Everyone Asks About the Baby. Who's Looking After You?

The visitors come to meet the baby. The messages ask how the baby is sleeping. Somewhere between feeds, you realise nobody has asked how you're feeling.

Your body has just done something extraordinary. And it needs time to recover.

In Chinese tradition, that time has a name: zuo yue zi (坐月子), or "sitting the month". For generations, mothers have spent the first 28 days after birth resting, staying warm and eating nourishing food. Here's how it works, and why it happens in three steps.

Recovery isn't one thing. It's three.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), birth leaves a mother low in qi (energy) and blood. The instinct is to load up on rich tonics straight away. But TCM takes a different view.

First, the body needs to clear. Then digestion needs to settle, so it can absorb what you eat. Only then is the body ready to rebuild. Each step makes the next one work better.

Clear (Days 1 to 7)

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Digest (Days 8 to 14)

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Nourish (Days 15 to 28)

Step 1: Clear (Days 1 to 7)

What's happening: Your uterus is shrinking back to size, which can feel like period cramps. Bleeding (lochia) is heaviest now and usually eases by day 4. You'll likely feel exhausted.

What helps: Rest, warmth and simple food. Think congee, light soups and warm drinks instead of cold ones.

In your package:

Sheng Hua Soup (生化湯)
A classic postnatal formula, traditionally used to help the body clear lochia after birth. Taken on days 2 and 3.
So Hup Pills (追风蘇合丸)
Traditionally used in TCM to dispel wind and keep the body warm.
Codonopsis & Red Dates Herbal Drink
A gentle daily drink to sip instead of cold water. Enjoy it all month.

Step 2: Digest (Days 8 to 14)

What's happening: Bleeding is lighter and your appetite starts to return. Your body is letting go of the extra fluid carried in pregnancy. If you're breastfeeding, you'll feel hungrier too.

What helps: Regular warm meals with gentle protein, like fish, eggs and chicken. Keep drinking warm fluids.

In your package:

Appetite Enhancement Soup (四神湯)
A comforting family favourite, traditionally used in TCM to support digestion and appetite.
Dang-Gui Nan-Zao Nourishing Soup (當歸南棗湯)
Dang gui is a key herb in women's health, traditionally used to nourish blood.
Gold Label Bak Foong Pills (金牌白鳳丸)
Our signature women's remedy, traditionally used to nourish qi and blood. Start now and continue into Step 3.

Step 3: Nourish (Days 15 to 28)

What's happening: Bleeding has mostly stopped. But the late nights are adding up. Many mums notice lower back aches from feeding and carrying, or feel cold more easily.

What helps: Richer, warming meals and good posture when feeding. Gentle walks, once your doctor or midwife says it's okay.

In your package:

Ba Zhen Soup (八珍湯)
"Eight Treasures" soup, traditionally used to replenish both qi and blood after childbirth.
Kidney Tonic Soup (杜仲補腰湯)
Made with eucommia bark, traditionally used to support the lower back.
Ginseng with Ten Herbs Soup
A warming soup, traditionally used to restore energy.
Superior Nurturing Soup (上等燉湯)
A rich tonic soup to finish the month well nourished.

Why 10 formulas instead of one?

Because your body needs different things at different times. Each formula in the package has its own job.

The Clearer: Sheng Hua Soup helps the body through its natural clearing in the first days.

The Warmers: So Hup Pills and Ginseng with Ten Herbs Soup help keep the chill away.

The Digestion Helper: Appetite Enhancement Soup prepares your body to take in nourishment.

The Rebuilders: Dang-Gui, Ba Zhen, Kidney Tonic and Superior Nurturing soups, plus Bak Foong Pills, replenish qi and blood.

The Daily Companion: The Codonopsis & Red Dates drink keeps you warm and hydrated all month.

The Eu Yan Sang Difference

Since 1879, families have trusted us to care for mothers through confinement.

Signature remedies like Bak Foong Pills, passed down through generations
Premium-quality herbs, with sourcing and production overseen in our own factory
Everything you need for 28 days, in one box, ready when you are

Your questions, answered

When should I start?

Soon after birth, with Sheng Hua Soup on days 2 and 3. Had a caesarean or complications? Check with your doctor first.

Can I use it while breastfeeding?

Many mums do. Speak with your doctor, midwife or a registered Chinese medicine practitioner before you start.

Is 28 days enough?

Traditionally, some mothers rest for up to 100 days. Our 28-day package covers the essential first month. Want to continue for longer? Talk to us and we'll help you plan the next steps.

Do the soups replace meals?

No. They work alongside warm, balanced meals.

You look after them. Let us help look after you.

Ten formulas. Three steps. One box, ready for your first 28 days.

Shop the 28-Day Confinement Package

Always read the label and follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional. This article is general information based on traditional Chinese medicine and is not medical advice. Speak with your doctor, midwife or a registered Chinese medicine practitioner before using herbal products after childbirth, especially if you've had a caesarean, are breastfeeding or take other medicines.