Latest news with #HannahLeon
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
New mom compares postpartum in a Mexican vs. American household—and the difference is everything
When Hannah Leon (@ posted a quick video about her postpartum experience, she didn't expect it to go viral. But her story—comparing how her American mother and Mexican mother-in-law approached her healing—struck a nerve, racking up over 1.8 million views and opening up a much bigger conversation about how new moms are cared for after birth. 'She cared about my postpartum healing as much as she cared about the baby,' Hannah says, referring to her mother-in-law, her voice steady with appreciation. Her story resonates far beyond her own family. It touches on something many moms instinctively know: In some cultures, postpartum isn't treated as something to power through—it's honored as a time for deep rest, care, and recovery. In the now-viral TikTok, Hannah walks slowly with her baby strapped to her chest, her voice steady but raw with emotion. She shares what it was like to be a new mother straddling two cultures, and how it opened her eyes to what postpartum care could look like. Her American mother, she explains, came to visit her in the hospital shortly after she gave birth, but was gone by the time she and her newborn arrived home. She acted according to what she had known and modeled—without malice. 'I love my mom,' Hannah says gently. 'But the ways she showed up for me in early postpartum versus my husband's mom were night and day.' Her Mexican mother-in-law, on the other hand, took a completely different approach. Recognizing how overwhelmed the couple felt, she invited them to move in with her. And from that moment on, she treated Hannah as both a new mom and a person in recovery. She prepared warm, nourishing meals tailored for milk production. She brought oatmeal to her bedside. She reminded her, again and again, 'These first 40 days are very, very important. You have to take care of yourself—and I will take care of you, too.' What Hannah experienced through her mother-in-law's care wasn't just kindness. That care carried the warmth of kindness and the imprint of cultural tradition. In many Latin American households, including Mexican families, there's a long-standing postpartum tradition known as La Cuarentena (literally, 'the quarantine'). La Cuarentena is a 40-day period following childbirth dedicated entirely to the mother's recovery. Rooted in the understanding that birth is a profound physical and emotional event, this tradition emphasizes rest, warmth, nourishment, and support. During this time, a new mother is often relieved of household duties. Elders or family members, especially mothers and mothers-in-law, step in to cook healing meals, help with the baby, and ensure the mother is never alone in her recovery. It's a set of customs rooted in the cultural understanding that a mother's well-being directly shapes how she cares for her child. As Hannah's story reveals, La Cuarentena centers on protecting mothers during a vulnerable time. It's a built-in system of care that says: You've just brought life into the world. Let us carry you for a while. Related: 'We weren't meant to do this alone': A mom's viral video on why parenting feels so hard in the U.S. Hannah's story also invites us to reflect on the American approach to postpartum, a culture shaped by individualism, fast-paced recovery, and often, limited support. Unlike La Cuarentena's communal and intentional care, many new moms in the U.S. face a very different reality. The pressure to 'bounce back' quickly, to manage newborn exhaustion alone, and to balance medical appointments that barely scratch the surface of emotional and physical healing is all too common. Postpartum care here can feel fragmented and fleeting. For Hannah, this was a quiet but painful contrast: her own mother's quick hospital visit and early departure wasn't a sign of neglect but a reflection of American norms. Meanwhile, her mother-in-law's immersive care was a revelation. This explores how systems and culture shape what kind of support is possible for families. And for many, the result is isolation during one of the most vulnerable times in life. Related: Pampering postpartum moms shouldn't be a luxury—how can we make it accessible for all? Hannah's video sparked a wave of heartfelt responses from mothers who recognized the truth in her words. Real TikTok commenters shared their experiences and affirmed the importance of postpartum care in Mexican culture: MandA60924: 'Mexican culture is rooted in community. The U.S teaches us individualism and its harmful' Bianca J: 'Mexican moms DO NOT play about postpartum healing. I was cooked up in the house in the summer wearing sweats and hoodies, eating caldos and drinking avena with a faja on 24/7' Dafne: 'Mexican moms don't play about cuarentena… I'm surprised she let you go outside without ur ears plugged, ur head fully covered and a sweater even if it's 100 degrees outside the first 40 days are major for old school Mexican moms ' Amoonsdaughter: 'Culturally that postpartum time is a very sacred and huge deal . It is about complete healing .. physically, mentally , spiritually and bonding with your child ..it's called ' cuarentena' ' Lauren Rosas: 'I married into a Mexican family and my MIL was also so amazing. She was always cooking for me when I was pregnant and of course after.' Related: Texts between postpartum moms go viral—because no one talks about this enough Hannah's experience reminds us that healing after birth is not just a physical process but deeply cultural. How a new mother is cared for reflects the values, traditions, and priorities of her community. In many cultures, postpartum care is an intentional and collective act. Family members, friends, and even neighbors step in to provide nourishment, rest, and emotional support. These rituals recognize that a mother's well-being is foundational not only for her own health but for the child and the family as a whole. Even small gestures such as bringing warm meals, helping with household chores, or simply encouraging rest can transform a mother's healing journey. They send a powerful message: you are not alone and your body and spirit matter. For American