Postpartum Recovery Around the World: Lessons from Traditional Practices

The postpartum period, often referred to as the "fourth trimester," is a crucial time for both the mother and the newborn. Across the world, cultures have developed unique postpartum practices aimed at supporting maternal recovery, promoting infant care, and ensuring long-term health. While these traditions vary by region, they share common goals: rest, nourishment, and community support. In this article, we explore different postpartum traditions around the world, highlighting their benefits and how modern mothers can incorporate these practices into their recovery journey.

Western Postpartum Practices: Limited Support and Fast-Paced Recovery

In many Western nations, postpartum care is often limited to medical follow-ups, short hospital stays, and an emphasis on individual recovery. Many new mothers return home within a day or two of giving birth and are expected to manage baby care, household responsibilities, and often, return to work within a few weeks. Due to financial pressures and inadequate maternity leave policies, many women are forced to cut their recovery time short. However, in recent years, there has been a growing awareness of maternal mental health, leading to increased attention to postpartum depression and emotional well-being.

Traditional Postpartum Practices That Prioritize Recovery

China: The "Sitting the Month" Tradition (Zuo Yue Zi)

One of the most well-known postpartum traditions is "Zuo Yue Zi," or "sitting the month," a practice in China where new mothers are encouraged to rest for 30 to 40 days. During this time, they avoid physical exertion, cold foods, and even bathing in some traditions. The focus is on consuming warm, nutrient-rich meals, including soups and herbal tonics, to restore energy. Family members, particularly grandmothers, take over household duties and infant care, ensuring the mother gets sufficient rest.

Latin America: "La Cuarentena" – A Period of Healing

In many Latin American countries, new mothers observe "La Cuarentena," a 40-day period of postpartum rest. The term "quarantine" comes from the same root, symbolizing a time of isolation to protect the mother and newborn from infections. During this period, strenuous activities are discouraged, and family members, especially grandmothers and aunts, provide support with cooking, cleaning, and baby care. Special foods like broths, herbal teas, and warm meals help promote healing and milk production.

Japan: "Ansei" – The Art of Rest and Recovery

In Japan, postpartum mothers often stay at their parents' home for several weeks, a practice known as "Ansei," meaning peace and rest. This tradition ensures that the new mother receives extensive support while focusing on healing and bonding with her baby. Traditional Japanese foods such as miso soup, fish, and rice aid in physical recovery. Many mothers also practice skin-to-skin contact and babywearing, which strengthens the mother-baby bond.

Africa: Community-Centered Postpartum Care

Across various African cultures, postpartum care revolves around strong communal support. In countries like Nigeria and Ghana, new mothers undergo a period of confinement similar to "La Cuarentena." Female relatives assist with baby care, cooking, and daily tasks, allowing the mother to focus solely on recovery. Herbal baths, massage techniques, and traditional remedies are commonly used to aid healing and restore strength.

The Netherlands: Government-Supported Postpartum Care (Kraamzorg)

The Netherlands boasts one of the most structured postpartum care systems in the world: "Kraamzorg." This government-supported service provides professional in-home care for new mothers. A "kraamverzorgster" (maternity nurse) assists with baby care, household chores, and postpartum recovery for up to 10 days after birth. This system ensures new mothers receive adequate rest, support, and medical attention during this critical period.

Malaysia: "Pantang" – A Holistic Approach to Postpartum Recovery

In Malaysia, the postpartum period, known as "Pantang," lasts for 30 to 44 days. New mothers follow strict dietary restrictions, herbal baths, abdominal binding, and traditional massages. Malay medicine plays a key role in postpartum recovery, using herbal treatments to restore balance and energy. Abdominal binding is particularly common to help the body regain its pre-pregnancy shape and improve muscle tone.

Korea: "Joriwon" – Postpartum Centers for Maternal Care

South Korea has modernized postpartum care through specialized centers called "Joriwon." These facilities provide professional medical care, nutritious meals, and newborn care education. New mothers stay in these centers for about two weeks, receiving massages, therapy, and breastfeeding support. Joriwon allows mothers to focus on recovery without worrying about household chores or childcare, ensuring a smooth transition into motherhood.

India: Ayurvedic and Traditional Postpartum Practices

India’s postpartum care is deeply rooted in Ayurveda, emphasizing warmth, nutrition, and massage. New mothers receive daily oil massages and follow a strict diet rich in ghee, herbs, and healing spices. Family members, especially grandmothers, take charge of household duties, allowing the mother to rest for at least 40 days. As modern life moves away from these traditions, urban mothers often struggle with inadequate postpartum care, leading to long-term exhaustion and health issues.

Modernizing Postpartum Care: A Blend of Tradition and Science

Despite diverse postpartum customs, a universal truth emerges: rest, nourishment, and support are essential for a mother's recovery. Unfortunately, many modern mothers lack access to these traditional support systems, leading to physical depletion and mental exhaustion. At Orya Care, we aim to bridge this gap by offering structured postpartum care that incorporates traditional healing practices with modern medical support.

Orya Care’s Postpartum Wellness Approach

Inspired by global postpartum traditions like Korea’s "Joriwon" and India’s Ayurvedic practices, Orya Care provides holistic recovery programs for new mothers. Our services include:

• Professional Postpartum Care: In-house nurses provide medical and emotional support.

• Massage Therapy & Yoga: Gentle breathing exercises and yoga therapy help new mothers relax and recover.

• Nutritional Guidance: Expert dieticians curate meals rich in essential nutrients to promote healing and lactation.

• Lactation Support: Certified lactation counselors guide new mothers in mastering breastfeeding with ease. The mother is not left grappling with google’s conflicting advice and our breastfeeding experts ensure she gets the confidence to feed at ease right from the start.

• Night Nurses: To ensure mothers get adequate rest, our night nurses assist with newborn care. No more fragmented sleep and irritation!

The Future of Postpartum Care

As awareness grows about the importance of postpartum recovery, more mothers are seeking comprehensive care solutions that blend traditional wisdom with modern science. By learning from different postpartum practices worldwide, we can create better systems that prioritize maternal well-being.

At Orya Care, we are dedicated to filling the void in urban postpartum care. Our goal is to nurture, support, and pamper new mothers so they can recover fully and embrace motherhood with confidence. A well-cared-for mother leads to a well-cared-for baby. Experience holistic postpartum healing with Orya Care—where maternal recovery comes first.