In Korean, there is a word that describes postpartum care. It is "Samchilil", which mean 21 days. Koreans believe that the new mother should be in confinement for at least 3 weeks after birth.

Koreans mums duties were supposed only to be rest and sleep during this period. They are not allowed to move about too much as this is to help the uterus to contract. They also have special confinement diets. Although Kimchi remains as their main source of food, seaweed soup known as "miyuk-kuk" is one dish that is to be consume 3 times a day. It is encouraged to consume everyday for a least 3 months. Seaweed soup has healing properties, it is believed to help to clean the blood, contains calcium as well as to help with the breastfeeding milk production. Hard or crunchy food is best to be avoided as they believed the mother's  gum is still very weak after delivery.

Koreans confinement has some similarities to Chinese. They are supposed to wear thick clothes to prevent wind from entering body and not to walk bare footed around the house. Putting on socks is a must. Taking a hot shower or washing of hair is however allowed but mothers who has a caesarean delivery should avoid taking a shower for a week.

Do you Know?

Korean has Postpartum Clinics known as Sanhujoriwon. It provides traditional care for the mother and the babies. Woman after birth stay at these clinics where each mother has her own room with a bathroom, double bed, TV, PC, nursing goods such as a breast milk pump, a massager and phone. Staff train the mothers to breast-feed and offer classes on how to wash, swaddle and calm their babies. There is some strict rules that mothers are not allowed to touch other babies, even the grandparents. There is also restriction on visiting hours too. A forthnight stay at this clinic cost at least 2 – 2.5 million won ($1494). Mothers who has stayed in these clinics find it better to cope with their postnatal emotions as they shared their feelings with fellow mothers and they are able to get ample rest during their stay.

Will Singaporean buy the idea of having postpartum clinics in Singapore ? I guess many will still opted for confinement ladies. Perhaps when we launch our 1st postpartum clinic, it could be just like another world class resort only filled with mothers and their bundle of joys.