Chinese Confinement After Childbirth (坐月子 – zuò yuèzi): What You Need to Know by: Judy 0 Comments Posted:12/27/2022Updated:12/22/2022 A 30-day confinement after childbirth is a Chinese tradition that stretches back over two millennia (for C-section birth, it extends to 6 weeks).Known as zuò yuè zi (坐月子) in Mandarin, it’s a time when you’re meant to safeguard your and your baby’s health, while your body is in a fragile state after birth.  Over the years, we’ve gotten many questions from readers about this tradition, so today we’ll share what we know about it.We’ll explain some of the practices so you can learn about this Chinese tradition—whether you are expecting or not!  Important Disclaimer: The content of this article is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be misconstrued as medical advice.

We are not physicians.There are many customs and traditions surrounding childbirth and new parenthood, and this post simply describes Chinese cultural practices and traditions.Always consult your doctor to understand what is safe for you.

Also, we will use both terms, “mother” and “parent” to be inclusive of anyone who has undergone childbirth.  An Ancient Tradition for New Mothers There has been surprisingly little question regarding customary post-childbirth confinement in China.Many new mothers in China follow at least some of these practices, with guidance passe

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