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Why do people say that visiting the birth giver at the beginning of the year can bring bad luck? Is this belief still valid today?

Legend has it that visiting a new mother brings bad luck and affects one's business, as passed down by folklore.

12 March, 2024

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Folklore advises against visiting a new mother during the first month after giving birth, especially if the baby is less than one month old. It is unclear when this superstition started, but it has spread widely among people, and the ancients have a saying that goes, “Have respect, have reverence, have reverence, have luck, have misfortune,” so everyone passes the information on to each other, especially those involved in business.

Bringing a newborn into the world is a cause for celebration. Standing before childbirth, women face death and dangerous complications, and the fetus is also at risk of survival. Therefore, a mother and child in good health are worthy of congratulations. However, folklore suggests avoiding visiting a new mother during the first month after giving birth. According to folklore, visiting a new mother brings bad luck and misfortune to oneself. Visiting at the beginning of the month brings bad luck for the entire month, and visiting at the beginning of the year brings storms for the whole year. Businesspeople who visit a new mother at the beginning of the year will encounter difficulties and setbacks in their business. It is advised to visit after the baby is one month old and to avoid visiting at the beginning of the lunar new year. Pregnant women should not visit a new mother because the sound of a crying baby may cause the unborn child to want to come out prematurely.

Men and drivers should also avoid visiting a new mother for fear of encountering bad luck…

Many people believe that visiting a new mother brings bad luck

Until now, there is no documented explanation as to why visiting a new mother brings bad luck. However, it can be understood that childbirth is when families face the door of death, so bad luck still lingers. Especially in the past, the infant mortality rate was high. Therefore, families with a new mother often have strong spiritual vibes, and within the first month after giving birth, ghosts and demons are still lurking around, waiting. In the old days, childbirth was sealed off, with closed doors, sealed windows, lack of light, and after childbirth, the new mother avoided bathing to avoid unpleasant smells. There was a lot of blood after childbirth. Therefore, it is possible that many people believe that visiting a new mother will bring the negative energy into their bodies. In the past, the issue of a mother’s blood during childbirth was considered taboo and smelly, so men stayed away.

The belief that visiting a new mother brings bad luck has no scientific basis and is just a folk belief that has been passed down.

From a scientific point of view, it is not advisable to visit a new mother during the first month for various important reasons, but primarily to protect the new mother and the baby, not because of fear of bad luck. During the first month, both the mother and the baby are still fragile, and visitors increase the risk of environmental infection to the newborn, leading to an increased rate of infant illness and death. The new mother still has lochia and is not used to taking care of the child, which can cause stress. She may be tired and have various personal matters, such as postpartum discharge causing unpleasant odors and infrequent bathing, resulting in lack of cleanliness and unkempt appearance. She often has to bare her breasts to breastfeed… Therefore, it is not convenient for visitors at this time, except for close relatives who come to visit and support in caring for the new mother and the baby.

In the first month after giving birth, both the mother and the baby need special attention because this is a time when both the mother and the baby are still at high risk. The mother faces postpartum complications and the risk of death, while the baby faces the risk of neonatal death. Therefore, the best approach is to avoid noise and contact with strangers.

Things to keep in mind when visiting a new mother:

Wait until the end of the month to visit, by then both the new mother and the baby will have passed the most critical health and mental stages, become accustomed to the new environment and lifestyle.

Do not talk loudly or hold the baby.

Avoid kissing the baby, do not bend over to speak closely to the baby and the mother to prevent the transmission of bacterial viruses to the baby.

Do not make negative comments, judgments, and avoid excessive compliments because according to folk belief, excessive compliments can take away the luck of the child.

Do not give unsolicited advice on the new mother’s child rearing and daily activities, to avoid making the mother uncomfortable.

Do not take photos or shoot videos without permission, as the flash of the camera can harm the baby’s eyes.

This information is for reference only.

Frequently asked questions

No, there is no scientific evidence to support the idea that visiting a new mother brings bad luck. However, from a practical perspective, it is advisable to avoid visiting during the first month to protect the health and well-being of both the mother and the baby. They are both still fragile, and visitors increase the risk of environmental infection for the newborn.

Yes, both the mother and the baby are at an increased risk of infection during this time. Additionally, the mother may be experiencing stress, fatigue, and personal issues related to postpartum discharge and the demands of newborn care. It is important to give them space and privacy during this critical period.

Businesspeople are especially cautious about visiting a new mother at the beginning of the year, as they believe it will bring bad luck to their business. Pregnant women are also advised against visiting, as the sound of a crying baby may induce premature labor. Men and drivers are generally discouraged from visiting out of fear of encountering bad luck.

Yes, it is important to be mindful of the mother and baby’s health and comfort. Visitors should avoid talking loudly or holding the baby, and kissing the baby is not recommended. It is also considered impolite to offer unsolicited advice or make negative comments. According to folk belief, excessive compliments can also take away the luck of the child.

It is generally considered safe and respectful to wait until the end of the first month after giving birth. By this time, both the mother and the baby will have passed the most critical health and mental stages and adjusted to their new lives.