From Family Homes to Professional Care: Redefining Postpartum Recovery
When Cao Minrui welcomed her second child, she chose a modern approach to an age-old tradition: a 30-day stay at a private postpartum care center in the Chinese mainland. Surrounded by nature and staffed by professional caregivers, the facility offered her six daily meals, lactation support, mental health counseling, and even beauty treatments—all while ensuring her newborn received expert care.
Cao’s story reflects a larger shift in China’s mother-child caring industry, where the centuries-old practice of zuoyuezi (“sitting the month”) is being reimagined through science and specialization. Once managed entirely by family members, postpartum recovery now attracts 65.8% of mothers to professional centers, according to a 2022 iiMedia Research survey.
A New Generation’s Demand for Science and Space
“With my first child eight years ago, I felt overwhelmed by everything—from breastfeeding issues to understanding my baby’s needs,” Cao shared. Her experience underscores why many young families now prioritize evidence-based care over traditional homemaking roles for mothers-in-law, a shift reducing household tensions.
The industry’s growth aligns with rising disposable incomes and evolving attitudes toward maternal health. Premium services—such as personalized nutrition plans and psychological support—cater to a generation seeking holistic wellness, driving demand for trained yuesao (postpartum nannies) and luxury facilities.
Market Potential and Cultural Legacy
With 93.5% of surveyed Chinese residents viewing postpartum care as essential, analysts project sustained expansion in this $3 billion sector. Yet the fusion of modern science with cultural roots remains central. As Cao noted: “These centers don’t discard tradition—they refine it, helping us heal better while preserving what makes zuoyuezi meaningful.”
