Customs Around the World for Postpartum Women

One of the common questions mothers would ask me is, "When can I take the baby out of the house? Is it true that you can only go out after 40 days?" I always liked to recommend that parents take their baby out for a walk even earlier, as long as the mother feels ready and strong, and of course, there are no contraindications. I wouldn't recommend going to crowded places, but a walk in the park will create a pleasant experience for both the parents and the baby.

Childbirth is one of the most exciting experiences a woman can go through. Every society and culture around the world has developed its unique traditions to support the new mother and celebrate the birth of the baby. As part of my studies in the courses I've taken, I learned about practices and customs from around the world. I'd love to share with you some fascinating customs from different places:

“Zuo Yuezi” in China

In China, there is a tradition called "Zuo Yuezi," which means "sitting the month." The belief is that during the first month after childbirth, the mother and baby should stay at home, and the mother receives full support from a special caregiver or family members. During this time, the mother eats a special diet that includes soups and foods that strengthen the body and avoids wind and cold to preserve energy and prevent future illnesses.

Celebrations and Blessings in Southern India

In India, especially in southern states like Tamil Nadu, there is a special celebration called "Seemantham," which takes place before a woman’s first childbirth. After the birth, there is "Valaikappu," where close women and family members adorn the new mother with bangles and offer her gifts and blessings. The celebrations include songs, dances, and traditional rituals aimed at protecting the mother and baby.

The “Kangaroo Care” Experience in ColombiaIn Colombia, one of the popular methods after childbirth is "Kangaroo Care"—skin-to-skin contact between the mother and baby, practiced for long hours each day. This method was originally developed for premature babies but is now used worldwide as it strengthens the bond between mother and baby, improves the mental and physical health of both, and encourages breastfeeding.

“La Cuarentena” in South America

In countries like Mexico and Argentina, there is a 40-day period after childbirth called "La Cuarentena," during which the mother avoids household chores, doesn’t receive guests, and is in complete rest while receiving personal care from family members or midwives. The diet during this period includes foods meant to restore the woman’s body after childbirth.

“Mother Roasting” Rituals in Vietnam

In Vietnam, there is a tradition called "Mother Roasting," where the new mother stays in a warm, dry environment, sometimes even above a direct heat source, to expel moisture from the body and ensure a quick recovery. This period is accompanied by a strict diet that includes specific foods believed to aid in the healing process.

The “El Canto de la Sibil·la” Ritual in Catalonia

As you know, I now live in a small town near Barcelona, and when I arrived here, I became interested in the Catalonian traditions surrounding pregnancy and childbirth. In Catalonia, it was customary for the new mother to request the blessing of the song for the protection of the baby and herself, particularly for the preservation of physical and mental health.

In Catalonia and Spain in general, it is customary to provide substantial support to the new mother by family members, especially in the first weeks after childbirth. The mother receives support from a caregiver or close family, and the traditional Catalonian cuisine includes special foods that help strengthen the body after childbirth, such as rich soups and traditional herbal remedies.

Although there is no one unique and famous tradition across Spain directly related to childbirth, the emphasis on community and family support is very strong, especially in regions like Catalonia, where local culture blends tradition, family, and the celebration of new life.

I noticed that the common thread in all these customs is the respect and support given to the new mother and her baby, and the recognition of the importance of this special period.

Whether you are here with me in Spain or elsewhere in the world, I would be happy to accompany you on this journey and support you in the early days after childbirth. Feel free to reach out to me here.