A qualitative study of postpartum practices and social support of Chinese mothers following childbirth in Switzerland

Background

Asian migrants follow many traditional postpartum beliefs and practices after childbirth to protect both mother and child. Chinese mothers are often expected to stay at home for 4-6 weeks while observing certain restrictions known as postpartum confinement, or “Zuo Yue Zi.”

Aim

To explore how Chinese mothers followed postpartum practices and the social support they needed while in Switzerland.

Methods

Twenty-seven Chinese mothers and their families were interviewed at an average of six months postpartum. Thematic analysis was performed on the data.

Results

Chinese mothers in Switzerland continued following postpartum practices, including home confinement, cold avoidance, a minimum involvement in household chores, and hot dietary consumption. Meanwhile, they modified and abandoned certain restrictions, such as avoiding prolonged bed rest or excessive high-protein diets and preserving personal hygiene. Family members were their primary supporters, while mothers from “cross-cultural” families faced difficulties obtaining substantial support from their foreign partners or in-laws. Social support from independent midwives (sage femmes), privately paid helpers (yue sao), and Chinese migrant communities was important during this transitional period.

Conclusion

The conventional concept of “confinement” has evolved into a more supportive approach that prioritises physical and psychological comfort. It plays a crucial role in postpartum recovery and serves as a connection with cultural identity and an opportunity for family reunions for Chinese women living abroad. There is a need for Western maternity caregivers to understand and recognise the postpartum traditions of Asian migrants and to provide them with culturally sensitive care and professional support.