Called Zuo Yuezi in Chinese, the month of rest refers to the postpartum period. It is traditional in Chinese culture (and many others) for the mother to be waited on hand and foot for 40 days after childbirth to allow ease and rest in this time of transition. Many women in the US have little or no maternity time and go back to work so quickly that they don’t get this time of deep relaxation and care. Traditionally there are certain foods and lifestyle requirements that are enforced, but I think many westerners would benefit from a more modern version that suits our lives today.
Avoiding the cold and wind
In chinese medicine cold and wind is considered a pathogenic factor that triggers dis-ease in the body. A mother’s body is much more open to cold penetration at this time after birth so care is used to keep the mother warmer than usual and traditionally she does not go outside. I think fresh air is beneficial but dress warmly and keep to the porch or the backyard instead of going out on an excursion. Moxa therapy is a traditionally used at this time and it’s called “roasting the mother”. If you’d like at at home visit postpartum I can treaty you to this wonderfully warming experience.
Warm cooked foods
After birth the digestive system which has been so cramped these last months is unfurling and relaxing and deeply nutritious easy to digest foods are best. This is a great time for long herbal infusions as well as bone broths (or veggie broth), warming foods like fresh ginger added to soups and teas, whole grains, congee, a cooked vegetables (not raw). It’s a wonderful addition to add to these soups chinese herbs like astragulus, dang gui, or goji berries. For pre-prepared food see my resources section for excellent local resources.
Avoid stimulation
This is a time to bond with your baby and rest deeply. The less visitors, movies and phone stimuli the better. Less germs for your baby and more rest for mom start off your new life well and also help to promote skin to skin time with baby which is the best for jump starting milk production. When it comes down to it, its all about reducing pathogens and stress and creating bonding time.
Preparing
The key to making this time of rest happen is preparation. Traditionally it’s the grandmother that takes care of the new mama, but a spouse or loved one or even revolving people can work! Frozen meals in the freezer as well as a meal train set up by friends who drop meals off at your home at appointed times can all be great ways to make sure you are well fed but not on your feet! And flexibility is key as well - your 40 days may end up being 2 weeks, but let those two weeks be so deeply restful that you will remember them forever. It’s just you and your baby time, relish it.