Hey, New Mom!

Postpartum Support (Sanhujori)

The “Village” You Can Hire

When I was pregnant with Evan, I had zero plans to hire a sanhujori or event a basic recovery plan. I was banking one thing: surviving postpartum with my mom by my side, helping with the cooking and cleaning.

That plan obviously didn’t work out.

While I was grieving the loss of my mother, my incredible friends stepped in with a level of kindness I can never fully repay– they reached out and hired a sanhujori for us through NJ/NY Moms Care.

Whether you are leaning into cultural traditions like Sanhujori or looking into a Postpartum Doula, the goal is the same: caring for the mother so she can care for the baby.

What is Sanhujori (산후조리)?

As a Korean-American, the concept of Sanhujori was always in the back of my mind, but I didn’t realize how much I’d need it. It is the traditional Korean practice of postpartum care that focuses on healing the body after the trauma it has just experienced (also known as birth & delivery).

I looked this up online, which tracks.

The Core Pillars of Sanhujori:

  • Warmth is Everything: The belief is that the body must stay warm to allow the joints and muscles to heal. No cold water, no iced drinks, and definitely no drafts!
  • Nutrition: You will become very well-acquainted with Miyeok-guk (Korean Seaweed Soup). It’s packed with iodine and calcium to help with uterine recovery and milk production.
  • Physical Rest: In a traditional setting, the mom does nothing but feed the baby and rest. No chores, no heavy lifting, and no stress.

While some moms go to a Sanhujowon (a postpartum hotel like in Korea), you can also hire a Sanhujori helper to come to your home (more commonly known in the U.S.). They cook the meals, help with light housework, and provide the traditional care that a grandmother or mother would typically provide.

Expectations vs. Reality

As you might imagine, my experience with sanhujori was very non-traditional given that my sanhujori was hired the day before my due date. Usually, you’d have months to prepare depending on when you decide to hire one.

How the process should look:

  • The Intake: Meet with the agency contact and receive all the protocols, shopping list (the list of groceries/supplies you need to have ready so she can cook for you and give you massages and foot baths), and
  • The Pairing: Get paired with your sanhujori based on your needs and availability. Exchange hellos via Kakao or text.
  • The Meet-Up: Meet with your sanhu weeks before your due date to build rapport
  • The Prep: Prepare your house with everything on the shopping list
  • The Call: Call the agency as you leave for the hospital

My Reality: Since I didn’t have the “prep” time, my working mother-in-law (MIL) and agency had to move fast. If you find yourself in a pinch like I did, don’t be afraid to ask for help with the shopping list– having those ingredients ready is the difference between a restful week and a stressful one.

A Note on Subjectivity & Referrals

Experience with any professional—whether it is an OBGYN, Pediatrician, or Sanhujori—is highly subjective. Every family’s home environment and personal values differ, so a provider who was “perfect” for one family may not be the right fit for yours. Treat every referral as a “lead” rather than a guarantee.

I apply this note to all referrals generally, even restaurant recommendations. Just like how what tastes good to me may not taste good to others. I’ve complained about primary care physicians (PCPs) that my friends absolutely loved and adored– to each his/her own!

NY/NJ Postpartum Resources:

Pro-Tip: Many independent helpers work via KakaoTalk. Because this person will be inside your home, the “personality fit” is critical. Ask about their approach to sleep training, breastfeeding, and household boundaries before they start.