Embracing La Cuarentena
Honoring a Latin American Tradition of Postpartum Healing
The postpartum period is sacred and in Latin American culture, la cuarentena reminds us just how important it is to slow down, heal, and be supported. Rooted in ancestral wisdom, this 40-day practice offers a blueprint for postpartum recovery that prioritizes the well-being of both birthing parent and baby. And now, more than ever, we’re seeing how modern science validates what our abuelas always knew: rest, warmth, nourishment, and community matter deeply after birth.
What Is La Cuarentena?
Cuarentena, meaning "quarantine" in Spanish, traditionally refers to a 40-day period of rest and recovery after childbirth. During this time, new mothers are cared for by family or community members, allowing them to focus on bonding with their baby, healing their bodies, and adjusting to life as a parent.
In many Latin American countries, la cuarentena involves:
Avoiding cold foods and staying warm
Eating nutrient-rich, warm meals like soups and broths
Avoiding heavy lifting or physical exertion
Being cared for by older women (mothers, grandmothers, aunts)
Refraining from sex until the period ends
Participating in traditional practices like abdominal binding and herbal baths
The Cultural Roots and Importance of La Cuarentena
La cuarentena is more than a list of rules; it's an act of community care. It reflects our cultural understanding that birthing is both physical and spiritual. This tradition exists throughout Latin America, with variations from country to country. In Mexico, it’s common to include herbal remedies and closing ceremonies like la cerrada. In the Caribbean, foods like caldos (broths) and tés calientes (hot teas) are staples. In South America, traditional midwives pass down wisdom that’s been practiced for generations.
These customs aren’t about restrictions; they’re about honoring the birthing person and creating space for full recovery.
Science Confirms What Our Ancestors Knew
Emerging research supports the foundations of la cuarentena:
Rest and reduced stress: Studies show that adequate rest in the postpartum period reduces the risk of postpartum depression and anxiety.
Warmth and nourishment: Traditional postpartum diets (high in collagen, iron, and warming spices) support tissue repair, hormonal balance, and milk production.
Support systems: Social support during the first six weeks postpartum is strongly linked to improved mental health and increased breastfeeding success.
Body and mind connection: Practices like massage, body wrapping, and ritual baths activate the parasympathetic nervous system and promote emotional healing.
We don’t need to choose between science and tradition; our cultures have been practicing evidence-based care long before it had a name.
Other Cultures Have Similar Postpartum Traditions
La cuarentena isn’t unique in recognizing the need for postpartum rest. Cultures across the globe have developed similar rituals:
Chinese zuo yuezi: A month-long period of “sitting the month” with specific foods, warmth, and avoidance of visitors or cold exposure.
Indian confinement: Often lasts 40-60 days with warm oil massages for mom and baby, herbal baths, and special diets.
West African omugwo: A practice where the grandmother or elder woman comes to live with the new mother to cook, clean, and care for her.
Middle Eastern chilla: A 40-day rest period focused on seclusion, healing foods, and emotional support.
These global traditions echo the same truth: postpartum recovery requires time, care, and community.
Why We Should Bring La Cuarentena Back
In modern society, new parents are often expected to "bounce back" quickly, return to work, and handle it all alone. But la cuarentena reminds us of another way…a way that centers healing, slowness, and support.
As a postpartum doula and Latina, I’m passionate about helping families reclaim this practice. Whether you want to follow la cuarentena strictly or adapt it to your lifestyle, you deserve care that honors your body and culture.
Let’s Talk About It
Have you practiced la cuarentena or a postpartum tradition from your own culture? I’d love to hear about your experience, share in the comments below!
Looking for a postpartum doula who can help you plan and experience la cuarentena your way? Contact me to get started. Let’s build your postpartum village, just like our ancestors intended.
