Journal · Choosing your care
Postpartum retreat or confinement centre?
Families who know the confinement tradition often ask whether something similar exists in Europe. The answer is a postpartum retreat.
The confinement centre
In several East Asian countries, mothers may spend the first weeks after birth in a dedicated confinement centre. In Korea these are known as sanhujoriwon. Meals, rest and care for mother and baby are arranged in one place.
The postpartum retreat
A postpartum retreat follows the same belief: a new mother should be cared for while she recovers. At The Fourth Sanctuary, this takes place in an existing five-star hotel in the Netherlands, with care that is clinically guided and grounded in Western midwifery.
How they differ
Confinement traditions often come with firm customs. A retreat in Europe keeps the essence, warmth, nourishment and rest, and shapes the stay around each family.
Partners are welcome to stay at The Fourth Sanctuary.
Read next
Sanhujori and confinement: postpartum traditions of the East
Sanhujori is the Korean tradition of postpartum care. How it relates to confinement traditions elsewhere, and what it teaches about recovery.
Miyeokguk: the seaweed soup of sanhujori
Miyeokguk, Korean seaweed soup, is traditionally served to mothers after birth. Its place in sanhujori and in Korean family life.
The waiting list
A place is held for you
The Fourth Sanctuary is preparing to open. Join the waiting list and we will be in touch personally.