the mother during the crucial first 40 days after birth. These practices, passed down through generations, focus on nurturing the mother’s physical and emotional well-being, ensuring a smooth recovery and healthy transition into motherhood. From special diets and herbal baths to rest periods and community support, these customs prioritise the mother, recognising that her well-being is key to both her health and her ability to care for her newborn.
Respecting such traditions has been shown to address significant health concerns like postpartum depression and encourage a greater utilisation of maternal health services. As such, these practices can offer valuable insights into holistic postpartum care.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some postpartum traditions from around the world.
China: Zuo yuezi
Chinese postpartum rituals are collectively termed as Zuo yuezi, which translates as “doing” or “sitting” the month. The rituals consist of guidelines on diet, movement, and hygiene for women that date back to ancient China. From consuming specific tonic foods and beverages to staying indoors, and avoiding contact with water, new mothers typically follow Zuo yuezi for around 30 days following childbirth. Rooted in traditional medicine, the practice is designed to safeguard women's health during recovery and prevent future illnesses, aligning with long-held principles of Chinese healing practices.
While the exact practices vary by region across China, there are a few key principles that remain steadfast. The core belief is that pregnancy depletes a mother’s internal ‘heat’ and energy as a result of blood loss during childbirth and places a woman in a ‘cold’ state. The dietary and behavioural rules are intended to restore her body’s harmony. Notably, this means women are committed to rest while childcare and domestic chores are assumed by other members of the family.
South Korea: Sanhujori
In South Korea, the postpartum ‘confinement’ period is called sanhujori which literally translates to ‘afterbirth recovery.’ Typically lasting 21 days, new mothers are encouraged to rest as much as possible, avoid doing strenuous activities and stay indoors to prevent exposure to the cold. While traditionally the care was provided by the mother or mother-in-law, in modern society it is common for women to stay in specialised postpartum care centres offering a comfortable environment, nutritious meals, massages, and support from nurses who help with baby care and breastfeeding.
The main tenets of the practice emphasise activities and food that keep the body warm, rest and relaxation to aid healing, maintaining cleanliness and eating nutritious foods. These postpartum practices are rooted in the belief that proper care during this period is essential to a mother's long-term health and well-being. In fact, it is widely believed that women who do not properly perform sanhujori may suffer from illnesses, such as joint inflammation, urinary incontinence, low blood pressure, and depression.
Latin America: Cuarentena
In Latin American cultures, the first 40 days after having a baby is traditionally known as la cuarentena, which literally translates to ‘quarantine.’ Cuarentena is a period dedicated to allowing new mothers to rest, recover, and concentrate on breastfeeding, with women in their communities often stepping in to help with household tasks and other responsibilities. The traditional practices follow 7 core rest, bonding, light and healthy food, abstinence, covering their heads and necks, binding their abdomens in a faja (a compression garment), support from the community and rituals, including prayer, cleansing and womb massage.
Japan: Satogoeri Bunben
Satogaeri bunben is a Japanese rite where the pregnant mother returns to her family home for childbirth and postpartum recovery, staying with her parents and family members to obtain support and to rest physically and psychologically. The practice allows the baby’s grandparents to provide critical support for both the new mother, helping with daily tasks around the house, taking them to doctor’s appointments and providing vital childcare.
The practice often includes traditional customs and rituals aimed at honouring the mother and child, ensuring a supportive environment for both. Family members also prepare nutritious meals that align with postpartum dietary practices, providing essential nourishment for recovery and breastfeeding. A number of studies have linked the Japanese postpartum support method with significantly lower scores on the ‘Maternity Blue Scale’ for postpartum depression.
India: Jaapa
In India, Jaapa is a traditional practice whereby new mothers observe a 40-day confinement period during which they rest and are cared for by family members. While different communities have different traditions and practices for the confinement period, the core belief is that the new mother does as little housework and gets as much rest as she can during this time. The practice originally evolved from the need to protect both mother and baby from infection, while helping the mother recover physically and emotionally from the exhaustion of childbirth.
During confinement, the Jaapa practice prioritises a diet rich in nutritious foods that are believed to aid recovery, such as warming and energy-dense dishes, which are thought to enhance lactation and overall health. The families also carry out a number of traditional healing remedies and ceremonial blessings, plus postpartum massage to promote both physical healing and emotional well-being while reinforcing community ties.
Nigeria: Omugwo
The Nigerian practice of Omugwo comprises a 30-day ‘confinement’ period, during which they are cared for by their mother or mother-in-law. This practice is significant as it allows the new mother to gain valuable insights and guidance on childcare from her mother or mother-in-law, offering essential knowledge and support during her transition into motherhood.
During this time, the new mother is fed meals that are believed to help fight blood clots and boost breast milk production, usually spicy foods like pepper soup. Prioritising rest, recuperation and sleep for new mothers, they are often also provided with holistic wellness practices including hot water therapy, Sitz baths, Swedish massage and belly binding. Other core tenets of the practice are education on childcare, cultural rituals, emotional support and reinforcing community ties.
Traditions as Inspiration
While not all cultural postpartum rituals are accessible, relevant or even appealing to every new parent, they can serve as inspiration for postpartum women in the West. Cultivating more robust support systems during this transformative time can have a marked and lasting impact on the way women experience their journey into motherhood. In the traditional practices we’ve just reviewed, a number of core practices are recurring: rest, support, nutrition, healing and a dedicated focus on the mother’s overall wellbeing.
In the UK, the NHS sees challenges in providing comprehensive postpartum care due to resource constraints, including budget cuts and staff shortages, which lead to limited follow-up services for new mothers. Additionally, the overwhelming demand for maternity services often prioritises immediate medical needs, leaving postpartum care underfunded and underserved.
In the UK:
80% of UK mothers experience baby blues
65% of women did not have the right support to focus on their own needs and recovery [1]
80% of women struggled to find the postpartum providers that they needed [2]
75% of women unaware of the necessary measures to take to recover postpartum [3]
20% of men can experience high levels of anxiety in the postpartum period
It’s clear that new parents can benefit from tapping into community resources, seeking assistance from family and friends, or hiring professional postpartum support such as doulas, nurses, and lactation consultants. These professionals offer invaluable help in areas like newborn care, breastfeeding support, and emotional healing, often honouring a family’s unique culture and values. Additionally, fostering a strong support network, whether through partners or extended family, can make a significant difference in a new mother's experience.
Embracing the spirit of these traditions, The Tenth is on a mission to enhance and elevate the modern western woman’s journey into motherhood. Our luxury postpartum retreat is designed to promote healing and well-being for women, prioritising holistic practices including mental health therapy, massage, nutritious meals, and access to restorative modalities. Acting as a bridge for mother and baby between birth and the new normal at home, we provide a dedicated time and space for healing, while experienced professionals help build your confidence.
¹ Survey by The Tenth, 2024
² Survey by The Tenth, 2024
³ Survey by The Tenth, 2024
