Post Partum Traditions Around the World
Different cultures around the world find different ways to honor and care for Mothers after giving birth. It is a sacred time and a period of rest and connecting with your baby. The way a society treats its Mothers says volumes about their societal values as a whole.
Here are some different Postpartum practices from around the world:
Mexico
Mexico has a cuarentena, a 30-day rest period with family. During this time some will not take showers during the first days, won't stand up or pick up heavy things, or eat hot meals, abstain from sex, and bind the abdomen with a postpartum faja, though many of these practices have faded over time in modern culture.
There is a ritual called “ the closing of the bones” .
During pregnancy the birthing person’s hips become wider and wider.
After the birth it is important that they are helped to close back otherwise women would suffer from pelvic instability. This ceremony helps to realign the bones and muscles. It guides the bones back into place, helps the pelvic organs shift and the uterus to shrink back down and stimulates blood flow. The adjustment of the pelvis aids in milk production and the body relaxes and releases tension from the muscles.
In Mayan Culture it is said that during labor the Mother’s spirit is traveling in the universe to find and collect her baby’s soul and then birth together. It is said that during the bone closing ceremony the spirit is called back to the body and the ritual encourages a new parent to close energetically. Birth is a rite of passage and a deep transformational journey and it continues into motherhood and parenthood.
China
China has a similar practice of “doing the month.” a ritualized time after birth- giving underpinned by the ancient Chinese philosophy of yin-yang. Yin-yang is influenced by Traditional Chinese Medicine that has evolved over thousands of years.
In the Chinese tradition of Zuo Yue Zi (or “sitting the month”), for example; new mothers are expected to stay at home and rest for a full 30-40 days after their new arrival, while grandmothers and other female relatives take over all daily household tasks. Mom's only job is to rest and feed the baby. Doesn’t that sound nice?
Japan
Japanese mothers move back home for satogaeri bunben. This is a crucial time when a woman moves back home with her parents for 8-12 weeks, postnatal. The maternal grandparents play a crucial role in supporting the Mother’s needs and providing childcare, taking her to and from appointments etc. Research shows it has a great impact on postnatal health and a lower risk of postnatal depression or disease.
Omiyamairi (お宮参り) is a Japanese tradition in which newborns visit a Shinto shrine for the first time. This usually takes place during the first month of life while okuizome (お食い初め) is a ritual to celebrate the baby's 100 days of life in which the baby “eats” solid food for the first time.
Korea
Korean families practice a 3-week course of seclusion (and seaweed soup) called saam chil ill. Korean mothers do light stretching and self-massage of the muscles to relax and strengthen their bodies. It is scientifically proved that 30 minutes exercise, per day, is helpful in recovering the bladder and pelvic muscles rapidly.
Postpartum care centers, or sanhujoriwon, are where the wishes of new mothers come true. At the centers, mothers are provided with hotel-like services 24 hours a day, one-on-one lessons on child care skills and even massage. Imagine a calming Day Spa just for new Mothers.
The Netherlands
In the Netherlands and Belgium, new mothers will have a kraamverzorgster, a maternity nurse who comes to the home to provide a minimum of 24 hours of care within the first 8 days after discharge. The kraamverzorgster serves as a resource for breastfeeding tips, bathing tips, dressing and feeding schedules. They can also take over all household chores such as laundry, cooking, tidying up and watching over other children, so Mother can heal. The bonus is ,it is included in basic universal healthcare for all and covered.
Greek Culture
A tradition that is still followed by many Greek women worldwide is the “40 Days.” This is a custom where both baby and Mother stay home for 40 days, until both the newborn and mother go to church and 'Saradise”, whereby they are given a blessing by the priest.
In the past, it was believed that the new mother was the source of jealousy and must avoid the “evil eye” (κακό μάτι, kako mati) Therefore, she was never seen in public for forty days. On the eighth day after the birth, the Fates (Μοίρες, mires) visit the newborn and determine their future. This belief had its roots in Greek mythology.
Poland and Most Eastern European Tradition
Mother’s are taken care of by their mothers and mothers in law. They are encouraged to heal, sleep and create strong, bonding breastfeeding relationships. Grandma or Babcia will cook all of the family meals, serving nutritious traditional foods like soups and stews. In Poland women receive up to 6 post-partum visits with a nurse to address any questions or concerns.
Most babies are baptized around 3 months old towards the end of the 4th trimester and is the next most important milestone. At this time the baby officially receives their name. This is followed by a huge gathering with both sides of the family where everyone will finally meet the baby.
Indian Tradition
There is an Indian saying that “the first 40 days of life will impact the next 40 years of life”. In Ayurveda, a 5000 year old Indian healing tradition, this period is considered a sensitive time for mothers, particularly for the digestive system—hence the strong emphasis on simple, digestible foods.
Post delivery, women are made to cover their head with a scarf the whole day as a part of North Indian tradition. It is believed that body heat is lost primarily through one's head and that a new mother needs to preserve her body heat to recover.
How does the U.S. stack up? Pretty bleak
The United States is ranked last in family-friendly policies according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.
Only 14 percent of American workers have access to paid leave. An additional surprise to many is that the Family and Medical Leave Act is not universal — 40 percent of Americans do not qualify.
Perhaps more significantly, due to economic hardship and employer constraints, 1 in 4 women return to work just 10 days after giving birth in the U.S.
The popularity of post-partum doulas has grown significantly in the past few years. Having a Doula is a sure-fire way to be confident you will get the support and care you need to have an amazing birth and a positive postpartum experience. Perhaps just as our country is a beautiful blend of cultures from all around the world, you can mix in some traditions of your ancestors that appeal to you on your postpartum journey. Honor yourself.
What is the best country for Postpartum care?
Norway. Norway ranks as the best country to be a mother due to its wonderful health care and education systems. Mothers enjoy substantial maternity leave and childcare provisions. The country offers low cost day care and flexible plans that allow mothers to return back to work while collecting maternity leave.
Norway may be the best country to raise children. The freedom, security and independence children get there is priceless. Fresh air, clean tap water and kindness. Norwegian society is family friendly. The working hours match the kindergarten’s opening hours. Maternity leave can be eight months full paid or one year 80% of your salary.