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Chelleh: Persian Postpartum Care by a Farsi-Speaking Nurse

Writer: Parvin Salehikasaei, RN, CLC
Parvin Salehikasaei, RN, CLC
24 hours ago
8 min read

By Parvin, RN, CLC, certified doula · Sweet Start Services, San Jose · Updated October 2026

Short answer: Chelleh (چله) is the traditional Persian 40-day rest after birth. Many Iranian families keep the new mother home, feed her warming foods and surround her with support.

Rest, nutrition and family help fit modern postpartum care well. Some herbal remedies, swaddling habits and bathing rules deserve a closer look. A Farsi-speaking postpartum nurse can help families keep their traditions while following current pediatric guidance.

This article is for education only and is not medical advice.

Persian tea set with a samovar, tea glasses and dates

Key takeaways

  • Chelleh is 40 days of rest and family care for the new mother.

  • Rest, good food and never leaving her alone match modern advice.

  • Ask a doctor before herbal remedies; sunlight doesn't treat jaundice.

  • Safe sleep still applies: baby on their back, on a firm, flat surface.

  • Staying home for 40 days should never mean waiting out a warning sign.

What Is Chelleh After Birth?

In Persian, chelleh means a 40-day period. After a birth, it is the time the mother is cared for while she recovers, roughly what modern care calls the fourth trimester.

Traditions differ by family and region. There is no single "right" way.

A 2023 qualitative study interviewing postpartum women from several regions of Iran (Derakhshani et al.) described practices such as:

  • Staying home and resting for up to 40 days, and skipping public gatherings

  • Not leaving the mother alone during this time

  • Warming, energy-giving foods such as kachi (a warm pudding made from flour, oil and sugar), chicken soup, abgoosht broth, dates and nut mixes

  • Avoiding "cold" foods and drinks, including cold water and ice cream

  • Keeping the mother's body and abdomen warm with blankets or a wrap

  • Bathing customs, such as waiting about seven days to bathe and then a massage

  • Swaddling the baby and, in some families, herbal remedies for the baby or to increase milk

Historically, the end of chelleh was often marked with a special bath for mother and baby. In some families, the baby's first full bath waited until then (Encyclopaedia Iranica).

In the Bay Area, some new parents live far from the mothers and grandmothers who would traditionally run chelleh. Outside help can fill part of that role.

Which Chelleh Customs Fit Modern Postpartum Care?

Many chelleh traditions match modern advice, and they aren't unique to Iran.

A systematic review of 51 studies from more than 20 countries found that rest periods of about 21 days to five weeks, "hot" foods and organized family care for the new mother are common across cultures (Dennis et al., 2007).

Tradition

Why it helps

Rest and staying close to home

Recovery takes weeks; rest while others do chores supports healing

Family takes over cooking and housework

Mother can focus on recovery and feeding

Nourishing soups, protein and fluids

Breastfeeding mothers need about 330–400 extra calories a day (CDC)

Never leaving the mother alone

Someone nearby notices if she is unwell or overwhelmed

This family support is a real strength of Iranian postpartum care and is worth protecting.

Which Chelleh Customs Need a Closer Look?

Some practices predate modern pediatric research. Approach them with curiosity, not criticism.

Herbs and remedies while breastfeeding

The NIH's LactMed database notes that:

  • Dietary supplements don't need FDA approval before they're sold.

  • Labels don't always match contents.

  • Evidence for milk-boosting herbs like fenugreek is mixed.

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking an herbal product while breastfeeding. Never give a newborn herbs, teas or sugar water without your pediatrician's OK.

For supply or latch worries, see breastfeeding help in the first two weeks.

Jaundice remedies

The AAP says sunlight is not a safe jaundice treatment. A yellowish baby should be checked by their provider, who can test bilirubin levels.

Swaddling and safe sleep

Swaddling can be done safely. The AAP advises:

  • Keep it loose at the hips.

  • Leave room for two or three fingers at the chest.

  • Avoid overheating.

  • Never use weighted swaddles.

  • Stop as soon as the baby tries to roll.

For every sleep, the AAP and NIH Safe to Sleep advise placing the baby on their back, on a firm, flat surface in their own crib or bassinet. Keep it in the parents' room (not the adult bed) for at least six months, with nothing but a fitted sheet.

Keep the mother warm if she likes, but don't over-bundle or cover the baby's head. More in our guide to safe sleep and night plans.

Bathing myths

Most mothers don't need to wait a week or more to bathe. After a vaginal birth, MedlinePlus advises waiting 24 hours before taking warm baths. After a cesarean, follow your surgeon's instructions for your incision.

For babies, sponge baths are recommended until the umbilical cord stump falls off (usually within one to two weeks, AAP). After that, baths a few times a week.

When Should You Call a Doctor During Chelleh?

