I "sat" for a month, learn why?

This week marked the end of my first 30 days as a new mama and the end of “sitting a month”. If you’re unfamiliar with “to sit a month” or “sitting” it is a Chinese tradition also called zuo yue zi. It is where the new mother retreats from the outside world (tv, internet, visitors, work, chores), no bathing, eating warm nourishing foods, focus on taking care of her baby and sleeping. There are many versions of this done all over the world and depending on the culture the time spent in sitting can range from 21, 30, or even 40 days. 

Sounds nice, right?! Why do this?

Aside from getting waited on hand and foot after a body uttering event, it encourages a quicker healing process with fewer set backs such as postpartum depression or anxiety. By allowing her this time and space to get adequate rest, hopefully receive healthy warming foods to replenish lost nutrients, blood, and help produce breast milk (if she chooses) she will come back to her community strong and healthy.

Until I got pregnant and had a child, I truly didn’t understand the tremendous amount of energy it takeaways from not only your gynecological organs, but also cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, nervous systems, and psychologically! I think this quote from Aviva Romm describes birth process well “The changes you undergo now are nothing short of an earthquake in your life.”

“The changes you undergo now are nothing short of an earthquake in your life.”

Food as Medicine

Using food as medicine was a no brainer for me. As a women's health coach, food is my first line of defense for healing in most circumstances. My husband and I meal prepped quite a bit before baby so we have plenty of warm nourishing foods for us to eat, plus he’s a great cook so I’m never going hungry :) But, if that wasn't you and your partners thing, creating a meal train and friends and family can sign up to bring by a meal can be priceless.

Omit showering?

What I found not so doable was the tradition of not showering for 30 days. I didn’t shower for 5 days as I physically couldn’t, once I could I immediately did and felt cleansed physically and mentally plus it gave me a few quiet minutes to myself which was a great reset :)

Takeaway

I would highly recommend creating a version that works best for your household! Most of us cannot completely disconnect from the world, but limiting your time to what has to be done worked well. Setting up support before leaving for maternity leave is something to consider as once your baby arrives it many be hard to find support and take care of a baby.

Limiting visitors during the Covid-19 pandemic had been made an easy one to follow. Plus, I was not in any condition to entertain guests while trying to recover from a 31 hour labor, a C-section, and nerve damage!

Although I didn’t follow the traditional rules, I found “sitting” my way was extremely beneficial after my pregnancy and birth. I'm grateful I had the support do so, and continue to, and hope you'll find a way to best support what your family needs during this once in a life time experience.

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Be well, 

Diana