Community Spotlight: Nurture by Touch
- erincheam
- Jul 2
- 4 min read
The Fourth Trimester: What Traditional Cultures Can Teach Us About Postpartum Recovery
Welcoming a new baby into the world is often filled with joy, anticipation, and celebration. Yet while pregnancy often receives months of preparation, the weeks that follow birth can receive far less attention.
Across many Malaysian, Singaporean, Indonesian and Chinese families, however, postpartum recovery has long been regarded as a vital stage of motherhood. Often referred to as the Fourth Trimester, this period recognises that caring for a mother is just as important as caring for her newborn.
Long before modern healthcare began speaking about holistic maternal wellbeing, traditional cultures had already developed thoughtful practices centred on rest, nourishment, family support and recovery.
As life becomes increasingly fast-paced, these traditions continue to offer valuable lessons today.
Why Postpartum Care Matters
Birth transforms more than a family—it transforms a woman.
The physical recovery from pregnancy and labour, combined with hormonal changes, sleep deprivation and the emotional transition into motherhood, all occur simultaneously. Yet many mothers still feel pressure to return quickly to everyday life, often before their own recovery has truly begun.
Traditional postpartum care recognises a different approach: when mothers are nurtured, families flourish.
Today, growing awareness around the "Fourth Trimester" reflects what many cultures have understood for generations—that recovery deserves time, care and support.
Six Cross-Cultural Foundations of Postpartum Care
While traditions differ across cultures, many share remarkably similar principles.
Rest
Recovery is viewed as an essential part of healing, allowing mothers time to regain strength and adjust to life with a newborn.
Warmth
Warm foods, herbal therapies and body treatments are traditionally believed to promote circulation, comfort and recovery.
Nourishment
Meals prepared specifically for new mothers provide both physical nourishment and a tangible expression of family care.
Community Support
Across many cultures, family members and friends step in to help with daily responsibilities, allowing mothers to focus on healing and bonding.
Therapeutic Touch
Massage, belly binding and gentle bodywork are longstanding traditions designed to support recovery while providing comfort during a vulnerable stage of life.
Protecting the Mother–Baby Bond
Creating a calm environment allows both mother and baby the time and space to establish trust, attachment and confidence together.
These principles continue to be preserved in different ways across many cultures. One such tradition is Jamu postpartum care, practised throughout Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia.
Preserving Tradition Through Jamu
One practitioner helping preserve these traditions in Australia is Jackie Gorman, founder of Nurture by Touch.
Drawing upon traditional Jamu postpartum care from Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia, Jackie combines specialised massage, herbal applications, belly binding and holistic maternal support through The Nurture by Touch Method®.
Her approach respectfully honours centuries of cultural wisdom while integrating contemporary understanding of maternal wellbeing.
As Jackie explains,
"When we honour a mother's recovery, we strengthen the entire family."
Meet Jackie Gorman
Jackie's journey into postpartum care began not in Australia, but in Singapore.
Following the birth of her son, she experienced traditional Jamu care from a Singaporean Malay practitioner who visited her home daily throughout her recovery. While the physical benefits were significant, it was the emotional support that left the greatest impression.
That experience ultimately inspired Jackie to leave her corporate career and dedicate herself to supporting mothers during one of life's most transformative seasons.
Today, through Nurture by Touch, she continues to share this tradition with families across Sydney while honouring the cultures that entrusted her with this knowledge.
A Conversation with Jackie
What drew you to postpartum care?
"Receiving Jamu care after the birth of my son completely changed how I understood recovery. I expected physical healing, but what surprised me most was the emotional support and sense of being cared for during one of life's most vulnerable transitions. That experience eventually became Nurture by Touch."
What do modern mothers often overlook about recovery?
"Many mothers feel pressure to recover quickly, yet healing cannot be rushed. Every birth is different, and how we care for ourselves during the Fourth Trimester can influence our physical and emotional wellbeing long after those first weeks."
What does 'nurturing' mean to you?
