Featuring another global tradition surrounding childbirth, Chinese women have been practicing "One Month Sitting," or "Zuo Yue Zi," as their approach to postpartum care. The practice involves an older women hired to live full time for the duration of the month and perform all household/personal care duties, taking great detail toward the physical well-being of the mother. Mothers are asked not to leave the house and do minimal activity throughout this time. The aide ensures a hardy set of 3 meals is severed everyday alongside restorative teas. The only tasks for the mother are to accept the time to rest, recover, and bond with her new child.
Zoo Yue Zi is a beautiful, albeit, restricted approach to postpartum care that the Chinese culture offers. While it may not be copy-and-paste-able to all communities or situations, the principles of the practice are worthy of integrating into anyone's postpartum planning.
0 Comments
The more I investigate women's health, the more I am drawn to supporting the beautiful journey of postpartum. I am inspired to support women as they care for their newborn and let them know that they are not alone. In researching companies that tailor to postpartum care, I discovered Chiyo. Chiyo is a food delivery company rooted in the ancient eastern framework of nutrition and healing.
In most European and Asian cultures, postpartum planning holds an essential place in discussions around family building and women's health. Particularly, each of these nations and cultures carry their own traditions around postpartum practices. Chiyo takes nutritional concepts from traditional Chinese medicine and modern medicine to meticulously craft a menu that supports the woman's healing journey. Each dish serves not only to aid in the restoration of the mother post delivery but also energize her. I find it incredibly compelling to hear about companies like Chiyo. Not only is their product genius in concept but their mission honorable. At the very heart of their work, they remind all women they are worthy of care and compassion. In a world that often overlooks the unique needs of women and new mothers, Chiyo stands as a testament to the importance of prioritizing the well-being of mothers in all stages of life. If you are soon-to-be mom or know someone who is, encourage them to self advocate for self care. Ask more questions, demand more care, and don't be afraid to look for the wealth of resources outside the clinic walls to find what you need. Becoming a mother is a worthy sacrifice but it need not become martyrdom. Like your child, you deserve endless amounts of love, food, and hugs. Interested in Signing Up: Chiyo also tailors to women addressing fertility, menopause, and menstrual challenges. Sign up for Chiyo Food Delivery by visiting their website at www.chiyofooddelivery.com. Embracing the arrival of new life is a timeless experience cherished across cultures worldwide. Amidst this journey, each culture weaves its unique tapestry of traditions and rituals, especially during the sacred postpartum period. Recently, I had the privilege of delving into the age-old customs of the Asian islander community, thanks to an unexpected source: my Lyft driver. As rain tapped gently on the windows, she shared stories of her children and grandchildren, unveiling three generational wisdoms surrounding postpartum care practices in her community.
1. Protecting the Mother: Shielding from Air Exposure In her culture, immediate postpartum care prioritizes shielding the mother from cold air. From wrapping the ears with scarves to layering underwear and abdominal wraps, these practices reflect a reverence for the vulnerability of the woman's body after the physiological event of birth. Through these uncommon methods, new mothers are cocooned in tender care, safeguarding their well-being with respect and sensitivity. 2. Nourishing the Body: Milo and Boiled Eggs For postpartum nutrition and weight management, my Lyft driver swore by a daily regimen of Milo, a cherished chocolate malt drink, paired with two boiled eggs each morning. She boasted that women from her hometown rarely faced weight issues post-birth, swiftly returning to pre-pregnancy physical wellness. 3. Soothing Remedies: Warm Milk with Turmeric for the Baby As her final parting gift of wisdom, she revealed a gentle remedy for soothing infants' upset stomachs. By simply consuming warm milk infused with a pinch of turmeric (aka: golden milk), mothers could alleviate colic and restore digestion comfort overnight. The healing properties of turmeric, passed through breastmilk, ensured her children did not suffer from digestive discomfort. My unexpected dive into islander postpartum care traditions offered a captivating glimpse into the uncommon yet time-tested communal practices that have provided generational healing to women. As modern healthcare embraces a more holistic and diversified approach to care, this encounter serves as a poignant reminder to honor and learn from the rich tapestry of cultural practices surrounding motherhood and women's health. It also underscores the importance of treasuring the unexpected moments of connection and wisdom-sharing, reminding us that the oldest method of passing down knowledge—conversation with others—remains invaluable. |
AuthorEmbracing the essence of motherhood, discover timeless wisdom for expecting mothers ArchivesCategories |