Page "Postnatal" Paragraph 14

In some East Asian cultures, such as Chinese and Vietnamese, there is a traditional custom of postpartum confinement known in English as doing the month or sitting the month ( Mandarin zuò yuèzi 坐月子 ).

Confinement traditionally lasts 30 days.

Likewise, women in Japan frequently practice ansei, or peace and quiet, for a period of time after giving birth for the purpose of recuperating.

This tradition combines prescribed foods with a number of restrictions on activities considered to be harmful.

It is widely believed in many East Asian societies that this custom helps heal injuries to the perineum, promote the contraction of the uterus, and promote lactation.