133
Y O U R E Y E S O N L Y
REST is more than a luxury—it's a necessity, a
reclamation, a radical act of self-preservation.
When the
body
undergoes the
profound
transformation of childbirth, a sacred pause is
not just beneficial; it is essential. Yet, modern
culture glorifies the idea of “bouncing back,”
dismissing the deep need for healing. The
Chinese Confinement method, zuo yuezi—or
"sitting the month"—stands in defiant contrast,
honoring a 30-to-40 day period of restoration,
nourishment, and care. Rooted in ancient
wisdom and now validated by modern science,
this practice is more than tradition—it is a
revolutionary model for postpartum well-being
in a world that demands too much, too soon.
As a tradition that dates back over 2,000 years,
it’s based on the belief that childbirth depletes
a woman’s qi – her life force – and leaves her
body in a vulnerable state. In order to restore
balance and promote healing, new mothers are
encouraged to rest, stay indoors, stay warm,
and eat specific foods. They hire confinement
nannies, they’re discouraged from lifting heavy
things, doing housework, and worrying about
the nitty gritty details of daily life. Many mothers
body-wrap their bellies to promote healing
and shrinking the postpartum uterus, and it’s
an all-encompassing experience that goes
radically against the no-paid-leave, return-
to-work-two-weeks-postpartum
culture
that
becomes more and more prevalent in the west.
Professional confinement nannies (called Pui
Yuet / Yue Sao) and family members will handle
household chores, care for the baby, provide
guidance, and prepare these special meals for
these new mothers. It’s a multi-faceted approach
to postpartum care that addresses all aspects of
a mother’s wellbeing. The goal? To give the mother
the time and space she needs to heal—physically,
emotionally, and spiritually. Rest allows for the
body to heal, reduces the risk of postpartum
complications, and supports hormonal balance.
These new mothers aren’t taking quick naps
between diaper changes; they’re making time
for deep, intentional rest, and they’re living in
spaces that are designed to prioritise them
and their health. They avoid strenuous activities
and even limit screen time to reduce mental
strain. Childbirth is a monumental physical
event, whether it’s vaginal or via C-section, and
deserves to be treated as such. In cultures
that expect and glorify mothers who do it all,
this emphasis is nothing short of revolutionary.
In traditional Chinese medicine, childbirth is
believed to leave the body in a "cold" state,
making new mothers more vulnerable to illness
and imbalance. To restore warmth and promote
healing, confinement practices prioritize heat
in every form. Mothers wrap themselves in
layers—socks,
long
sleeves,
even
hats—to
retain warmth. Instead of showers and baths
in the first week, warm sponge baths gently
cleanse without disrupting the body’s delicate
recovery. Cold foods and drinks are strictly
avoided,
replaced
by
nourishing,
warming
meals designed to support circulation, reduce
inflammation, and accelerate healing. This
ancient practice isn’t just about comfort; it’s
a time-honored
strategy for
strengthening
the body at its most vulnerable moment.
The nutrient dense foods found in Chinese
Confinement centers are designed to replenish
the mother’s qi, boost milk supply, and support
recovery. Bone broth – popular online as well
as in China, is a good staple, as its richness of
collagen and minerals are believed to strengthen
joints and promote healing. Ginger and garlic,
which are foods considered heaty or warming,
are used liberally to boost circulation and
support digestion. Red date tea and longan teas
are popular choices, too, as they nourish the
blood and are entirely relaxing to drink. That’s
a common theme that you may find in Chinese
Confinement meals; not only is the food good for
the body, the meals are usually very comforting,
offering a sense of care and nourishment.
Many parents will report that bonding to a new
baby is one thing—the sudden extreme change in
your lifestyle is another. Chinese confinement is
designed to combat this shock to the system by
nourishing the mind and spirit. The emotionally
overwhelming aspects of new parenthood —
hormonal shifts, sleep deprivation, a lack of
personal time — suddenly have the right to
take up space in your life. New parents aren’t
having to juggle that with all of the other things
that are going on during normal living; their one
and only goal is adjusting to the new family
member and processing their emotions without
feeling isolated or overwhelmed. When the small
practicalities of daily life are handled by others,
new mothers have more time and energy to heal.
A popular belief in traditional Chinese medicine
is that Confinement after childbirth also reduces
the mother’s risk of chronic health issues later
in life, from joint pain to hormonal imbalances.
Although the research hasn’t caught up with
this thousand-year-old tradition yet, nobody
can deny that taking the time for such deep,
intentional rest could increase a new mother’s
odds of a successful and enjoyable postpartum
period. The worst thing possible for a new
mother is to be told to go, go, go, so to be able
to take the time to process such a profound
change and bond with a new baby is the
most important thing a growing family can do.
We’re not saying that you have to do all of
these things to get a good score on postpartum
living. Taking small elements of this ancient
practice are all you really need to do — eat
those warm meals, seek spaces that allow you
the time and place to heal, give your employees
a sufficient amount of paid maternity leave.
Prioritise yourself. Becoming the best version
of yourself and investing in that development
allows you to be the best parent, partner, and
family member possible. Sit the month.