1. Introduction
The birth of a baby is a joyous occasion and one that is shared by family and friends. In Japan, the postpartum period is an important time for mother and baby to bond and form a close relationship. While some cultures have long traditions of keeping mother and baby together after birth, this is not always the case in Japan. In this article, we will discuss the historical context of postpartum care in Japan, traditional practices, modern practices, benefits, challenges, and sources.
2. Historical Context of Postpartum Care in Japan
In traditional Japanese culture, postpartum care was largely provided by female relatives such as grandmothers or aunts who would stay with the new mother for up to one month after giving birth. This practice was known as “matsugo” or “month-long confinement” which was believed to be beneficial for both mother and baby’s health during this important time period. During matsugo, mothers were expected to rest and focus on breastfeeding while also taking part in rituals that focused on purification and healing from childbirth.
3. Traditional Japanese Postpartum Care Practices
During matsugo, it was common for the new mother to remain separated from her infant for at least the first few days following delivery as she recovered from giving birth. It was believed that this separation would help protect the infant from illnesses such as colds or other ailments that could be passed on through contact with their mother during this vulnerable time period. After the initial separation period had passed, it was typical for mothers and babies to be kept together until the end of matsugo when they would then return home together as a family unit.
4. Modern Japanese Postpartum Care Practices
Today, many hospitals in Japan allow mothers to keep their infants with them throughout their hospital stay following delivery. This practice has become increasingly popular due to its perceived benefits such as promoting bonding between mother and child as well as helping with breastfeeding success rates due to increased skin-to-skin contact between mother and baby immediately after delivery. However, some hospitals still prefer to keep mothers and babies separated until the end of their hospital stay due to concerns about hygiene or infection control protocols being compromised if infants were allowed into wards where other patients are present.
5. Benefits of Keeping Mother and Baby Together After Birth in Japan
There are numerous benefits associated with keeping mothers and babies together after birth in Japan including:
• Increased bonding between mother and child – Studies have shown that having uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact between a mother and her newborn can significantly improve bonding between them which can help reduce stress levels for both parties;
• Improved breastfeeding outcomes – Keeping babies close to their mothers immediately after delivery can lead to improved success rates when it comes to breastfeeding;
• Reduction in maternal stress levels – Having your newborn close by can help reduce maternal stress levels associated with worrying about your infant’s wellbeing;
• Easier transition back home – Keeping your infant close during hospitalization can make it easier for you both when you return home together following discharge;
6 Challenges of Keeping Mother and Baby Together After Birth in Japan
Despite the numerous benefits associated with keeping mothers and babies together after birth in Japan there are also potential challenges associated with this practice including:
• Risk of infection – If infants are allowed into wards where other patients are present there is an increased risk of infection being passed onto them;
• Difficulty sleeping – It can be difficult for both mother and baby to get adequate sleep if they are sharing a room at night;
• Stressful environment – Hospitals can be stressful environments which may not be ideal for helping promote bonding between mother and child;
• Emotional exhaustion – The lack of sleep combined with an unfamiliar environment can lead to emotional exhaustion which may not be ideal when trying to bond with your newborn;
7 Conclusion
In conclusion, while there are potential benefits associated with keeping mothers & babies together after birth in Japan there are also potential challenges that need to be considered before making a decision about what type of postpartum care is best suited for you & your family’s needs & preferences.Ultimately,it is important that each family makes an informed decision based on their own individual circumstances & needs.
8 Sources
Kawaihae,M.( 2017 ). Postpartum Care Practices : A Look at Traditional Japanese Culture.Retrieved from https://www.verywellfamily.com/postpartum – care – practices – japanese – culture – 4105015
Miyazaki,N.( 2018 ). Why Do Mothers Separate From Their Babies Immediately After Delivery ? Retrieved from https://www.verywellfamily.com/why – do – mothers – separate – from – their – babies – immediately – after – delivery – 4110299
What do Japanese do when a baby is born?
In Japan it has long been customary for women who have given birth to stay at home with their children for the first 100 days after giving birth. But today mothers usually choose to stay at home only for the first month.
How long do they keep mom and baby after birth?
After a normal vaginal delivery you will be in the delivery room with your baby for about 30 minutes.
How do mothers carry their babies in Japan?
In Japan mothers carry a device called an onbuhimo that wraps the baby on their back. It looks like a typical day trip probably built by the first islanders but with wider straps. It is strong enough for newborns.
What are the Japanese pregnancy rules?
It is recommended that Japanese women have maternal health examinations for low-to-moderate-risk pregnancies every 4 weeks through the 23rd week of pregnancy every 2 weeks from the 24th to the 35th week of pregnancy and weekly totals after the 36th week of pregnancy.
How long do babies sleep with parents in Japan?
Co-sleeping families in Japan have no exception to co-sleeping with their parents until the arrival of the next child. After this the first child sleeps with another member of the family until the tenth year.
Do babies sleep with their parents in Japan?
Many parents in Japan sleep next to their babies on bamboo blankets or futons. Some parents create space by placing the baby in a bassinet or on Dorys lap in a bassinet. Most cultures that co-sleep in any form have very rare cases of SIDS.