The Importance of Postpartum Care: Lessons from Korean Traditions
Introduction
Welcoming a baby is a life-changing experience, but many new mothers in the U.S. are left to navigate the postpartum period with little structured support. In Korean culture, postpartum recovery is a well-established tradition known as Sanhujori, which prioritizes rest, nutrition, and specialized care.
At Sanhu House in Los Angeles, we incorporate these time-tested practices into modern postpartum care, providing the structure, nourishment, and expert support new mothers need for a full recovery.
What is Sanhujori?
Sanhujori is a traditional Korean postpartum care practice where new mothers follow a strict recovery regimen for 21 to 40 days. The focus is on:
Rest and Recovery – New mothers are encouraged to stay indoors, avoid cold air, and limit physical exertion.
Nutrient-Dense Foods – Postpartum meals are designed to promote healing and lactation, with staples like seaweed soup, bone broth, and warming herbal teas.
Postnatal Therapy and Bodywork – Massage, heat therapy, and physical recovery treatments help restore the body after childbirth.
Newborn Care Support – Mothers are given help with infant care so they can focus on their own recovery.
Sanhu House applies these principles to its postpartum retreat and in-home care services, giving mothers the opportunity to recover in a setting that prioritizes their health and well-being.
Why Postpartum Care is Essential
Reducing the Risk of Postpartum Complications
Without proper recovery, new mothers are more likely to experience complications, including postpartum depression, pelvic floor issues, inadequate milk supply, and lingering fatigue. A structured postpartum care plan provides essential physical and emotional support during this period.
Postpartum Nutrition and Healing Foods
Korean postpartum meals are designed to restore energy, regulate hormones, and support lactation. Some of the most effective foods for postpartum recovery include:
Seaweed soup (Miyeokguk) – Rich in iron and iodine, which support tissue repair and milk production.
Bone broth and herbal teas – Provide essential nutrients and aid digestion.
Warming foods – Traditional Korean medicine advises against cold foods during recovery, as they are believed to slow healing.
At Sanhu House, we offer customized postpartum meal plans designed by nutritionists to support the body’s recovery.
Specialized Postpartum Support
Postpartum doulas, lactation consultants, and massage therapists all play a role in the healing process. Sanhu House provides:
Daily doula care for emotional and physical support.
Lactation consultations to help new mothers navigate breastfeeding challenges.
Postnatal bodywork, including lymphatic drainage, Oketani breast massage, and pelvic therapy.
Choosing the Right Postpartum Care Plan
Sanhu House offers several recovery options, depending on a mother’s needs.
In-Home Postpartum Care – Daily doula support, newborn care, and meal delivery.
Luxury Postpartum Retreat – Recovery in a private suite at Oceana Santa Monica with expert care and spa services.
Custom Care Plans – A mix of night nurses, lactation consultations, and holistic wellness treatments.
Schedule a Consultation
To learn more about our postpartum recovery services, visit SanhuHouse.com and schedule a consultation.
Final Thoughts
Postpartum recovery is often overlooked in Western healthcare, leaving many new mothers without the support they need. Korean postpartum traditions offer a structured approach to healing that ensures both mother and baby are cared for. Sanhu House brings this level of care to Los Angeles, helping new mothers recover with the rest, nourishment, and professional support they need.
