Have you heard of “confinement period”? Or as some Chinese call it, “做月子”.
This refers to the period immediately after giving birth where the mother is “confined” for a variety of reasons but largely because it is the most critical period for the mother’s body to recuperate. Some believe that if done properly, the confinement period can at minimum, reduce the potential for aches and other discomforts for the mother that could be sustained for the rest of her life. And if you’re planning to have more than one child, then this confinement period is even more critical in helping you regain the strength you’ll need to carry your next child.
Read here for a detailed article on “Confinement Period” and the varied practices among different races in parts of Asia.
When we lived in the US, I remember telling some friends that this would be an invaluable service and a huge reason for me to have my child in Singapore. Except for a “confinement hotel” in Los Angeles mentioned in this USAToday article, I do not believe there is any option to hire a confinement lady in the US as one would in Singapore. This CL would stay with you for 28 days upon your return home from the hospital and, depending on their rates, would take care of everything the mother and child needs from cooking to laundry. She would also usually cook for the husband and if there is an elder child, she may be willing to care for the child with an additional fee. The CL would cook food that help to dispel wind, increase the ‘Qi’ of the mother, and increase lactation. Rates could range from $2,000 to $2,200 not including auspicious red envelopes (about $28 going in and $80 or more for going out) for the CL.
UPDATE (Jul 24, 2011):
A Taiwanese friend of mine who is still living in the US and gave birth to two children there, told me that she hired a confinement nanny for her second child. For her first child, her mom flew over to help but it was too tiring for everyone and she decided that she did not want a repeat of that. Apparently the costs are about the same numerically but in USD.
Resources: SingaporeMotherhood Forum | GPLS Confinement Nanny Agency | Confinement Catering
During this period, you would also need a Jamu (originating from Indonesia) masseur to help massage you back into shape. More importantly, this masseur would also do wraps that help to remove the wind. In some cases, the (often-times painful) jamu massage and wraps can even trim the mother down from a postnatal “5-month” bulge, to about her pre-pregnancy waist. The massage/wraps are typically over a period of 10 days and will also help to increase lactation. Rates could range from $40 to $100 per hour with possible complimentary tummy binders, creams and baby massages.
Some resources: SingaporeMotherhood Forum | Jamu Massage | Origins Jamu Massage