After Birth Care Center

Postpartum care is a must in Taiwan, at least among the chinese.  Natural birth mums are recommended to be in postpartum care for 30 days, while C-section mums have to be under postpartum care for 40 days. It is a current trend in Taiwan to stay at the after birth care center, rather than receiving postpartum care in the home. While I was pregnant, I've been told how important postpartum care is, that a women's health can be improved as a result of it. I've been warned not to wash my hair for 30 days! not to drink water but only soup, herbal tea, to lie down as much as possible, to wash my hands with warm water instead of cold water, wear a hat, wear long sleeves... some do seem impossible to achieve for me.

The day we arrived at the after birth center. We were greeted at the door, with our luggage picked up and checked in to our room.  

Changed into the floral PJs provided by the center, lunch was also provided while I was fed with loads of information about the room and services.

Dads had to be wrapped up from head to toe on his 1st day at the center, until he takes a shower.

 Since we left the hospital, I had been having swollen breasts, and they are painful! I requested for someone to assist me with the situation immediately. A nurse came by, taught me how to operate the Medela breast pump and started massaging, ouch, I yelled & cried but she saved me! From then on, breast pumping every 3 hours is a must, which also means getting up in the night and start pumping away! Postpartum care isn't as relaxing as I thought it would be! 

Everyday at the center:

8am: Breakfast sent into the room

10am: Room Cleaning

10.30am: Nurse wraps my abdomen with long strips of white cloth (Meant to put organs back in place)

12 noon: Lunch

2pm: Chinese medicine doctor/ OBGYN/ Pediatrician visits weekly OR scheduled for classes (Breastfeeding tips/ CPR/ Caring for the newborn/ Yoga/ arts & craft..etc)

3pm: Afternoon snack & hot tub of cooked herbal water ( used for bathing/foot soaking to prevent cold feet/hands during winter)

6pm: Dinner