Postpartum Care Across Cultures: A Global Reminder to Slow Down, Heal, and Be Held
Postpartum is not just recovery. It is rebirth — for the mother, the baby, and the family.
Across the world, cultures have long protected this sacred window with rest, warmth, and rituals that honor both physical and emotional healing. Today, in the rush of modern life, many families are rediscovering the beauty of slowing down, receiving support, and creating intentional spaces for bonding.
With gentle, baby-safe fabrics and thoughtful craftsmanship, Little West Street supports families through their earliest, most tender beginnings — helping parents create nurturing spaces at home, inspired by traditions from around the world.
Postpartum Traditions in Korea
Sanhup Jori: A Beginning Rooted in Rest & Nourishment .
Korean postpartum care, known as Sanhup Jori, is built around deep rest and nourishment. It protects the mother’s energy so she can recover fully and bond peacefully. It is shaped by practices such as:
- 3–4 weeks of undisturbed rest
- Seaweed soup for healing and supporting milk supply
- Calm, quiet spaces for bonding
- Support from caregivers so the mother can focus solely on her newborn
This approach prioritizes stillness, nourishment, and uninterrupted time together.
Postpartum Traditions in Nigeria
Omugwo: A Journey Led by Wisdom & Generational Support
Postpartum care in Nigeria is steeped in love, connection, and community. Called Omugwo, this period is lovingly led by the grandmother or an elder who supports the mother through her earliest days. It commonly involves:
- Warm water baths and soothing massages
- Healing soups such as pepper soup to restore vitality
- Guidance on nursing, baby cues, and daily care
- Emotional grounding from an experienced maternal figure
Omugwo is rooted in connection, shared responsibility, and feminine wisdom.
Postpartum Traditions in Japan
Satogaeri Bunben: A Return to Calm & Pure Mother–Baby Time
Japanese mothers often return to their parents’ home for dedicated postpartum care. Satogaeri Bunben focuses on: .
- A serene, distraction-free environment
- Family-prepared meals
- No pressure to host or resume chores
- Unhurried bonding and breastfeeding time
Silence, softness, and simplicity define this peaceful transition.
Postpartum Traditions in India
Forty Days of Warmth, Nourishment & Ayurvedic Care
Indian postpartum care, rooted in Ayurvedic tradition, revolves around warmth — in food, touch, environment, and emotional support.
Indian postpartum nurturing often includes:
- Forty days of protected rest
- Daily oil massages and herbal baths
- Warm, nutrient-rich foods with ghee and spices
- Cozy swaddling and soft bedding for the baby
This period is a cocoon of healing, nourishment, and family support.
Postpartum Traditions in China
Zuo Yuezi: A Month Devoted to Harmony & Gentle Ritual
“Zuo Yuezi,” or “sitting the month,” is one of the world’s most well-preserved postpartum traditions. It typically includes:
- Staying indoors for 30 days
- Warm herbal foods and soups
- Avoiding cold foods and temperatures
- Protection from physical and emotional strain
This practice emphasizes balance, warmth, and safeguarding long-term health.
Postpartum Traditions in Sweden
A Modern Approach of Balance, Togetherness & Calm Living
Sweden’s postpartum philosophy blends practicality with emotional well-being. Families often focus on:
- Generous parental leave for both parents
- Time outdoors to support mental health
- Minimalist, calming newborn spaces
- Slow family rhythms and shared caregiving
It is a contemporary reminder that simplicity and presence are deeply healing.
Postpartum Traditions in Latin America
La Cuarentena: Forty Days of Rest, Ritual & Family Care
Across Latin America, postpartum is honored through la cuarentena, a sacred 40-day period marked by:
- Intentional rest and recovery
- Family members managing meals, chores, and household duties
- A focus on breastfeeding, bonding, and emotional support
The mother is fully cared for so she can care for her baby with ease and peace.
What Connects All These Cultures
Though the traditions vary — from warm baths to herbal soups, silence to shared caregiving — one truth remains:
- A mother needs time.
- A baby needs softness.
- And both deserve to be held with intention.
Little West Street: Essentials for a Gentle Fourth Trimester
Little West Street brings comfort to every moment of early parenthood with thoughtfully crafted essentials designed to support both mother and baby. Our muslin essentials such as swaddles & burp cloths, breathable quilts, crib sheets, pillow-bolster sets, bath robes, hooded towels, and washcloths all help create calming, nurturing spaces at home — wherever your postpartum journey begins.
FAQ’s :-
1. Why do cultures treat postpartum differently?
Each tradition reflects beliefs about healing, nourishment, and family support — yet all share an emphasis on rest, warmth, and bonding.
2. What essentials help during the newborn phase?
Muslin swaddles, lightweight quilts, breathable crib sheets, cozy towels, washcloths, and soft bedding help establish a gentle, predictable rhythm for mother and baby.
3. Are Little West Street fabrics safe for newborn skin?
Yes. All fabrics are baby-safe, breathable, and chosen to protect delicate newborn skin during sleep, bath time, and daily care.
4. Can I blend traditional and modern postpartum care?
Absolutely. Many parents combine cultural rituals with practical modern routines to create what feels best for their family.
