Page 58 - The Doula Hub - Flip book_Neat

P O S T N A T A L P R A C T I C E S

• ASIA – Confinement is a cultural norm across much of Asia where new families remain in their home, or in
Japan at their parents home, for ‘ansei’ – peace and pampering. In Vietnam, parents wait 6 weeks before
introducing their baby to anyone outside of the family unit. Food and care in China and Korea is geared
towards rebalancing the hot-cold dynamic of the body so warm clothes and hot soups are recommended.

• SOUTH EAST ASIA – In Indonesia and Malaysia, a tradition of bodywork, herbal baths, belly wrapping and
massage is observed to help the mother to welcome her new body with love.

• AFRICA – Importance is placed on the group that supports the new parents. In the Ivory Coast, female
relatives cook and care for the parents and help with household chores and the baby’s needs until the
new family have recovered their strength. While in Zambia, housework is banned until the baby’s
umbilical cord falls off.

• SOUTH AMERICA – In many parts of South America, la cuarentena decrees that female relatives take on

all domestic duties for 40 days to help guard against the new parents suffering from exhaustion related
illnesses.