Mothering the mother during the fourth trimester
confinement nurses
The postnatal period is intense to say the least and many mums overlook the importance of their own healing. That’s why in many cultures, mums are supported with nourishing postpartum traditions. Pui yuets or ‘confinement nurses’ look after mums for the first month after childbirth so they can fully focus on recovery. If you like the idea of freshly cooked meals, a clean home and 8-hours sleep, a confinement nurse may be for you.
Supporting mums with care and nourishment
Confinement nurses (also known as confinement nannies or confinement ladies) cook traditional Chinese foods, soups and medicines and take care of baby and housework so mum can rest. Traditionally performed by a female relative, this nurturing postnatal custom is also offered by women well-trained in newborn care who are dab hands at cooking healing foods while doing the household duties too.
Taking the pressure off parents in the postnatal period
For many new mums, feeling comfortable and relaxed with round-the-clock support will have a big impact on their long-term health and wellbeing. And partners feel the benefit too. With no housework, cooking or sleepless nights to worry about, you can both spend less time stressing and more time supporting each other in the best ways you know how.
Newborn care and education
As well as giving hands-on care, confinement nurses also help new parents build confidence in their parenting skills. Much like a maternity nurse, your confinement nurse will teach and advise on “all things baby”, ensuring that once they’ve left (usually after 28 days), you’re feeling strong and ready to tackle the parenting path ahead.
Confinement nurses live-in with families responsible for their board, lodging and payment. They will:
- prepare confinement meals for mum
- create herbal tonics, teas and broths for mum
- pour special herb-infused confinement baths for mum
- offer breastfeeding guidance and support
- do the laundry and household chores
Not what you need? Perhaps a maternity nurse or night nanny would be a better fit