The Importance of Maternal Practices and Postpartum Rituals

I so badly wanted to go to an indulgent after-birth retreat like Borne (https://www.borne.au/) after the birth of my third baby. I never managed to make it as we welcomed our third a week before Christmas, and by the time Christmas was over and done I was already out of the period where I required that sort of rest and recuperation. This isn’t an advertisement, and I never made it to Borne, but the the idea of a certain period of postpartum recovery isn’t a new one. The fact is, you need to rest after you’ve had a baby- and it really does take a village to raise a child. I think we have lost our village (but ill save that for another post).

I undertook extensive research while pregnant, and I wanted to share with you what I found, and what I think of postpartum confinement, or specifically what I think can be incorporated into every womans postpartum, whatever your culture or background.

Postpartum confinement is an ancient practice. It focuses on a new mother’s recovery and bonding with her baby. China, Mexico, India, and Nigeria maintain rich postpartum traditions that emphasise rest, warming diets, and strong support systems. In a time where postpartum mental health concerns are rising everywhere, we can all learn from them; particularly how to rest. And you need to rest, take this as permission if you needed it.

A Quick Look at Some Postpartum Confinement Practices

In China, 'zuo yuezi' or 'sitting the month' involves a 30–40 day rest period indoors, avoidance of cold, protein-rich warming foods, and care from mothers-in-law or professional nannies. Traditional Chinese medicine underpins the belief that the mother’s body is cold and must be rebalanced with warmth and rest.

Mexico’s 'la cuarentena' spans approximately 40 days. Mothers consume soups, herbal teas, avoid 'cold' foods, and often wear abdominal binders. Grandmothers or midwives assist, reinforcing family-based postpartum care.

In India, the 40-day 'jaapa' involves Ayurvedic meals like ghee-rich panjiri, warm milk, and lentils. Daily massages and belly binding are common. Support from the mother’s natal home is central, creating a nurturing cocoon.

Nigeria’s 'Omugwo' practice includes hot water compresses, pepper soup with healing herbs, frequent bathing, and full-time support from grandmothers. The goal is to restore physical strength and provide emotional comfort through shared caregiving.

A Common Thread?

All of these have a common thread- rest, nutrition and embedding support. Studies have shown that when postpartum traditions are carried out with caring support and not rigid enforcement, they tend to lower stress, reduce anxiety, and possibly protect against severe postpartum depression. They create a sanctuary for the new mother by experienced women that conveys care, confidence, and calm. Mothers often emerge from the period feeling mentally stronger and more bonded with their baby, having had the time and support to focus on motherhood without external pressures. Modern studies agree that social support (whether from family, community, or professionals) is a critical factor in postpartum mental health​. That said, the best outcomes will only occur when the your comfort and preferences are respected within the supportive framework. Some of us are not lucky enough to have access to these support systems, so I have included some key take-aways below.

Physical and Mental Health Benefits- Case Studies

Physically, these traditions promote healing through rest, nutrient-dense diets, and therapies like massage and binding. Avoiding strenuous activities reduces risks of hemorrhage and fatigue. Cultural recipes—such as Indian panjiri or Nigerian pepper soup—include iron and lactation-boosting herbs.

Emotionally, structured support systems reduce isolation and anxiety. To this end, Nigeria’s Omugwo surrounds new mothers with familial care, enhancing confidence and reducing stress.

There have been many studies to support this, have a look at Guo et al. (2021) which found that low adherence to confinement practices in China correlated with higher rates of postpartum depression. Pradhan et al. (2023) noted low anxiety in Indian mothers with strong family support. Perroni et al. (2022) observed that disrupted 'cuarentena' during COVID-19 in Mexico increased emotional strain.

Fragrance as a Postpartum Ritual

There have been studies focusing on integrating scent rituals to complement these traditional practices, for example the Women’s Health Journal (England) has identified common practices across various cultures, including organised support and specific self-care routines, which have been associated with reduced incidences of postpartum depression.

“Specifically, the themes included organised support for the mother, periods of rest, prescribed food to be eaten or prohibited, hygiene practices and those related to infant care and breastfeeding, among others. These rituals allow the mother to be 'mothered' for a period of time after the birth. They may have beneficial health effects as well as facilitate the transition to motherhood. In today's society, with modernization, migration and globalization, individuals may be unable to carry out the rituals or, conversely, feel pressured to carry out activities in which they no longer believe”.

What Can You Take Away From This?

Personally, although it was Christmas I really did try to stick by the 5-5-5 Rule. This is 5 days of complete bed rest, followed by 5 days of being on the bed, and then 5 days of activity near the bed, aiming for a gradual return to activity after 15 days. I didn’t do this with my first pregnancy and I definitely have noticed (am noticing) the benefit of having some good rest behind me now that I am out of the forth trimester.

From all the research I did, there were a few key take-away points from various confinement and postpartum practices.

First: The importance of warm, nourishing foods and hydration.

Second: Body care is crucial, this includes massages and abdominal binding and a good pelvic physio. I would also argue from the research that integrating scent rituals to complement these body practices also beneficial. Fragrance offers modern mothers a bridge between cultural wisdom and contemporary self-care.​ De(ux) Mains perfumes are a great option for postpartum mothers.

Finally: Having a good peri-natal/post-natal psychologist and making sure you have access to mental health services including routine check-ins and group support systems around you.

While the exact practices differ, postpartum confinement practices from China, Mexico, India, and Nigeria all share common threads; rest, nutrition, and support, the benefits of which for maternal recovery are clear. Rest, please.

References

·       Guo, Y. et al. (2021). Low adherence to postpartum practices and risk of postpartum depression. Frontiers in Psychiatry.

·       Pradhan, M. et al. (2023). Perceived social support and postpartum anxiety among Indian mothers. Indian Journal of Community Medicine.

·       Perroni, R. et al. (2022). The impact of COVID-19 on postpartum confinement practices and maternal wellbeing in Mexico. Archives of Women's Mental Health.

Dennis, C., Fung, K., Grigoriadis, S., Robinson, G. E., Romans, S., & Ross, L. E. (2007). Traditional postpartum practices and rituals: a qualitative systematic review. Women's Health, 3(4), 487-502.