Embracing Tradition, Enhancing Care: Our Modern Take on Postpartum Practices
Both the Korean and Chinese diasporas cherish deep-seated traditions surrounding postpartum care, known as “sanhujori” and “zuo yue zi” respectively. These practices offer critical support and comfort to mothers during a vulnerable time. Recognizing the importance of these traditions, Sanu’s founder, Julia Kim, collaborated with Dr. Kristal Lau, a public health expert and renowned author on postpartum care, to create a program that honors these cultural rituals while incorporating modern medical insights.
Postpartum recovery is a significant period in a mother’s life, often overlooked in Western culture. By drawing inspiration from traditional postpartum care practices, Sanu strives to offer a nurturing, comprehensive experience that helps mothers recover physically, mentally, and emotionally. Both “sanhujori” and “zuo yue zi” emphasize a month-long recovery period during which mothers rest, nourish their bodies, and bond with their newborns. This concept of extended care acknowledges the deep physiological and emotional changes that take place after childbirth, recognizing that a mother’s well-being is foundational to her baby’s health and the family’s overall harmony.
While Sanu respects these traditional beliefs, we also recognize the need to adapt them based on contemporary health standards:
Hygiene and Bathing
Traditional Korean belief: Avoid bathing to prevent cold exposure post-childbirth, as the body is believed to lose heat and become susceptible to illnesses.
Traditional Chinese belief: Avoid bathing to prevent “wind” from entering the body and causing future health issues, such as chronic headaches and arthritis.
Sanu’s approach: Modern healthcare emphasizes the importance of maintaining hygiene to prevent infections, particularly in sensitive areas like the perineal region. While we advise against full immersion baths and swimming until any wounds have fully healed, gentle showering with lukewarm water is encouraged. This helps ensure cleanliness and promotes wound healing, all while providing mothers with comfort and a sense of freshness.
Temperature and Comfort
Traditional practice: Both Korean and Chinese customs stress the importance of keeping warm to avoid the ill effects of “wind” and to support a smooth recovery. Mothers are encouraged to wear warm clothing and to avoid air conditioning or fans.
Modern insight: Postpartum hormonal changes often lead to fluctuations in body temperature, causing hot flashes and night sweats. For this reason, maintaining a balanced and comfortable environment is essential for the mother’s well-being. Excessive warmth can exacerbate night sweats, leading to restlessness and discomfort.
Sanu’s environment: We maintain an optimal room temperature of 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit, which not only ensures comfort for the mother but also supports safe sleep practices for the baby, reducing the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Activity and Movement
Korean guideline: Mothers are generally restricted from engaging in physical activities, with an emphasis on complete rest to regain strength.
Chinese rule: Encourages lying in bed throughout the confinement period to prevent muscle weakness and to retain energy.
Sanu’s policy: While rest is undoubtedly crucial, particularly for mothers recovering from a C-section, gentle movement is equally important to prevent complications like deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and to promote overall circulation. At Sanu, we encourage mothers to engage in light activities when they feel ready. This may include short walks around our serene facility or gentle stretching exercises, all aimed at enhancing physical recovery and boosting mood.
Sanu is committed to providing a nurturing environment that respects cultural heritage while embracing the best of modern medical practices. Our goal is to ensure that every mother receives the support she needs to recover fully, nurture her body, and bond with her newborn. By blending traditional wisdom with modern healthcare, we aim to create a unique postpartum experience that empowers mothers to enter this new phase of life with confidence and vitality.
