Chinese society is rich in tradition, and each phase of life is greeted with a different custom. After the birth of a child, the mother is confined for one month to regain her strength. Today's commercial society, however, is not conducive to such traditions. But there are still those who strive to live according to traditional values. Thus new services such as confinement clinics have sprung up.
Chinese herbal doctor Chu Hsun, head of Chu Hsun Acupuncture Clinic and an advocate of confinement, says: "After giving birth, one must breastfeed the baby; this really takes a lot out of a woman. So, during the confinement period, the woman must rest and take certain Chinese herbal preparations to replenish her blood and eat foods full of nutrients." He also advocates using a bedpan, not shampooing the hair or taking a bath, nor being in places where there are drafts. If one is not careful it is easy to catch a cold.
Veteran's Hospital obstetrician Wu Hsiang-ta also advocates a period of rest, but says it does not necessarily have to be for a month. Two weeks is usually long enough. He also favors eating foods with high nutritional levels and fruits and vegetables (to counteract constipation) but not too many oily foods. Dr. Wu also advocates that cleanliness be preserved. Therefore, warm water should be used in bathing and shampooing.
Mrs. Chi delivered her baby in June, when it was very hot. Her mother-in-law, an old fashioned woman, believed in the traditional ways, and therefore wouldn't let her daughter-in-law leave her bed. She made her wear long sleeves and a cap, and wouldn't allow her to shampoo or bathe. Mrs. Chi also couldn't turn on the fan and had to eat chicken prepared with sesame oil and wine. Under these circumstances, Mrs. Chi was very hot, sticky and uncomfortable.
Lin Ch'iung-chu returned to her mother's house for her confinement. But her mother had so much other work that Mrs. Lin didn't want to overburden her, so she took care of her child herself. Every time the child cried, she would get up and run to see what was wrong; in this manner, she got very little rest. Six years later, at the time of her second pregnancy, she heard that there were confinement clinics that she could go to. After discussing it with her husband she decided that that was what she would do. Mrs. Lin says, "I planned to stay for about 20 days, but after the 12th day I felt strong enough to go home."
Confinement clinics had their birth in modern commercial society. Presently, there are more than ten clinics in the country, most in Taipei. Most of these are family run and have a family-type atmosphere.
The services offered in these clinics include five meals--three meals and two snacks--board, laundry, and a nursery that cares for the newborn babies.
There are usually four to five rooms, where two or three new mothers share a room. They include heaters and air-conditioners in each room, one or two public bathrooms and a nursery. If the new mother is not strong enough, there are people to care for her child. If she feels up to it she can care for her own child. This costs about NT$1,200 per day (US$30 per day).
The first confinement clinic to open in the country is run by Chang Ts'ai-yun, 58. She opened Tien Yuan clinic in September of last year. Most people know her as Mama Chang. In May of last year, her daughter brought home a friend whose family was abroad and who had no experience in caring for a baby. Mama Chang took care of this new mother and her newborn child. Through this experience she discovered that there was a need for this service. So she went to hospitals and asked people in the field if indeed such a need existed, after which she opened the Tien Yuan clinic. Having been a nurse for over 20 years, and being familiar with all manner of departments, Mama Chang's experience is what makes her clinic flourish. Mama Chang says: "In opening up such a service the most important thing is to give the baby good food, see that it is enough, and that diapers are changed." In the beginning, Mama Chang cares for each individual infant herself; this offers her a chance to get to know new residents and teach others (like the new mothers) to care for the babies. She also hires professional nurses in her clinic. "The most important qualities that these professionals must have are a loving nature and patience", she says.
The expenses to run these clinics are however very high--Electric bills are about NT$13,000 per month. Also there are no set visiting hours so the women can't really relax when they wish, plus there are two to three women to a room thus making it difficult for the women to rest. Being in private homes, these clinics very rarely have more than one or two bathrooms and so residents often have to wait. Also the nursery is not like in a hospital where there is a glass partition, so when a mother wants to see her child she must open the door to the nursery room and this is not always healthy for the children. Despite all of these problems this is a much needed service that is being provided by these wonderful clinics.
[Picture Caption]
1. A baby sleeping deeply. 2. A member of the staff of a clinic puts clothes on a baby after giving it a bath. 3. Two cute babies. 4. Nursery where special nurses care for babies. 5. A clinic staff member shows a mother how to change diapers. 6. Feeding the baby glucose.
1. Nursery shelves with all kinds of baby necessities. 2. One mother teaches other mothers flower arranging. 3. Diapers drying in the garden. 4. Staff members administer tender loving care to infants. 5. Twin brothers. 6. Bathing a baby.
1.2. Nutrition is important to the mother's recovery. Shown here are mothers eating nutritious meals. 3. One of the rooms where the mothers spend their month long stay.
2. A member of the staff of a clinic puts clothes on a baby after giving it a bath.
4. Nursery where special nurses care for babies.
5. A clinic staff member shows a mother how to change diapers.
6. Feeding the baby glucose.
1. Nursery shelves with all kinds of baby necessities.
2. One mother teaches other mothers flower arranging.
3. Diapers drying in the garden.
4. Staff members administer tender loving care to infants.
1.2. Nutrition is important to the mother's recovery. Shown here are mothers eating nutritious meals.
1.2. Nutrition is important to the mother's recovery. Shown here are mothers eating nutritious meals.
3. One of the rooms where the mothers spend their month long stay.
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