# Housebound for 30 days: The Chinese Postpartum Tradition Taking Off in Australia
The tradition of confinement, where new mothers spend a month at home with their newborns, has been gaining popularity in Australia. This ancient Chinese practice, known as zuo yue zi or ‘sitting the month’, is believed to provide numerous benefits for both the mother and the baby. Let’s delve deeper into this tradition and explore how modern Australian mothers are adapting it to suit their lifestyles.
## The Benefits of Postpartum Confinement
### Rest and Recovery
– Traditionally, new mothers are housebound for 30 to 40 days to allow their bodies to heal after childbirth.
– The strict rules of confinement, such as avoiding going outside, showers, cold foods, and washing hair, are aimed at protecting the mother from illnesses.
– Special confinement dishes and herbal teas are consumed to promote healing and recovery under the guidance of the mother or mother-in-law.
### Modern Adaptations
– Many new mothers, like Sydney-based Xiao Ying Parker, are adapting the traditional customs to fit their modern lives.
– Xiao Ying’s husband, Mitchell, has taken paternity leave to support her during the confinement period, taking care of household chores and cooking.
– Freshly cooked meals are delivered daily, providing the benefits of traditional Chinese herbal medicine in a convenient way.
## Expert Insights on Postpartum Confinement
### Nicole Chien, a Confinement Practitioner
– Nicole Chien, a Taiwanese-Australian confinement practitioner, emphasizes the importance of rest, nutrition, and support for new mothers.
– She provides freshly made confinement meals to Sydney-based clients, inspired by her own experience of the confinement tradition.
### Avalon Nethery and Borne Postpartum Wellness Centre
– Avalon Nethery opened Borne, a postpartum wellness centre in Sydney’s Double Bay, drawing inspiration from the Chinese confinement tradition.
– Borne offers specialist staff, including midwives and lactation consultants, and a menu of Ayurvedic and Chinese confinement meals for mothers and babies.
## The Growing Trend of Postnatal Hotels
– Specialized confinement centers, similar to those in Asia, are starting to gain attention in Australia.
– Centers like Borne provide a supportive environment for new mothers to rest and recover, with a mix of traditional and modern approaches to postpartum care.
In conclusion, the tradition of postpartum confinement is experiencing a resurgence in Australia, with modern mothers embracing its benefits for healing and recovery after childbirth. By blending ancient customs with contemporary lifestyles, women are finding ways to incorporate this practice into their postnatal care routine. Whether at home or in specialized postnatal centers, the focus remains on providing mothers with the support and nourishment they need during this crucial period.
### FAQ
– What is postpartum confinement?
Postpartum confinement is an ancient Chinese tradition where new mothers stay at home for 30 to 40 days after childbirth to rest and recover.
– How are modern Australian mothers adapting the tradition?
Modern Australian mothers are adapting the tradition by incorporating elements of postpartum confinement into their lifestyles, such as specialized meal delivery services and support from partners or caregivers.
– Are postnatal hotels a common practice in Australia?
Postnatal hotels, inspired by Asian confinement centers, are starting to gain attention in Australia, offering mothers a supportive environment for rest and recovery after childbirth.