Postpartum Care and Diabetes Management

Last week, I shared my experience with pregnancy and diabetes. Today, I'd like to discuss another crucial aspect of maternal health - postpartum care, or "Sanhujori" as we call it in Korea.

The Cultural Value of Korean Postpartum Care

While postpartum care might seem unfamiliar in America, it has become deeply embedded in Korean culture. Currently, all Korean mothers practice various forms of postpartum care to protect their health after childbirth. Regardless of cultural differences, I believe every woman's body needs proper recovery and care after giving birth.

Wisdom Passed Down Through Generations

My mother often tells me about her postpartum experience. In her time, new mothers weren't allowed to shower for several days after giving birth. Even in summer heat, they stayed bundled up, avoiding cold air and remaining confined to their rooms. Babies were kept indoors for about a month, wrapped snugly by their mother's side. Some Korean mothers still follow this tradition today - a wisdom passed down through generations, mixing both superstition and lived experience.

Balancing Tradition and Modernity: My Postpartum Experience

In traditional Korean medicine, inadequate postpartum recovery could lead to "Sanhupung" - chronic conditions including joint pain, back pain, numbness in extremities, headaches, and cold sensitivity. This led to practices focused on keeping new mothers warm and well-rested.

When I gave birth, my mother advised following traditional practices - staying bundled up, avoiding going outside, and eating seaweed soup for a month. However, as part of a newer generation, I took a different approach. I started showering the day after birth and enjoyed short walks with my baby. While elders worried I might develop arthritis later in life, I chose to blend traditional wisdom with modern wellness practices.

Modern Korean Postpartum Care System

Today's Korean postpartum care has evolved to maintain beneficial traditional elements while incorporating medical advances. Postpartum care centers offer comprehensive services including:

• Professional maternal care: postpartum massage, customized meals, body conditioning

• 24-hour newborn care: breastfeeding support, diaper changes, newborn bathing

• Psychological support programs

Typically, mothers stay at these centers for about two weeks after giving birth. While fathers are allowed to visit, access for other visitors is strictly controlled - they can only see the baby through a viewing window, maintaining a sterile environment. The centers are staffed with dedicated nurses who ensure mothers get adequate rest, and many facilities have resident pediatricians who make regular rounds.

The level of care varies by facility and region, which is reflected in the wide range of prices. Premium centers, particularly in urban areas, can be quite expensive, offering luxury accommodations alongside medical expertise. Having given birth to both my children in America, I haven't experienced Korean-style postpartum care firsthand, but this professional care system seems remarkable.

The Connection Between Postpartum Care and Diabetes Management

While postpartum care alone can't prevent diabetes, proper care after childbirth can help mothers focus on health and weight management, which may help prevent diabetes.

According to Seoul National University Hospital research, mothers with gestational diabetes can lower their diabetes risk through breastfeeding. The study showed breastfeeding mothers had blood glucose levels averaging 20mg/dL lower than non-breastfeeding mothers, with improved pancreatic beta-cell function. Research also indicated that multiple-birth mothers could reduce diabetes risk through weight management.

Personal Experience and Hopes

I wanted to breastfeed but had limited support giving birth alone in America. While hospital information was available, it was insufficient, and my mother's help alone wasn't enough for effective weight management and breastfeeding.

The real challenge begins not with childbirth, but with the long journey of raising a child. This journey demands incredible physical and emotional strength. That's why I believe having professional postpartum care support could give mothers a better foundation before embarking on the challenging path of parenthood, potentially helping prevent various health issues including diabetes.

Final Thoughts

Today I've shared my pregnancy and childbirth story. Do you have your own unique birth experience? I delivered my second child alone in the hospital, and I'm reminded of that day today. I'm grateful that I can now eat normally and spend time with my children each day. I hope every day feels like a gift for you too.

With love,

Autumn

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on personal experiences and is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read in this newsletter.

Reference:

Seoul National University Bundang Hospital. (n.d.). Health information: Diabetes management and prevention. Retrieved February 19, 2025, from https://www.snubh.org/service/info/com/view.do?BNO=17&Board_ID=B067&utm_source=chatgpt.com

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