After giving birth, I chose to "sit the month" - Jacki's Postpartum
After giving birth, I chose to "sit the month" (traditionally known as zuò yuè zi in Chinese) in a way that felt right for me. Some like to call it the confinement period, though I find that term gives off an unenjoyable practice. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the postpartum period is seen as a unique window for healing, where the woman's body is more receptive to nourishment and restoration. By embracing certain TCM practices, like focusing on warmth, consuming nourishing foods, and resting; the body can recover and even improve to a state better than before pregnancy.
It was a precious time for me, surrounded by the support of my family. But I know this tradition is not for everyone. I definitely had to set boundaries with family and only do what I was comfortable with so that it was a positive and beneficial experience for me.
Sitting the month for me looked like:
- Efforts in staying warm - dressing warmly and covering up, avoiding cold foods and drinks, staying indoors away from wind.
- Having nourishing meals and consuming specific foods (like soups, broths, ginger, dates, goji) and herbal tonics to promote healing, enhance energy, boost blood circulation, enhance milk production and balance the body's yin and yang energies.
- No showering and washing hair until a week after birth as this exposes the vulnerable body to "wind and cold".
- Family helping with cooking, cleaning and caring for my toddler
- Limiting visitors - this allowed me to rest and focus on babies needs, while also limiting exposure to illnesses.
What I didn't do that are common zuò yuè zi aspects:
- Avoid cleaning and wetting hands
- Avoid bathing and washing hair for a month - in the modern world we have heating and warm water which would limit "wind and cold" exposure.
- Limit reading & screen time - which can reduce emotional stress and straining.
Even if full "sitting the month" practices aren't your thing, there are aspects of this period, like prioritising rest, nourishing your body, and leaning on family support that can be embraced. Maybe it can be a reminder that you just gave birth and your body deserves rest and to give yourself permission to be taken care of!
🔥💗 Thank you so much, Jacki - for sharing a piece of your postpartum journey with us - we have loved learning about these traditions - the western world has a lot to learn! This is such a powerful step towards changing the narrative around our postpartum experiences.
@balancedwithjacki
