Postpartum Recovery (TCM Confinement)

What is TCM Postpartum Care?

The traditional Chinese postpartum recovery system ("zuo yuezi" — sitting the month) views the 30-42 days after delivery as a critical window for restoring maternal health. Modern TCM postpartum care combines herbal recovery, lactation support, mood balance, and pelvic floor recovery.

Why China?

• Cost (6-week program): $1,500-$3,500 vs. $5,000-$15,000 for postpartum doula/recovery in US
• Cultural authenticity: Centuries-old tradition refined for modern mothers
• Yuezi center option: Premium residential postpartum centers ($8,000-$25,000/month) with 24/7 care available
• Integration: Combines with Western postpartum mental health screening

Who is a candidate?

• Postpartum mothers (immediate post-delivery to 6 weeks)
• Cesarean recovery
• Postpartum fatigue, breastfeeding difficulties, mood concerns
• Mothers traveling to China for delivery + recovery program
• Recovery from miscarriage or pregnancy loss

Outcomes

Maternal recovery (Edinburgh score, fatigue, lactation): significant improvement. Patient satisfaction: very high (cultural alignment). Better breastfeeding continuation rates. Postpartum depression risk reduction observed in observational studies.