After the birth of my first child, I was amazed at how quickly I was expected to return to my pre-baby life. Just days postpartum, I felt pressure to entertain guests, answer calls, prepare meals, and attend doctor appointments—all while dealing with the physical aftermath of childbirth. I was still experiencing postpartum bleeding, my body was in recovery mode, and my breasts were engorged with milk. On top of that, my newborn needed constant attention, making it a challenge to manage even the simplest tasks.
In our society, postpartum care for women is often inadequate. There’s little time for physical and emotional healing, and many mothers are expected to return to work just weeks after giving birth. This lack of support can contribute to issues like postpartum depression and, alarmingly, a rise in maternal mortality rates linked to preventable complications during the postpartum phase.
One traditional practice that offers valuable lessons is the ancient Chinese custom of zuo yue zi, or “sitting in.” This practice emphasizes the importance of care and recovery during the critical postpartum period. Dr. Mei Chen, an expert in maternal health at the Beijing Maternal and Child Health Center, notes that historical records of zuo yue zi date back over 2,000 years, highlighting a societal respect for women’s roles and their health needs during this vulnerable time.
Although some aspects of zuo yue zi may seem restrictive or outdated, many modern mothers are rediscovering its benefits. Women often take a month after giving birth to rest and receive pampering while adhering to specific dietary and activity guidelines. These rules include consuming nutrient-rich foods and limiting physical exertion, which can aid in recovery for both mothers and infants.
For instance, mothers practicing zuo yue zi typically avoid activities like showering, washing their hair, or even brushing their teeth for the entire month. While these practices may not align with contemporary hygiene standards, they were rooted in the historical context of lower living conditions, as Dr. Chen explains. Nowadays, many mothers adapt the philosophy of zuo yue zi while discarding some of the more extreme hygiene practices.
In an interview with Time Out, a Beijing resident named Lian Zhang shared her experience with zuo yue zi after her two children were born. Encouraged by her family, she refrained from washing her hair for weeks, instead using herbal water for occasional baths. Lian emphasized the importance of consuming traditional meals like ginger chicken and pork trotters, which are believed to support recovery and breastfeeding.
Despite some frustrations with the hygiene restrictions, Lian appreciated the support she received from a yuesao, or live-in helper, who prepared meals and assisted with childcare. She advises new mothers to adapt the principles of zuo yue zi to their own comfort levels and needs.
While many modern moms may find it challenging to fully embrace zuo yue zi due to societal pressures and lack of support, it’s essential to advocate for better postpartum care. Women deserve time and space to heal and bond with their newborns. If possible, consider finding ways to incorporate elements of zuo yue zi into your own postpartum journey.
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In summary, the tradition of zuo yue zi emphasizes the significance of postpartum care and support for new mothers. By learning from practices like this, we can advocate for a society that prioritizes the well-being of mothers and their infants.
Keyphrase: Chinese postpartum tradition
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