WHAT IT IS:
Yuezi (坐月子zuo yuezi which translates to sitting or doing the month) is a 30 day Chinese postpartum tradition of restoration which encompasses specific viewpoints on recovery, confinement, rest, food, herbs, hygiene and the assistance of others while recovering from childbirth and surviving the first month of motherhood.
WHAT IT DOES:
Doing the month helps activate your recovery from labor, replace lost nutrients and restore balance to your system. Chinese people believe that the first month after you give birth affects your long term health so post natal recovery is critical. Letting others cook, clean and take care of household chores allows you time to be the best mother you can be for your baby. And who wouldn't want to be pampered like a princess for 30 days?
HOW TO DO THE MONTH:
Ask your mother, aunt, godmother
Hire a Yuezi specialist, post partum doula and or baby nurse
Research into a Yuezi center, Yuezi hotel
Follow do's and dont's to your own tolerance level
DO'S AND DONT'S GRID FOR YUEZI
| DO'S | DONT'S |
|---|---|
| Rest | Eyestrain - no TV, no books, no blackberry |
| Listen to the radio | Long telephone conversations |
| Eat 4-5 small meals per day | Sugar and overly fattening foods |
| Kegels every time you breastfeed (not easy!) | Sex for 100 days* |
| Light walking | Running, sit-ups and heavy lifting |
| Dry shampoo | Wet hair* |
| Hot towel wipe down in between showers | Daily showers or bath* |
| Sleep when baby sleeps | Go outside, exposing oneself to wind and cold weather |
| Warm soups and boiled rice wine | Cold water |
| Socks | Manolos |
*For hard core yuezi traditionalists
tags: Yuezi, zuo yuezi, Chinese postpartum tradition, post natal recovery
