Death of new mother stirs doubts of age-old practice

BEIJING - A new mother who died of heatstroke after strictly adhering to the Chinese tradition of "postpartum confinement" elicited heated discussion on whether the tradition should be abandoned.

The mother became seriously ill after remaining wrapped in a thick quilt without turning on the air-conditioner following labor. She died after being sent to Shanghai Fengxian District Central Hospital, according to one of the hospital's emergency ward staff on Friday.

Local media Thepaper reported a similar tragedy several months ago, in which a new mother who refused to move during her "zuoyuezi" time died of pulmonary artery thrombosis.

Literally translated to "sitting the month", "zuoyuezi" is a Chinese practice that encourages a new mother to rest in her home for one month after giving birth, during which she will be specially attended.

The mother should follow instructions that range from avoiding opening windows, eating things cold to washing hair. They are advised not to leave their bed, depending on how strictly one adheres to the tradition.

Chinese people believe postnatal recovery is critical to maintaining long-term health. And the latest tragic case has resulted from the folk concept of keeping a "hot-and-cold balance", said Wang Xiaoli, a professor from School of Public Health, Peking University.

"A woman giving birth to a child will shed a great deal of blood, something considered 'hot'. It is traditionally believed they should be nourished by something hot, such as soup, after delivery. They are also encouraged to wear more clothes than usual and avoid wind," she said.