SITTING THE MONTH

Q: What is Sitting the Month? How is it helpful for the postpartum mom?

A: In China, the first 30 days after a baby is born is referred to as "Sitting the Month" (坐月子). It is a critical time for the new mother to rest and recuperate. Historically, the period after giving birth was seen as a golden opportunity to reset and heal any constitutional illness or deficiency by resting, eating healthy foods, and even going to extremes such as not bathing or not seeing anyone outside the family, which could supposedly make the woman healthier than she was before or during pregnancy!

These days, it isn't always easy to rest as much as we might need after having a baby. Maybe work is calling you back in. Maybe you don't have family close by who can help. Maybe you have a baby with exceptional needs. There is also the social and societal pressure to be a perfect mom, be slimmer than before you got pregnant, and always be happy! and enjoy every moment!!!

At PDtM, we think there can be a happy medium between the ancient practice of Sitting the Month and the pressure to be a perfect new mom. Here are a few things you can do to find your balance in the postpartum period:

1. Prep before birth. Make your home a cozy and easy place to be. Live the hygge life. Make comfortable spots where you can feed baby. Meal prep by making larger batches of frozen food. Gather menus from your favorite take out places. 

2. Ask for help. This is the time to call in ALL the favors. Hire if you can. 

3. Eat warm foods. Don't deny yourself a salad or fresh fruit, but DO concentrate on cooked and warm foods like oatmeal for breakfast, soups and baked casseroles for lunch and dinner. Focus on high value nutrient foods like veggies, meats, whole grains, and nuts/legumes.

4. Bathe sparingly. I know what you're thinking: "Who has time to shower with a newborn?" Naturally, you can be hygienic, but maybe you shower every 2-3 days instead of every day during this period.

5. Don't sit or sleep in front of an air conditioner/fan in the summer or a vent in the winter. You can have it on in the room, just not blowing directly on you for a long period. Blowing air or "Wind" according to Chinese Medicine is the cause of disease. 

6. Be with your baby. Luxuriate in spending time with your new little one. You only get this time with this baby once! Say no to work when you can. Limit how much tidying you do around the house - it can definitely wait. It's harder when you have 1 or more other kids to attend to, but again, this is the time to recruit your partner/spouse, parents/grandparents, nieces/nephews, aunts/uncles, babysitters, etc. to spend time with the older kids while you get to know your newest family member.

Christine is the Acupuncture Director at Pulling Down the Moon and is available by appointment in the Highland Park office.

(Pic of Christine with her first baby by her husband, Bob)