Postpartum Confinement (Zuo Yue Zi): Traditions, Evidence and Safety
Zuo yue zi, or doing the month, is the traditional Chinese month of rest after birth; this page covers the customs, what research found, and safety points for mother and baby.
Content last updated . This page has not been medically reviewed.
Urgent first
The NHS says to tell your midwife, health visitor or doctor straight away about sudden or very heavy bleeding with faintness, chest pain or difficulty breathing, a painful swollen red calf, a headache with vision changes and vomiting, or a high temperature with a sore, tender tummy (a sign of infection). [1] If symptoms are severe, call your local emergency number (911 in the US). If you have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, call 988 in the US. This page is information only and does not replace the care of your midwife or doctor.What zuo yue zi is
Zuo yue zi (sitting the month), also called "doing the month," is a traditional Chinese postpartum confinement, usually of about a month. It is practiced in China and by Chinese families abroad, and similar customs exist in other cultures, such as the steam sauna and "mother roasting" documented among ethnic groups in Lao PDR. [2] A US clinic survey describes the practice as revolving around yin-yang balance, with the mother on bed rest as long as possible, restricting diet to certain foods, and avoiding visitors and social activities. [3]In a 2016 hospital survey of 542 women in China, about 98% reported practicing it, about 95% for 30 days or longer, and the greatest variation between women was in diet, the least in hygiene. [4] Practice is common and is not the same in every family. In a US federally qualified health center survey, 60.7% of 107 respondents who had children "did the month," and respondents found it stressful but enjoyable and helpful for recovery. [3]
The food customs
Interviews with 100 Chinese first-time mothers described avoiding hot and cold foods, believing food restores health, and following food prescriptions and prohibitions during breastfeeding. [5] These come from the same framework as Warming and Cooling Foods in Chinese Dietary Therapy. This page does not set out menus, because the evidence below does not support a universal plan.What research shows
Evidence labels: traditional use only, mixed, insufficient evidence, evidence of harm (for a specific item).| Question | What the source found | Label |
|---|---|---|
| Does doing the month protect against postpartum depression? | A systematic review of 16 studies (15 cross-sectional, 1 randomized) found 4 studies showing lower risk, 2 the opposite and 10 no significant association, and concluded no significant protective effect was shown. [6] A later survey of 542 women found lower adherence tied to more depression symptoms, but cross-sectional data cannot show cause. [4] | Mixed |
| Are the diet and behaviors linked to maternal health? | A cross-sectional study of 2,013 women in Guangzhou found 75.5% reported at least one postpartum problem. Protective factors included breastfeeding, postpartum exercise, getting out of bed within 2 days, and more fish, fruit, vegetables and milk. Ginger vinegar intake, housework, too much or too little bed rest, and cesarean section were associated with problems. [7] | Associations only |
| Is rice-wine chicken soup safe while breastfeeding? | A study of 23 mothers who drank chicken soup with sesame oil and rice wine found changes in milk composition, a longer time for the first milk droplet, and lower (not significant) milk yield, and the authors suggested an alcoholic diet be avoided during lactation. [8] A companion analysis estimated acute infant risk as low, and suggested waiting at least 3 hours after the diet before nursing. [9] | Evidence of harm possible; small studies |
| Does the practice improve recovery overall? | The depression review said the benefits of the custom are considered effective in tradition, but research has not provided evidence to confirm them. [6] | Traditional use only |
Studies of this kind are mostly surveys that cannot separate the custom from other factors such as family support and income. They do not show that confinement causes any outcome.
Safety points
- Infection and warning signs. The NHS advises bathing stitches daily with plain warm water to help prevent infection, and to avoid tampons and menstrual cups until a wound has healed because of infection risk. [1] Customs that discourage washing should be discussed with a midwife or doctor.
- Alcohol. If a family dish contains rice wine, ask your doctor or midwife before eating it while breastfeeding. [8]
- Mental health. Low mood is a medical matter, not a lapse in observance. In a clinic survey, respondents called the practice stressful as well as enjoyable. [3] Low mood or anxiety that lasts after birth needs a conversation with your midwife or doctor.
- Herbs and tonics. Herbal soups can contain herbs that interact with medicines or affect breastfeeding. Ask a clinician or pharmacist first. See TCM in Pregnancy and Pregnancy and Breastfeeding.
- Respecting culture and safety together. The World Health Organization defines a positive postnatal experience as one in which care respects the cultural context of women and families. [10] Tell your care team about your customs so they can help you keep the ones that are safe.
Related pages
See Chinese Dietary Therapy and Preconception, Pregnancy, Postpartum and Breastfeeding.Frequently asked questions
What is zuo yue zi?
A traditional postpartum confinement of about a month in Chinese communities, with rest and special food rules. [3]
Does doing the month prevent postpartum depression?
A systematic review found conflicting evidence and no significant protective effect. [6]
Is it safe to eat rice-wine chicken soup while nursing?
A small study found it changed milk composition and slowed the first milk, and its authors suggested avoiding alcoholic diets during lactation. [8] Ask your midwife or doctor.
Can I follow the customs and still have medical checks?
Yes. The WHO describes postnatal care that respects cultural context, so tell your care team about your customs. [10]
What symptoms mean I should call a doctor right away?
Very heavy bleeding, chest pain, trouble breathing, severe headache with vision changes, or a high temperature with a sore tender tummy. [1]
References
- NHS. Your body after the birth. Page last reviewed 25 April 2024. Read 2026-10-22.
- Steam sauna and mother roasting in Lao PDR. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2011. Read 2026-10-22.
- Prevalence of Traditional Asian Postpartum Practices at a Federally Qualified Health Center. J Immigr Minor Health. 2022. Read 2026-10-22.
- Heterogeneity of "Zuo Yuezi" practices among Chinese postpartum women and its association with postpartum depression. J Cent South Univ Med Sci. 2025. Read 2026-10-22.
- Exploring Chinese women's cultural beliefs and behaviours regarding the practice of "doing the month". Women Health. 2004. Read 2026-10-22.
- Maternal postnatal confinement practices and postpartum depression in Chinese populations: A systematic review. PLoS One. 2023. Read 2026-10-22.
- "Zuoyuezi" dietary and behavioural associations with maternal health among puerperal women in South China. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2021. Read 2026-10-22.
- Maternal lactation characteristics after consumption of an alcoholic soup during the postpartum 'doing-the-month' ritual. Public Health Nutr. 2009. Read 2026-10-22.
- Alcohol levels in Chinese lactating mothers after consumption of alcoholic diet during postpartum "doing-the-month" ritual. Alcohol. 2005. Read 2026-10-22.
- World Health Organization. WHO recommendations on maternal and newborn care for a positive postnatal experience. Read 2026-10-22.
Education, not medical advice. This page is for general information. It does not diagnose or treat any condition and is not a substitute for care from a qualified health professional. Natural does not automatically mean safe. Ask a clinician or pharmacist before changing your care, especially if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a health condition.