The golden month: origins, definition and tips for putting it in place

What is the golden month?

Starting from the principle that one is not born a mother but becomes one, the Golden Month is a pause dedicated to this transformation. The first weeks following childbirth are intense in emotions and upheaval, yet for decades women have been subject to certain pressures. The Golden Month restores the importance of taking time and caring for the new mother just as much as the newborn. Between hormones on a rollercoaster, a body that must recover little by little, fatigue and sometimes isolation… The physical and above all mental health of new mothers has been largely overlooked. All the more reason to practice the golden month for a few weeks. A period during which you surround yourself with people to receive care, rest, and free yourself as much as possible from mental load.

The ancestral origins of the golden month

While the concept has been emerging in France for about 5 years, it is in fact a Chinese tradition dating back more than 2,000 years… In Chinese medicine, the postpartum period is a pause lasting approximately 30 to 40 days during which the mother is completely at rest. Indeed, the "Golden Month" known as "Zuo Yuezi" can also be translated as "sitting for a month." During this cycle, physical exertion is limited, all stress is forbidden, and warming the body and mind by every means is recommended. The goal? To allow the woman to bond with her baby, to establish breastfeeding if she wishes, and for her body to heal. This is truly a matter of Chinese medicine, as this philosophy cares for the physical and mental health of new mothers. The golden month concludes with a ritual bath, a symbol of rebirth as a mother. Chinese women follow this tradition to this day, regardless of their means or social status. It is very frowned upon not to respect it!

How to put it in place properly?

The key is of course to plan ahead if you can! Just as you prepare for the arrival of your baby, it would be preferable to prepare for the postpartum period in advance. Since the golden month essentially comes down to maximum rest for the mother, each parent can try to address this challenge according to their means. There are as many golden months as there are parents, but if we had to sum it up: you need to surround yourself with support. Either through the help of loved ones — friends, parents, family… Or from professionals such as doulas, midwives, lactation consultants… Or through parental leave arrangements for a partner, finding night nurses, or meal delivery services specially prepared for the postpartum period. Ultimately, putting the golden month into practice means building a comforting and supportive circle, in the truest sense of the word, to make this very special period as gentle as possible.

The importance of nutrition in the postpartum period

In Chinese medicine and Zuo Yuezi, nutrition plays a crucial role in the postpartum period. Foods are carefully chosen, served hot, and prepared by one of the people caring for mother and baby during these first 30 to 40 days. In France, postpartum nutrition is becoming increasingly widespread. We are finally talking about the right nutrients to soothe the body, repair tissues, and warm the muscles. Star of these first weeks: warm broths, as well as the importance of collagen found in bone broths! The ideal is to organize yourself to freeze these recipes, or to have a mother-in-law, grandmother, friend, private chef or any helper come and cook for you. Or to find near your home a meal delivery service specially designed for new mothers and their postpartum recovery…

What are the benefits of the golden month?

Pregnancy and childbirth bring many upheavals to body and mind, leaving them utterly exhausted. The Golden Month is a pause to rest and gradually regenerate. It provides the mental and emotional space to meet and discover your baby, to build a connection with them little by little… The golden month allows you to slow down in a society that would have time rush by at full speed. Finally, it is a practice entirely focused on women's health, strengthening their self-esteem and reducing the risk of postpartum depression. A new mother who takes the time to rest will be better equipped to handle the months ahead (oh so intense) with a baby, a return to work, and the search for a new family and romantic balance.

In conclusion, the Golden Month addresses the primary needs of new mothers after childbirth. It is a beneficial practice for the couple, for the parent-baby bond, and for the mental health of mothers who are often put to the test. However, be careful — it should not become yet another item on an already full to-do list! It is a practice that adapts to each person's character and needs, without any pressure. Want to find out more? There are wonderful books and a website to learn how to practice it during the first weeks: lemoisdor.fr