Sanhujori

A sanhujoriwon (산후조리원) is a private center which offers customized services both for mothers and their infants during the postpartum period. Until late 1998, the demand for sanhujoriwon had exceeded its supply and the simple opening of a sanhujoriwon usually guaranteed its success. As a result, poor-quality, unqualified centers had mushroomed before 2000.[6] While many underqualified centers have since been closed due to poor management and fire incidents, the number of sanhujoriwons has increased gradually recently.[5] According to a national survey, it was estimated that about 50 percent of the total female population in Korea have used such a postpartum center after childbirth, in 2012.[7] The services include skin therapy, body massages, and 24/7 care of newborns.[7] Some centers offer education programs of flower arrangement and laughter therapy to prevent postpartum depression.[5]

A sanhujorisa (산후조리사) is a type of care worker who visits a mother's house and provides visiting services for postnatal care. Sanhujorisa workers are broadly categorized into part-time workers and co-living employees. Depending on broker agencies and the demands of mothers, they perform a variety of house chores, such as laundry, room cleaning, and care of other family members, alongside the sanhujori service itself.[3] These days, as a result of globalization and a massive inflow of immigrant workers, Joseonjok immigrants, who migrate from Northeast China, are becoming the largest portion of the sanhujorisa job market.[8] In the public sector, the YMCA, local governments, and public health centers are providing education programs to train professional sanhujorisa for a small payment or at no charge. On the other hand, in the private sector, Korea Qualification Development Center (KQDC) is granting certificates for those who successfully complete education programs and pass a qualification examination for the position.[3]

This job used to be known in English as a monthly nurse, but now may be called a "postnatal doula", "maternity nurse" or "newborn care specialist" – all specialized nannies.

After childbirth, the husband supports the mother in the early stages of childbirth. The most necessary thing for the mother to start postpartum care, is the husband's warm interest and care. A husband's emotional support satisfies the physical and mental needs of postpartum women in stressful situations, it lowers postpartum depression, bonds family relations, and helps the maternal role transition. Sanhujori can be a long process, and when the husband wants to be able to participate in the postpartum care, he will face many difficulties. Studies have shown that many fathers have a low knowledge of postpartum practices and care, therefore the father is excluded from participating in postpartum care from the start.[9]

Seaweed soup in Korea

To facilitate recovery after childbirth, many Korean mothers consume the specific type of Korean traditional cuisines, which is commonly called "sanhujori foods."[12] Common characteristics of sanhujori foods are summarized as being soft, warm, and refreshing while cuisines with spicy flavors are perceived to be bad for the postpartum period.[13] Among a variety of sanhujori cuisines, seaweed soup is most widely consumed by Korean mothers.[12] Researchers demonstrated that seaweed contains a great deal of omega-3 fatty acids, i.e., polyunsaturated fatty acids found in certain seeds and fish,[14] and the soup with seaweed helps to accelerate the recovery time of mothers.[15] Other than seaweed soup, Korean women also eat a variety of traditional dishes, such as a pork bone soup, ray soup, and dried cod soup (bugeoguk, 북어국).[12] Carp fish have a lot of high protein and is easy for digestion. It aids in preventing post-natal anemia and helps to discharge stagnated blood from the uterus. Eating Carp also promotes secretion of milk. Pumpkin expels unnecessary moisture inside the body and is good for inflammation. Corn silk tea is easy on the kidneys. Mussels help cure stomach pain caused by postpartum congested blood.[11]

To keep their body warm, Korean mothers avoid cold temperatures and cold foods such as ice cream and cold water.[2] Staying indoors and refraining from outdoor activities is perceived as one of the effective ways to keep the mother's body warm.[13] Even exposure to a cold breeze caused by the shutting of doors is a taboo in the period of the sanhujori practices. If a mother fails to keep their body warm, it is traditionally believed that she will become vulnerable to sanhubyeong, which means a life-long illness after the postpartum period.[13] Warm postnatal sitz baths encourage rapid healing of wounds through a reduction of pain, relief of hemorrhoids from child birth, prevention of infection, and promotion of blood circulation. This refers to placing a mother's whole hip including her perineal part in warm water of around 40 degrees Celsius while sitting.[11]

Childbirth tends to lower the immunity of mothers, and they may have pains and swellings in their bodies. During the postpartum period, Korean mothers do light stretching and self-massage of the muscles to relax and strengthen their bodies.[16] It is scientifically proved that 30 minutes exercise, per day, is helpful in recovering the bladder and pelvic muscles rapidly.[17]