moms, who often face postpartum in relative isolation, Hannah's story offers an invitation to lean into community, ask for help, and reimagine postpartum care not as an individual burden but a shared responsibility. Related: This mom's postpartum experience in China will leave U.S. moms in awe Hannah's story opens a window into a larger, beautiful tapestry of postpartum traditions practiced globally. Around the world, different cultures honor the postpartum period with unique rituals—each rooted in the understanding that new mothers need care, rest, and community. Here are a few examples: China: The practice of or 'sitting the month' focuses on warmth, rest, and nutrient-rich foods. New moms avoid cold environments and strenuous activity while family members provide constant support. India: A 40-day period of rest and recovery is traditional, often involving massages, herbal baths, and home-cooked meals that support healing and milk production. Poland: Multigenerational family support is common, with mothers and grandmothers taking active roles in caring for both baby and mother to ensure physical and emotional recovery. Peru: Postpartum rituals include herbal baths, body binding, and community ceremonies designed to restore balance and welcome the mother into her new role. These traditions show that the need to nurture mothers during postpartum is universal. They also remind us that care is not one-size-fits-all—each culture's approach reflects deep respect for mothers' unique journeys. Related: 5 Postpartum Care Practices from Mothers Around the World Hannah's viral video is more than a personal story. It is a call to rethink how we care for new mothers everywhere. Her experience in a Mexican household highlights something many American moms long for but rarely receive: attentive, holistic postpartum support rooted in community and cultural tradition. While healthcare and societal norms differ, one truth remains clear. Postpartum care is essential to a mother's recovery and well-being. It shapes how mothers heal, bond with their babies, and find strength for the journey ahead. By learning from traditions like La Cuarentena and embracing the wisdom of mothers across cultures, we can move toward a future where no new mom feels isolated or overwhelmed. Where healing is celebrated, nurtured, and shared. Because every mother deserves to be held and every family benefits when she is.
Newsweek
5 days ago
- Health
- Newsweek
American Mom Moves In With Mexican MIL Postpartum, Has 'Eye-Opening' Moment
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A new mom from Chicago is going viral for opening up about the difference between American and Mexican postpartum cultures. Hannah Leon, who lives in a Mexican household as an American, (@hannahmaeleon) posted a clip on TikTok on the subject and explained the "noticeable" contrasts between the two cultures. "I love my mom, but the ways that my mom has shown up for me in early postpartum versus my husband's mom has been night and day," Leon said in her video. "My own mother went back to work just two days after having me, so that shaped my expectations," the 30-year-old told Newsweek. "While it's possible to break those cycles, most people show up the way they were taught." From left: Hannah Leon holds her baby in a carrier on her front while talking to camera for her TikTok video. From left: Hannah Leon holds her baby in a carrier on her front while talking to camera for her TikTok video. @hannahmaeleon For instance, Leon's mother helped with a grocery trip while she was still in the hospital, but she had already left town by the time Hannah and her husband brought their baby home. Her husband's mother-in-law, on the other hand, invited the couple to move in with her. "It was really important for me to have a seasoned mom telling me what's normal and what's not, cooking healthy meals, helping me maintain my mental health," Leon said, adding that she suffered from postpartum depression and her support was vital. "I was treated like glass those first 40 days—encouraged, even demanded, to stay in bed and stay inside," Leon said. "Even when I felt up for a walk, I was advised to rest." The idea of 40 days of postpartum rest—known as la cuarentena in many Latin cultures—is a deeply rooted tradition in Mexican households. The belief is that the first 40 days after birth are sacred for healing and bonding. Mothers are encouraged, even expected, to stay inside, rest and be cared for. "It was such a foreign concept to me, but I'm deeply grateful for that wisdom because I truly believe I healed so well because of that care," Leon added. The level of care she received from her mother-in-law made Leon think about U.S. laws around maternity leave. The U.S. is one of the only high-income countries that does not guarantee paid maternity leave at the federal level. The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provides eligible workers with up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave, but many parents can't afford to take that time without pay—and many aren't eligible at all. "It's inspired me to not accept bare minimum and that we go above for those we love," Leon said. "I just dropped frozen meals at my husband's cousin's house, who's due soon. It's really made me reassess how I was raised and how I want to show up for others." Leon's clip has been viewed over 2.3 million times, and many users celebrated the postpartum Mexican culture within the comments. "I'm so glad you've had the chance to experience our culture and I'm not at all surprised your mother-in-law was so loving. She's the embodiment of Mexican Love," one user wrote. "Cuarentena is so important for mom and baby. [They] need rest and deserve to be given the space and care to heal and bond. Giving birth is no joke, don't know how some people take it so lightly," another posted. For friends, new moms or family members looking for ways to help someone during the postpartum period, Leon said they should just step in. "Bring a meal; help with cleaning; sit and hold the baby if needed while they shower [or have some alone time," Leon added. "It's so important to simply show up. A healthy mom is a healthy baby, and taking things off her plate allows her to adjust and heal."
