‘Golden Month’ is the Chinese name for the special weeks following childbirth. For the Chinese mother it is time of joy where she rests and is nurtured by older women. In Asia it is believed that this life change is like a watershed which cleanses a woman’s energy and offers an opportunity for the complete renewal of her health. In Vietnam it is said, “A woman is at her most beautiful after the birth of her first child”. It is believed that many chronic diseases can be cured if the mother is looked after properly in her ‘golden month’. For her family it is a time to celebrate and get to know the new baby.
In Africa the first six weeks after birth are called ‘the 40 days’ and the beliefs and practices around it are similar to in Asia. Again there is full rest, and nurturing of the mother.
