Postpartum Care Across Cultures
The postpartum time can be a major transition for parents. There is a new member in the family and everyone’s role may be changing. The couple become parents or another child is now a sibling and the baby is meeting the people in their family. This has gotten me thinking about how families in other countries adjust and approach this time. Here are some examples of the support families receive during postpartum in different parts of the world.
In China, new moms are able to go to postpartum care centers with their infants. While at the center, they receive care from specialized caregivers and everyone is focused on supporting recovery through rest, nutrition and herbal and traditional medicine such as acupuncture.
In India, parents receive family support from extended family members who help the family with household chores while moms focus on recovery and caring for their new baby.
Japan also has postpartum care centers to support new mothers and provide guidance on how to care for a newborn. Traditional practices like "sankan-shion" (a warm belly wrap) and "yuyami" (hot water bottle application) are believed to aid in the healing process.
In Mexico, postpartum moms enter 40 days of rest and seclusion known as La Cuarentena to recover from labor and care for their baby. During this time, family members step in to support the mother by taking care of household responsibilities.
In Vietnam, the parents’ family provides support through assistance with household chores, cooking and help with caring for the baby. The birthing parent can then focus on recovery and bonding with their new baby. The family is encouraged to rest for the first month by staying home and consuming nutrient-rich foods and herbal remedies and teas.
While there is no wrong or right way to approach the postpartum period, one thing many cultures have recognized is how important support is during this transformative time.
If natural support is not available at the moment, support groups and postpartum doulas may be helpful resources. If these resources are out of reach, families in the Sacramento area have access to the Birth and Beyond program. The Birth and Beyond program provides home visits to support families with parenting and other resources.
If you feel that you are struggling with what might be postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety or other mental health symptoms, please reach out for help. I work with individuals who are pregnant or postpartum and struggling with anxiety or depression and we can work together to find the tools and lifestyle that will work for you and your mental health.
To get started, visit the contact page to schedule an initial consultation. You can also email me at lillybeth@therapysecure.com or call/text me at (916) 905-3368.
