1. I'm not supposed to leave the house at all
2. Brushing of teeth is also banned
3. No spicy or highly intensely flavoured foods (and definitely no cold foods)
4. No digital devices.
5. A lot more... (see 10 Facts about China’s “Sitting the Month” Postnatal Tradition)
Really wish I knew it before hand and been more prepared. Maybe Mom and I would be fighting less. Did she think I knew? Or did she know I wouldn't be happy about it, so decided not to elaborate...
Apparently Kate Middleton sparked discussion in the online Chinese community. Someone even suggesting Chinese women and western women might actually have different physiology (I can kind of see that... of course, it's a really broad brush.)
Above were some of the more sensational and strange bits, but there are some others that do make sense (such as no heavy lifting). CNN's article "No showers or going outdoors: Why the Chinese put mothers into 'confinement'" also cites some Chinese Medicine doctors have updated their recommendations, just as other modernisations are taking place (e.g. state-of-the-art luxury maternity centres).
Acubalance's "Preparing for Postpartum also manages to make a part of it (a lighter practice) sound reasonable: "Have anyone and everyone else do the house chores. Let your family and friends do your dishes, cook your food, clean your house, do your laundry and walk your dog. This is not being selfish; you are sustaining a new little human being who depends on you solely (for now, your partner will get their turn soon enough) as well as recovering from the biggest event of your life. Even if you are feeling great, amazing, full of energy!, which many women feel in that first week, fight the urge to do too much. You will naturally have a hormone crash on day 5-7, which will be 100% worse if you’ve pushed too hard while on your post birth high."
I guess I should give Mom some credit for relaxing the rules (I really don't think I could do it fully), though it could be she doesn't know them all either. It also seems pointless to be using up all my energy to fight it, but I do wish I could pick and choose like other modern Chinese women. Again, we're a little stuck in the past. Only 14 more days to go. I guess I should try to enjoy parts of it if I can.
5. A lot more... (see 10 Facts about China’s “Sitting the Month” Postnatal Tradition)
Really wish I knew it before hand and been more prepared. Maybe Mom and I would be fighting less. Did she think I knew? Or did she know I wouldn't be happy about it, so decided not to elaborate...
Apparently Kate Middleton sparked discussion in the online Chinese community. Someone even suggesting Chinese women and western women might actually have different physiology (I can kind of see that... of course, it's a really broad brush.)
Above were some of the more sensational and strange bits, but there are some others that do make sense (such as no heavy lifting). CNN's article "No showers or going outdoors: Why the Chinese put mothers into 'confinement'" also cites some Chinese Medicine doctors have updated their recommendations, just as other modernisations are taking place (e.g. state-of-the-art luxury maternity centres).
Acubalance's "Preparing for Postpartum also manages to make a part of it (a lighter practice) sound reasonable: "Have anyone and everyone else do the house chores. Let your family and friends do your dishes, cook your food, clean your house, do your laundry and walk your dog. This is not being selfish; you are sustaining a new little human being who depends on you solely (for now, your partner will get their turn soon enough) as well as recovering from the biggest event of your life. Even if you are feeling great, amazing, full of energy!, which many women feel in that first week, fight the urge to do too much. You will naturally have a hormone crash on day 5-7, which will be 100% worse if you’ve pushed too hard while on your post birth high."
I guess I should give Mom some credit for relaxing the rules (I really don't think I could do it fully), though it could be she doesn't know them all either. It also seems pointless to be using up all my energy to fight it, but I do wish I could pick and choose like other modern Chinese women. Again, we're a little stuck in the past. Only 14 more days to go. I guess I should try to enjoy parts of it if I can.
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