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Birth rituals
Traditionally, Chinese women work within particular cultural norms after a birth and many may still follow these norms:
According to Chinese custom, Chinese women should rest after giving birth to a baby. The custom is called zuoyuezi, which literally translates as 'stay in for one month'. No personal washing (shower or bath) is done after a birth for a period of time, which can be up to two weeks or possibly longer and cold water in particular is avoided. They may also not drink cold liquids during this time and may avoid outdoors in order to not be exposed to cold.
- Family may wish to bring particular foods to the hospital that were traditionally used to recoup the new mother's energy.
- Chinese women are open to breastfeeding.
Initiation ritual/infant baptism
Essential Practice Point 8
Where there is imminent threat to a baby's life and the family is Christian it is best to check with the family if they would like the baby to be baptised. Infant baptism is not practised in the evangelical tradition and other Christian churches have individual requirements. A baby born to a Buddhist family will not need to be baptised.
(Return to Summary of Essential Practice Points)
Foetal, infant and child death
There are no particular cultural norms regarding miscarriage, stillbirth or child death. Any religious affiliation (most likely Buddhist or Christian) may determine how these processes are managed.
Naming convention
See Essential Practice Point 3.
