11 Postpartum Traditions From Around the World That Every New Mom Needs To Know

In America, we have access to some of the best medical care, endless baby products, and more podcasts about pregnancy, birth, and parenting than we could ever possibly listen to. But you know what we don’t have? A shared understanding that postpartum is sacred.

Many people act like the hardest part is giving birth but what about the part right after, when you're healing, hormonal, nursing, and completely changed by what just happened? For many American moms, it’s a lonely survival sprint to “get back to normal” as quickly as possible. But in other cultures, it’s a slow, beautiful initiation.

So why not learn from what the rest of the world gets right about postpartum and bring that wisdom home? Whether you have a full support squad or you're doing this with minimal help, here’s how to create a recovery experience that feels special and sacred.

China: Zuo Yue Zi — “Sitting the Month”

Picture this: a quiet room bathed in golden light. A mother lies under a soft quilt, the scent of ginger in the air. Her mother or mother-in-law brings another bowl of warm broth. Did you know new moms in China get 30+ days of enforced rest? No cooking, no cleaning, just warm food, warm beds, and support on demand.

Try this: Make yourself a preparation basket before baby arrives. Fill it with bone broth, heat packs, ginger tea, cozy socks, and soft pajamas. Queue up a few favorite audiobooks. A few months before your due date, ask your husband, mom, doula, or best friend to be your near-constant companion for one week, someone who brings food, tidies the space, and gently reminds you to rest.

Japan: Satogaeri Bunben & Ansei

Japanese moms often return to their childhood homes and stay in a state of ansei, which means deep tranquility. Their mothers handle the house while they recover.

Try this: Even if your mom can't move in, invite a trusted woman to stay for a few hours each day that first week. When someone offers help, even if it’s just a friendly acquaintance from church, follow up with: “If you really don’t mind helping, I’d love someone to stop by a few times that first week to fold laundry or warm up a meal. Just your presence would be a gift.”

Africa: The Maternal Welcome

In many African cultures, like among the Kikuyu and Luo in Kenya, mothers or mothers-in-law move in after birth. They cook, massage with shea butter, care for the baby, and offer wisdom. The entire community surrounds the mother so she can rest and heal.

Try this: Create a group text before you give birth. Tell your people: “I’m putting together a support calendar. Would you rather drop off food, clean the kitchen, hold the baby while I nap, or play with my older kids for a while?” Let them pick what works best for them. If that's not an option, save and splurge on a house cleaning if you can. A tidy space can feel like medicine.

Mexico & Spain: La Cuarentena — 40 Sacred Days

For forty days, mothers rest. No visitors unless they’re helpful. Warm foods. Warm blankets. Warmth everywhere.

Try this: Make a cuarentena contract with yourself (and your husband). No social obligations for six weeks. Look for opportunities for warmth in your routine: long showers, baths, short walks outside, sauna, or massage time once you're cleared by your midwife or doctor. Your only job is to heal and bond.

Philippines: Pagpapahilom — Healing Touch

In Thailand, women lie near fires, wrapped in layers of cloth, sipping soup slowly while warmth seeps in. It's about driving out the “wind” and welcoming in healing.

Try this: Buy a postpartum wrap and learn how to use it (thank you, YouTube!). I personally like this one for extra ease. Swap out your bedroom lights for a red light or a Himalayan salt lamp to minimally disrupt sleep and rest. Try a simple herbal foot soak with lavender or bay leaf. Choose one daily ritual for your postpartum time that feels luxurious, like a slow scalp massage, sunlight on your face, or an uninterrupted bath.

Thailand: Yu Fai — The Hot Bed

Thai mothers sleep near fire or coals to drive out cold and “wind.” They stay bundled up and eat only hot foods.

Try this: Keep a heating pad nearby. Wear your fluffiest socks and softest robe. Rub magnesium oil on your feet before bed for calm and recovery. Choose warming foods like chicken and rice soup with lemongrass, cinnamon tea, and oatmeal with ginger.

Vietnam: Nằm Cứ — The Gentle Quarantine

Postpartum mothers in Vietnam stay indoors, protected from wind, noise, and stress. Their days are soft and undisturbed. Meals are simple: sticky rice, clear broth, herbal tea.

Try this: Turn your room into a haven. Declutter. Add soft textures: a fuzzy throw, and silk pillowcase for your hair and skin. Prepare a simple breastfeeding setup on your nightstand, like a Haakaa pump, insulated container for night milk, nursing pads, and burp cloths. Tape a polite sign to the door: “Mama and baby are resting. Please text before entering.”

Tahiti: Mother as Goddess

In Tahitian culture, the new mother lies on a mat and is cared for like a goddess, massaged, fed, and revered.

Try this: Take a short “spa day” at home. Enjoy long baths. Nourish your skin and hair even if no one else is going to see it.

Poland: Slavic Shelter

In Poland, winter winds are kept at bay. The house stays warm. Mothers sip chamomile, hold their babies in thick blankets, and stay inside for six weeks while others help manage the world outside.

Try this: Put on your favorite robe. Brew a pot of calming tea. Sit by a window. Keep a small tray next to your bed with calming essentials: your magnesium oil, nipple balm, water bottle, and a phone charger.

Italy: Let Nonna Take Over

In Italy, Grandma takes charge. She brings soup, insists on naps, and rocks the baby like a pro.

Try this: If your mom or MIL offers help, say: “I’d love for you to be my postpartum wingwoman. If you can handle meals or baby snuggles, I’ll focus on resting.” Be warm and thankful but not apologetic. Make it easier on everyone by planning a schedule in advance: who comes when, for how long, and what they enjoy doing the most.

Germany: Hebamme Visits

German moms receive home visits from midwives for up to 12 weeks. They check stitches, offer lactation support, and ease the emotional load.

Try this: Hire a postpartum doula if you can. If not, ask a loved one or wise friend to stop by weekly and check in on you, not just the baby. And at your six-week OB appointment, ask: “Can I get a referral for pelvic floor therapy?” Advocate gently, but firmly.

Final Thought

You may not have a full village, but even just a few helping hands, a stack of warm meals, a quiet room, or a postpartum pact with one other person can bring back the beauty of this sacred season. Be clear. Be honest. Be strategic. And let yourself be supported.