The Chinese believe mothers are in a highly weakened state in the period immediately following birth. Just as English custom calls for new mothers to enjoy a brief period of confinement, Chinese mothers have traditionally been expected to rest indoors for one full month after giving birth. This helped ensure they didn't become overtired, or contract any germs or illnesses from the outside world that could prove dangerous in their weakened state.
Besides resting, they drank a nutritious broth made with pig's feet, eggs, vinegar and ginger. Many new mothers still follow this ritual today. There are a lot of rules a new mother should obey. For example , they are not allowed to touch cold water at all. Water they use for washing, drinking even brush tooth is hot. They are not allowed to go outside, because it is said that they are too weak to walk or breathe cold air.
