Traditional Postpartum Recovery: Honoring the Sacred Journey.
The postpartum period is a sacred and transformative time, a period that holds great importance in a woman's recovery and well-being after childbirth. Ancient traditions of postpartum care have withstood the test of time —they honor the physical, emotional, and spiritual shifts that accompany the transition to motherhood. Rooted in cultures around the world, these traditions offer more than just rest; they serve as rituals for deep healing, bonding, and nurturing the new mother.
A Holistic Approach to Healing: Traditional postpartum recovery often embraces a holistic view of healing—one that balances the body, mind, and spirit. Unlike the "Bounce Back" ideology that is common in modern postpartum care, traditional practices consider the deeper, often more personal, needs of the new mother. These traditions include physical healing practices, nutritional nourishment, emotional support systems, and community involvement, all guiding the mother through this intense life transition.
From cultures across the globe, we can see various ways of supporting a new mother through her recovery. In many cultures, the postpartum period, often considered a time when the new mother is encouraged to rest and recuperate. She is typically cared for by her family, avoiding the physical and emotional stress that comes with caring for a newborn on her own. This period is meant to restore her vitality, allowing her body to heal fully from childbirth while also building strength for the demanding months ahead.
Nourishing the Body: One of the core elements of traditional postpartum care is nourishing the mother’s body. After the intense physical effort of childbirth, a woman’s body needs proper nourishment to regain strength. Traditional postpartum practices often involve consuming warm, nutrient-dense foods designed to replenish the body’s energy reserves, promote milk production, and restore the blood supply.
Foods like soups, broths, and herbal tonics are vital. These dishes are rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins that are believed to promote healing, reduce inflammation, and support lactation. In Chinese medicine, for example, dishes made from ginger, sesame, and bone broth are often prescribed to help warm the body, prevent cold, and increase circulation. Rich, hearty foods fortify the mother and aid in her recovery.
The principle behind these foods is not just about physical nourishment but also restoring “balance” in the body. Traditional postpartum practices emphasize the importance of protecting the new mother’s health by aligning her body with the natural rhythms of healing.
Rest and Support: Central to traditional postpartum practices is rest—both physical and mental. In many societies, the new mother is encouraged to remain in bed or at home, resting and focusing solely on recovery and bonding with her newborn. This is a radical contrast to western society’s tendency to encourage early participation in normal activities. In these traditions, rest is not seen as indulgent or lazy or unnecessary, but as essential to the healing process.
Extended family members or close friends should be involved in helping with household duties, cooking, and child care, allowing the new mother to focus entirely on her own well-being and the initial bonding experience with her baby. The emotional support from family members is another cornerstone of traditional postpartum care. Postpartum depression, “baby blues” and other postpartum hormone imbalances can affect many new mothers, and these traditions often acknowledge the importance of mental and emotional health. The presence of close family members or a supportive community network is a solution to isolation, providing the new mother with a nurturing environment in which she feels both cared for and cherished.
Traditional Practices from Around the World:
• The “Confinement” Period in China: As mentioned, many Chinese women observe a month-long period of rest known as “zuo yuezi,” or “sitting the month.” During this time, mothers avoid cold foods and drinks, stay indoors, and limit their physical activities. The focus is on nurturing the mother through a combination of dietary practices, warmth, and rest.
• The “Cuarentena” in Latin America: In many Latin American cultures, the cuarentena is a 40-day period where the new mother is kept at home and supported by her family. It is a time for recuperation and reflection. Traditional foods such as “tamales” and “caldos” are made to ensure the mother receives essential nutrients.
• The “Quarantine” in Indonesia: In Indonesia, a common postpartum practice involves “traditional jamu,” a herbal medicine made from turmeric, ginger, and other local plants. These are believed to aid in postpartum recovery, promote healing, and balance the body’s energy.
• The “Sitz Bath” in Europe: In parts of Europe, new mothers often take warm herbal baths to soothe their bodies after childbirth. These baths are made from a blend of herbs like lavender, calendula, and chamomile, which are known for their calming, healing properties.
Fostering a Strong Bond with Baby: At its core, traditional postpartum care focuses not just on the physical recovery of the mother but also the nurturing of the bond between mother and baby. Whether through “skin-to-skin” practices, co-sleeping, or constant caregiving, these traditions recognize the deep emotional needs of both mother and child during this period. The first few months are often seen as a time to focus entirely on the infant's needs, promoting breastfeeding, close contact, and attachment. In many cultures, the support of extended family and community during this time allows the mother to fully engage with her newborn without feeling overwhelmed. This communal approach also reinforces the idea that motherhood is not a solitary endeavor but one that is shared and supported by a community of loving individuals.
Experiencing a slow traditional postpartum period offers invaluable space for deep healing and bonding as a family. This rest, nourishment, and postpartum support allows mothers to renew and establish deep connections with their newborns in a peaceful, nurturing environment. By honoring this sacred time, new mothers can experience a more balanced recovery, giving long-term well-being and a deeper sense of resilience as they step into motherhood with both care and confidence.
Stephenie Ignacio, The Nourished Mother
Postpartum Doula and Postpartum Nutrition Counselor.
Based in Portland, Oregon
