Post-Birth Chinese Health Rules
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Does anyone know these Chinese rules of health women are supposed to go through for the first month after giving birth, or post-pregnancy, for recovering? Also called "zuo yue zi" in Mandarin, or "cho yuet" in Cantonese.
Some things involve not washing one's hair for a month, wrapping oneself top to bottom to stay warm regardless of weather, having some chinese medicinal soups (not sure what's in it), etc. Then there's a long list of things one can't eat, which seems even more complicated than the food pregnant women are supposed to avoid during pregnancy. I have heard there are similar rules for Koreans, Malaysians, Indians, and other Asian countries.
I can't seem to find one place that states all the rules. I only hear bits and pieces, some contradictory information, and it seems to be word of mouth with explanations that don't make sense. If anyone can list out the rules or point me in the direction where I can find these rules, it'd be much appreciated.
A closed mouth gathers no feet.
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Re: Post-Birth Chinese Health Rules
I have heard many different after birth "rules" that most Chinese women follow. After coming home from the hospital, you go in your room and basically stay there for about one month. During that time, the windows are to remain closed as the air could cause sickness, maybe not now, but even when you are older. One of my friends says that after her mother gave birth, she did have the windows open and now she suffers from occasional headaches due to this.
Also during this time, you are not to bathe at all. This would be especially difficult in the summer with the windows closed..I don't think I could bear it. Actually I think that is all I know...sorry but most of the rules I learned were more about what to do during the pregnancy. Hope this helps...but since you posted quite a while ago, maybe I am too late. Are you going to give birth or did you already give birth here? If so, did you or will you follow these traditions?
Jen
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Re: Post-Birth Chinese Health Rules
yes i've heard several people complain about later-life illnesses that were allegedly caused by drafty air or some other alleged violation of the code of what women should do after giving birth.
I chalk them up to old wives tales that were necessary in the olden days when if your immune system was weakened by a traumatic birth and then you went outside you'd likely catch the plague
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