There are many beliefs and practices that revolve around the experiences of childbearing and childrearing in Chinese culture. These practices and beliefs are believed to achieve optimal health for both the mother and baby. There are a number of childbearing and childrearing practices that are associated with the Chinese heritage, as well as beliefs and taboos that also influence the experiences of pregnancy and delivery.
One of the most prominent practices that persist in childbearing in Chinese culture is the assumption of the ‘sick role,’ in which pregnant women heavily rely on others for aid. Often, Chinese women may view some healthcare providers and professionals as indifferent or uncaring, because Western medicine encourages self-sufficiency over catering to the independent wishes of Chinese women as patients (Queensland, 1998). Much like Indian childbearing beliefs, pregnancy, as well as childbirth, is believed to upset the delicate balance of cold and hot that is required for favorable health in Chinese culture. As a result, special dietary and behavioral practices are utilized for the health of mother and baby (Queensland, 1998).
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"Childbearing and Childrearing Practices of the Chinese Heritage".
A special diet, along with certain behavioral practices, is employed throughout pregnancy in the Chinese culture, in order to maintain the balance of hot and cold. For example, eating special soups and/or broth are highly recommended. One taboo that is quite prominent throughout pregnancy is the practice of abstaining from lamb meat. Should pregnant Chinese women consume lamb, it is believed that the infant will suffer from a severe disorder, such as asthma, other respiratory issues, or even epilepsy (Queensland, 1998). Crab is also to be avoided, as it is believed that it will cause a high-risk birth with several threatening complications. Squid should also not be consumed, because it will make the birth “sticky,” or difficult for the mother (Queensland, 1998). Another prevalent taboo encountered in Chinese culture is determining the sex before birth. Should parents decide to find out the sex during a pregnancy appointment, it is believed to bring substantial bad luck to the family and child (Queensland, 1998).
Several, more favorable foods are considered to be ideal for the pregnant woman in Chinese culture. Eggs, if eaten prior to pregnancy, are believed to be extremely beneficial, as they are believed to help with increasing fertility. Also, a well-balanced diet of particular meats and vegetables will create a healthy baby. Several fruits should be avoided, however, such as pineapple, which is believed to cause miscarriages. If a balanced diet is not maintained, Chinese mothers believe that their child will grow up to be a very picky eater (Queensland, 1998). In addition, tofu and lettuce are believed to aid in making a male child. As male babies are, traditionally, preferred to girl babies, many mothers consume tofu and lettuce before becoming pregnant, and also while they are pregnant (Queensland, 1998).
During labor, traditional beliefs in Chinese culture dictate many of the practices. Today, many Chinese women believe that they should not cry out or scream when giving birth. Also, they may prefer sitting or squatting, as opposed to the Western position of lying down during birth. Typically, the mother’s mother or mother-in-law will also be in attendance during the birth, rather than the father of the child (Pillsbury, 1982).
Following birth in Chinese culture, the recovery period is usually approximately one month, due to the physical demands of childbirth and also because of blood lost during and after delivery. This postpartum period is directed towards the mother and the recovery of her health. A Chinese mother is intended to stay in bed and refrain from all activity, except feeding her baby, so that all of her energy can be regained (Pillsbury, 1982).
Also during the postpartum period, the mother of the new mother, nanny, or mother-in-law will live with the baby and mother. This figure will tend to everything in the home, such as cleaning, cooking, laundry, and taking care of the baby when it is not being fed. As the mother and baby are not allowed to leave the house during this month period, the mother or nanny helping is responsible for maintaining order in the household (Pillsbury, 1982). Additionally, the mother or nanny is responsible for preparing special meals for the new mother, including a variety of herbs, which are believed to restore health in the quickest manner. A diet rich in ginger, served only with hot food, such as soups, are to be served to the recovering mother. Other hot foods and drinks may include broths, tea, beef, lamb, Chinese vegetables, beans, and liver (Pillsbury, 1982).
Childrearing practices in Chinese culture differ widely from Western childrearing practices. Many researchers would claim that Chinese parents adopt an authoritarian style technique in raising their children (Chao, 1994). This style of childrearing focuses on very high goal setting, and motivating children through punishments, shaming, and the withdrawal of love and other rewards. But most prevalently, researchers have found that parents tend to emphasize effort over innate ability in Chinese culture, and that effort is paramount to any kind of success. Though authoritarian styles of parenting can evoke a cold, harsh image of parenting, Chinese parents have been found to be quite close with their children. Their children may interpret their parents’ forcefulness and coercive techniques as evidence that they are cared for and loved (Chao, 1994).
In summary, there are a number of practices, rituals, beliefs, and taboos associated with childbearing in Chinese culture. These practices are intended to promote the ideal health of both mother and baby, both before and after pregnancy. Childrearing practices are intended to instill a firm sense of diligence and commitment in children, so that they can grow up to become successful, self-sufficient adults.
- Chao R. 1994. “Beyond parental control; authoritarian parenting style: Understanding Chinese parenting through the cultural notion of training.” Child Development 45: 1111-1119.
- Pillsbury, B. 1982. “Doing the month: confinement and convalescence of Chinese women after childbirth.” In M. A. Kay (Ed.), Anthropology of Human Birth (pp. 119-146). Philadelphia: F.A. Davis Company.
- The University of Queensland. 1998. Cultural diversity: a guide for health professionals. Brisbane: The University of Queensland.
