POST-PARTAL PERIOD
A woman enjoys a three-week to one-month post-partal "recovery" period, during which time she can expect to be cosseted (i.e., pampered) by her mother-in-law. Traditionally, this has been especially true if a woman gave birth to a male child. (One interviewee reported that she knew of husbands who left home for a few days because they were disappointed that they did not "get a son." She also reported that, following the birth of a female child, a woman's mother-in-law might overtly press her to bear additional children, to "try for a baby boy.")
For at least one week after giving birth, a woman must not not take a tub-bath; only sponge-baths are permitted.
Following birth of a child, a woman's body is to be kept covered; warmth is believed to promote healing. (It is believed that, if a woman is not kept warm during the post-partal period, rheumatism and bone problems will occur later in life.)
During the post-partal period, a woman is encouraged not to be overly active, but she may perform non-strenuous duties in the home.
Only immediate family members are permitted to see a newborn in the initial post-partal period. (Others must wait at least 15 days, or up to one month, to visit.)
After a newborn's umbilical cord falls off, and for the first year of the baby's life, a mother keeps the cord "stump" in a special place, along with the blanket and clothing first used by her child.
For at least two weeks after giving birth, a woman will eat seaweed soup (miyeok guk) one or more times each day. (The ingredients in this soup are believed to promote breast milk production and quality, as well as increase energy and advance healing in the post-partal period: one interviewee stated the dish "helps flush out and push out the bad stuff.")
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