As more women in Singapore and Korea enter motherhood later in life, clinicians are calling for postnatal care to be tailored to individual needs and grounded in clinical evidence. This was the focus at DeRAMA Singapore’s Joint Postnatal Recovery Seminar, held on 17 August 2026, where Dr Park Jeongmi from Korea and Singapore-based Dr Ho Ping Ling discussed evolving postpartum practices.
Dr Ho highlighted that women aged 35 and above face higher risks of medical conditions and complications during pregnancy, necessitating personalised care. “There is no one-size-fits-all approach,” she stated, emphasising the importance of assessing each mother’s unique circumstances.
In Korea, the rise of nuclear families has led to the development of sanhujoriwon, or postpartum recovery centres, which provide structured support. Dr Park noted that 85.51% of Korean mothers now use these centres, which offer comprehensive care beyond traditional rest and nutrition.
In contrast, Singapore’s postnatal care remains largely home-based, relying on family support. However, concerns were raised about the inconsistent training and medical basis of some practices. Dr Ho pointed out that certain long-held beliefs, such as avoiding showers, contradict modern hygiene standards.
The seminar also addressed the affordability of structured care. Dr Park mentioned that some Korean centres receive government support, making them more accessible. This model could inspire similar initiatives in Singapore, where recovery centres are still emerging.
Ultimately, the seminar underscored the importance of integrating professional, evidence-based services with traditional family involvement to enhance postnatal care for modern mothers in Singapore.
