My mom, aunt, and mother-in-law have been coming on the weekends to help meal prep for the week and also help look after the littles (2 under 2 years old). My aunt mentioned something in Chinese culture re: the first 100 days after a baby as being a time for healing for the mother. I had heard of this in Korean culture, but didn’t realize it was in my own culture! Apparently, it’s in other cultures as well (see the wikipedia link below). Today, I’m on day 18 postpartum and it’s been a roller coaster of emotions, thoughts, lethargy, soreness, and fatigue.
Wikipedia: Postpartum Confinement
NPR: For Chinese Moms, Birth Means 30 Days in Pajamas
Nourishing Postpartum: The 40 Day Sacred Window
After reading several of these articles, I definitely think there should be more pampering and healing in Western culture after the arrival of a baby. While I disagree with just sitting around without showers… I do believe in having extra help (house chores, cooking, etc) and allowing the mother to bond with baby without these distractions.
What do you think? Have you hired new help or had family members stay for an extended time to help with chores and cooking so you can focus on bonding with your baby?
Love. Laughter. Life. Medicine. 