'Zuoyuezi' after caesarean in China: an interview survey.
While studying caesarean decision-making in China, the increasing popularity of 'zuoyuezi' emerged. This paper addresses this development, the reasons and implications. We tape-recorded semi-structured interviews in three industrial cities in China. The three groups of informants comprised women in the first-week after caesarean, women eight months after caesarean and health-workers/others. Mandarin or local dialects were used. The data were transcribed and analysed in Chinese and then selected quotes were translated into English. We found that the re-emergence and social modification of zuoyuezi is closely associated with the rising caesarean rate. This custom has been regarded as a crucial rite-of-passage for the woman's recovery and transition to motherhood after childbirth. Its particular importance after caesarean became apparent in this study. Conclusions are drawn about the place of ritual and tradition in 21st century China.
Cheung
Ngai Fen
NF
16 Polwarth Gardens, Edinburgh EH11 1LW, Scotland, UK. nf-cheung@supanet.com
Mander
Rosemary
R
Cheng
Linan
L
Chen
Vivian Yan
VY
Yang
Xiu Qun
XQ
Qian
Hong Ping
HP
Qian
Jie Yan
JY
D001294:Attitude to Health; D002585:Cesarean Section; D002681:China; D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008516:Medicine, Chinese Traditional; D009728:Nursing Assistants; D011181:Postnatal Care / Q000458:organization & administration; D011247:Pregnancy