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A doctor checks a newborn at a postnatal care center in Shanghai. The photo, not related to the following story, is used for illustration only. [Photo/China Daily]

Mother dies from heat during traditional postnatal care

A mother died in Shanghai last week while following the traditional Chinese practice of postnatal care, known as zuoyuezi, as a heat wave hit the city, Shanghai's Dongfang Daily reported.

Zuoyuezi, literally means "sitting the month," prohibits new mothers from going outside, taking a shower and eating cold food for a month after the birth of the child.

The mother covered herself in thick, warm blankets in a room without air conditioning while the temperature outside was above 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit).

Some families intentionally create a high-temperature environment, which is believed to be good for new mothers. However, the practice is sharply criticized by medical professionals.

Zhang Yun, a head nurse at Margaret Williamson Hospital in Shanghai, said woman who have given birth are physically weaker and prone to sweating. Overheating could not only affect the mood and appetite of new mother, but also lead to heat stroke, Zhang warned.