Yuezi 101

Everything you need to know about doing the month!

WHAT IT IS:
Yuezi (坐月子zuo yuezi which translates to sitting or doing the month) is a 30 day Chinese postpartum tradition of restoration which encompasses specific viewpoints on recovery, confinement, rest, food, herbs, hygiene and the assistance of others while recovering from childbirth and surviving the first month of motherhood.


WHAT IT DOES:
Doing the month helps activate your recovery from labor, replace lost nutrients and restore balance to your system.  Chinese people believe that the first month after you give birth affects your long term health so post natal recovery is critical.  Letting others cook, clean and take care of household chores allows you time to be the best mother you can be for your baby.  And who wouldn't want to be pampered like a princess for 30 days?


HOW TO DO THE MONTH:
Ask your mother, aunt, godmother
Hire a Yuezi specialist, post partum doula and or baby nurse
Research into a Yuezi center, Yuezi hotel
Follow do's and dont's to your own tolerance level


DO'S AND DONT'S GRID FOR YUEZI
DO'SDONT'S
RestEyestrain - no TV, no books, no blackberry
Listen to the radioLong telephone conversations
Eat 4-5 small meals per daySugar and overly fattening foods
Kegels every time you breastfeed (not easy!)Sex for 100 days*
Light walkingRunning, sit-ups and heavy lifting
Dry shampooWet hair*
Hot towel wipe down in between showersDaily showers or bath*
Sleep when baby sleepsGo outside, exposing oneself to wind and cold weather
Warm soups and boiled rice wine Cold water
SocksManolos


*For hard core yuezi traditionalists

tags: Yuezi, zuo yuezi, Chinese postpartum tradition, post natal recovery