Menu Lifestyle
By: Mia Chen
Date: March 16, 2023
What struck me after the arrival of my first child was the astonishingly swift expectation to resume my normal life as a productive individual. Just days post-birth, I found myself entertaining guests, answering phone calls, preparing meals, and attending medical appointments—all while grappling with physical recovery. I was still experiencing postpartum bleeding, my body adjusting in every way imaginable, and my breasts felt like two overinflated water balloons, leaking milk at all hours. Plus, my little one had a habit of crying unless held, meaning I was learning to navigate my new reality with a tiny, demanding bundle attached to me around the clock.
In contemporary society, many women receive minimal support during the postpartum phase. The idea of taking time to heal physically and emotionally seems almost foreign. Instead, many are propelled back into work just weeks after childbirth, which raises concerns about issues like postpartum depression and the disturbingly high rates of maternal mortality, often linked to preventable postpartum complications.
The treatment of new mothers today is far from ideal; however, there are valuable lessons to be learned from traditional practices in various cultures. One such custom is the ancient Chinese tradition known as zuo yue zi, or “sitting in,” which has been observed for centuries.
While some aspects of this practice may feel restrictive or outdated to modern sensibilities, there are refreshing elements from zuo yue zi that could greatly benefit new mothers today. In an engaging interview with Dr. Li Wei, an Associate Chief Physician at the Beijing Harmony Center for Maternal and Infant Care, she elaborates on the essence of this time-honored tradition.
“The first written mentions of postpartum customs date back over 2,000 years,” Dr. Wei explains. “Zuo yue zi was a way to honor women’s roles in society and ensure their well-being.” Despite its decline among some contemporary mothers, many still embrace the practice as a period of pampering and care following childbirth.
Zuo yue zi is not just about celebrating mothers; it has recognized health benefits for both mothers and infants in the postpartum period. The tradition emphasizes limited physical activity to aid healing in the pelvis and uterus, alongside a strict diet focusing on nutrient-rich foods like calcium, iron, and protein.
Interestingly, women participating in zuo yue zi are often discouraged from showering, washing their hair, or even brushing their teeth for a month. While this may seem extreme to many, Dr. Wei notes that such practices were born out of historical context and lower living standards. “These rules are not hygienic by today’s standards,” she clarifies, “and while they were once necessary, modern mothers can adapt these ideas without strictly following all the ‘don’ts.’”
In a recent conversation with a Beijing mother, Alice Zhang, who experienced zuo yue zi after her two births, she shared her journey. Encouraged by her mother and mother-in-law, she observed the practice diligently. “I didn’t wash my hair for over two weeks, and when I finally did, it was with herbal-infused water,” Alice recounted. She indulged in comforting meals like chicken cooked with rice wine and plenty of ginger. “I had more pig’s liver than I ever thought I would!” she added with a laugh.
While not all of Alice’s experiences were positive—she wished for more frequent showers and found some hygiene practices unnecessary—she still advocates for a modified version of zuo yue zi for new mothers. “Embrace what feels right for you and don’t feel pressured to follow every rule.”
Despite the challenges of integrating such a tradition into modern life, there’s an urgent need for better support systems for mothers today. Our maternity leave policies are inadequate, and for many, hiring help is unrealistic. If there’s a way to incorporate aspects of zuo yue zi into your postpartum journey, it’s worth exploring. Every new mom deserves to be cherished during this transformative stage, and we should all do our part to uplift them.
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Summary
The ancient Chinese practice of zuo yue zi offers valuable insights into postpartum care that modern mothers could adapt to enhance their recovery. While some traditions may seem outdated, the core idea of nurturing and supporting new mothers remains crucial. As we move forward, it is essential to prioritize the well-being of mothers, ensuring they receive the care and respect they deserve during this pivotal time.
Keyphrase: Chinese postpartum tradition
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