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.”
@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.”
