Viral Video: Woman Uses Plastic Bag Post-Childbirth

A recent video from China has sparked conversations globally, showcasing a woman wrapped in a large plastic bag after childbirth. The video, which has gone viral, highlights the enduring traditional post-partum practices.

Understanding the Tradition: Zuo Yue Zi

The video, taken in Dalian, Liaoning province, depicts the woman clad in a thick down jacket leaving a hospital with temperatures dipping below 5 degrees Celsius. This practice is part of a traditional Chinese post-partum confinement strategy known as zuo yue zi, meaning “sitting the month,” as reported by the South China Morning Post.

During this one-month recovery period, new mothers are advised to adhere to strict guidelines, including avoiding exposure to wind, refraining from showers, and eliminating certain foods from their diet.

The Woman’s Perspective

The woman expressed, “I just gave birth to a baby, and I am quite weak. I don’t want to be blown by the wind. My mother thought of this idea of using the plastic bag to keep out the wind. It is such a good choice because it is cheap while it works well in shielding the wind,” quoting the South China Morning Post.

The belief underpinning these customs is that inadequate care or exposure to cold after childbirth can result in long-term health problems, such as back pain, headaches, or dizziness.

Family Support and Cultural Practices

In many Chinese families, taking extraordinary steps to safeguard new mothers often garners considerable attention. In a similar event, a viral video released in November showed a man assisting his wife home using a large plastic bag after childbirth, with aid from male relatives.

Indian Traditions: The Jaappa Practice

Similar customs are observed in North India, where new mothers follow a 40-day confinement period called jaappa. This practice is meant to protect against illness and evil spirits. Women cover their heads with a scarf to maintain body heat and prevent infections, while their diet is strictly monitored to aid recovery.

These practices, deeply ingrained in culture, often find themselves at the center of discussions about their place in today’s rapidly changing world.