Death of new mother stirs doubts of age-old practice

However, according to Zhang Yun, a head nurse of Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University in Shanghai, if too much heat stays in the new mother's body for too long time, it could lead to a circulatory failure, or even damage the nerve system.

The case triggered a debate among Chinese people online, with most arguing the outdated custom should be abandoned.

"It is one of the superstitions in the ignorant age. Women in other countries never have to zuoyuezi, but they also maintain a healthy life," argued user "Pujiedewangxiaomei" on microblog Sina Weibo.

Many believe the tragedy is an extreme case. The tradition makes sense to Chinese because of the differing physical conditions of eastern and western people.

Just three months ago, Chinese audiences were stunned by the fact that, just a few hours after giving birth to a baby girl, Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, appeared outside the hospital.

Wang conducted a survey on more than 20,000 new mothers in 105 Chinese counties 10 years ago and found that about 71.9 percent didn't wash their hair and 37.2 percent didn't open their windows during the postnatal month.

The tradition hasn't changed much, even in cities. It is a result of influence from older generations, Wang said. Many Chinese seniors blame their current health problems, such as migraines, backaches or arthritis, on the fact that they didn't have a very good rest during the postnatal month.

Some of the tradition may benefit the new mother, but some do not, Wang added. "Keeping warm regardless of the heat is an overreaction, and the unhygienic customs make them highly prone to infection."