After the birth of her son, cookbook author Clarissa Wei chose to spend her first postpartum month in a specialized hotel in Taiwan. Each day, she received three nutritious meals, focusing heavily on soups.
This experience not only nourished her physically but also provided a profound culinary journey enriched with traditional Chinese medicine and unique flavors.
The Beginnings of a Unique Postpartum Journey
In Taiwan, postpartum recovery is highly valued, often outsourced to licensed professionals. Many new mothers either check into postpartum hotels or hire nannies. Clarissa Wei selected the former option after her son was born.
Daily Nourishment in the Postpartum Hotel
For 30 days, Wei enjoyed three meals daily, comprising protein, rice, steamed greens, and soups. These soups were richly infused with herbal medicines, offering both flavor and health benefits. Ingredients like He Shou Wu and ginger underscored these broths’ medicinal qualities.
The diverse ingredients used in the soups included astragalus root, red dates, Eucomnia, and goji berries. Such elements not only added unique flavors but also contributed to the recovery process and enhanced visual appeal.
Luxurious Accommodations and Unmatched Care
Wei resided in a luxury room with city views, enjoying massage services and baby-rearing courses. Her baby was cared for by nurses 24/7, allowing Wei to focus solely on recuperating and nourishing her body.
The concept of postpartum hotels is rooted in the belief that a woman’s life force, or qi, is depleted during childbirth, and herbal broths are essential for healing. This ancient practice has been integrated into modern-day Taiwan, with facilities offering comprehensive care tailored to new mothers.
The Role of Herbal Medicine in Healing
When Wei faced issues with milk supply, nurses increased the lactation tea provided. This holistic approach, supplemented by herbal teas from her mother, underscores the deep-rooted belief in herbs aiding recovery.
Meals were lightly seasoned, emphasizing the herbs’ importance. Wei’s familiarity with these ingredients, passed down through generations, imbued the experience with familial and cultural significance.
Despite the nourishing properties, Wei occasionally craved more flavorful dishes, breaking tradition to sneak out for fast food. This balance between traditional nourishment and personal taste highlighted the complexity of her recovery journey.
A Memorable Culinary Discovery
Near the end of her stay, Wei encountered a soup that stood out: dried fig and pork rib soup. This unique combination offered a sweet-savory flavor profile, different from the medicinal broths she had been consuming.
The inclusion of figs, rare in Taiwanese cuisine, added a caramel-like sweetness. This soup not only provided nourishment but also a comforting reminder of the joy in eating.
Continued Practices Post-Hotel Stay
Upon returning home, Wei embraced the soup’s ethos, continuing to drink herbal teas and make simple broths. This practice combined the medicinal benefits with flavors she genuinely enjoyed, ensuring both physical and emotional comfort.
Simple preparations like chicken soup and the fig and pork rib soup became staples, embodying the balance between health and flavor Wei sought.
The Essence of Recovery Through Nourishment
While the medicinal broths were beneficial, it was the fig and pork rib soup that truly resonated with Wei. This dish exemplified the importance of finding joy in nourishment, a crucial aspect of her recovery journey.
Clarissa Wei’s stay at the postpartum hotel in Taiwan underscored the significance of nourishment through both tradition and flavor. Her experience highlights that recovery is not merely physical but also an emotional journey.
By integrating simple, flavorful broths into her daily life, she found a balance that catered to her well-being, showcasing the profound impact of thoughtful nourishment.
Source: Bonappetit