Staying home for 40 days should never mean waiting out a warning sign. Call your provider right away, or 911 in an emergency, if:

  • Mother: has a fever of 100.4°F or higher, heavy bleeding, or thoughts about harming herself or her baby (CDC Hear Her)

  • Baby: has yellow skin that deepens or spreads to the belly, arms or legs, or, if under 3 months old, a temperature of 100.4°F or higher (AAP)

How Can a Farsi-Speaking Postpartum Nurse in the Bay Area Help Your Family?

When grandparents and new parents disagree, it helps to have someone who understands both.

Parvin, who founded Sweet Start Services, holds a Master's in Midwifery and has worked more than 20 years as a nurse and midwife. Today she is a Registered Nurse, a Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) and a certified doula.

A mother of four, she can explain the same advice to a new mom in English and her grandmother in Farsi. Parvin's California RN license can be verified on the DCA License Search. Here's why language and culture match matters.

Sweet Start offers postpartum doula services in San Jose and nearby cities. Parvin visits homes in San Jose, Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, Mountain View, Palo Alto, Cupertino, Los Gatos, Campbell, Milpitas, Fremont, San Mateo, San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley and Walnut Creek.

She can:

  • Explain current guidance to grandparents in Farsi, respectfully and patiently

  • Help the family keep the comforting parts of chelleh while adjusting anything that conflicts with safe sleep or feeding guidance

  • Assess breastfeeding and help with latch, positioning and supply questions

  • Teach swaddling, bathing and newborn care to the whole family

During chelleh, Postpartum In-Home Care ($275 per 3-hour visit) lets Parvin work alongside the grandmother rather than around her.

Visits are daytime only (8:30 AM–8:30 PM, every day). Sweet Start Services does not provide overnight shifts or labor support.

All prices are on our booking page. Carrot Card is accepted for eligible services. HSA/FSA funds may be eligible; check with your plan.

Planning your chelleh? Call (858) 531-2269, email Parvin@sweetstartservices.com, or book a free phone consultation in English or Farsi.

FAQ

What is chelleh after birth?

The traditional Persian 40-day rest after childbirth, when family cares for the new mother. Practices vary widely between families and regions.

Is it safe to eat kachi and other warming foods while breastfeeding?

Homemade foods like kachi, soups and dates can be part of a balanced diet. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking herbal supplements.

Do I really have to wait 40 days to bathe my baby or myself?

No. MedlinePlus says warm baths are fine 24 hours after a vaginal birth, and babies get sponge baths until the cord stump falls off. After a cesarean, follow your surgeon's advice.

Is there a Farsi-speaking postpartum nurse in the Bay Area?

Yes. Parvin is a bilingual Registered Nurse, CLC and certified doula. She provides daytime home visits in English and Farsi from San Jose and Fremont to San Francisco and Walnut Creek.

Can a Farsi-speaking nurse visit during chelleh?

Yes. Parvin provides daytime Postpartum In-Home Care visits ($275 per 3-hour visit) in English and Farsi. She works alongside grandparents, keeping the comforting parts of chelleh while following current safe sleep and feeding guidance.

به فارسی

مراقبت بعد از زایمان برای خانواده‌های ایرانی: چله و مراقبت پرستاری امروزی

در بسیاری از خانواده‌های ایرانی، چهل روز اول بعد از زایمان، یعنی «چله»، زمانی است برای استراحت مادر، خوردن غذاهای مقوی و گرم مثل کاچی، سوپ و آبگوشت، و حمایت مادربزرگ‌ها و بقیه‌ی خانواده.

البته رسم‌ها از خانواده‌ای به خانواده‌ی دیگر و از شهری به شهر دیگر فرق می‌کند.

خبر خوب این است که خیلی از این رسم‌ها با توصیه‌های پزشکی امروز هماهنگ است: استراحت کافی، تغذیه‌ی خوب، نوشیدن مایعات و تنها نگذاشتن مادر.

اما چند مورد را بهتر است با پزشک یا پرستار در میان بگذارید:

  • داروهای گیاهی: پیش از مصرف دمنوش یا مکمل گیاهی در دوران شیردهی با پزشک یا داروساز مشورت کنید، و بدون نظر پزشک کودک هیچ دمنوش، گیاه یا آب‌قندی به نوزاد ندهید.

  • زردی نوزاد: گذاشتن نوزاد زیر نور خورشید راه درمان زردی نیست؛ نوزاد باید توسط پزشک معاینه شود.

  • قنداق و خواب ایمن: قنداق را شل ببندید تا پاها آزاد باشند، نوزاد را بیش از حد گرم نکنید و وقتی شروع به غلت زدن کرد، قنداق را کنار بگذارید. نوزاد را همیشه به پشت، روی سطحی سفت و صاف، در تخت خودش و در اتاق والدین بخوابانید و هیچ بالش، پتو یا عروسکی در تختش نگذارید. (راهنمای کامل‌تر به انگلیسی: خواب ایمن و برنامه‌ی شب)

  • حمام: معمولاً لازم نیست مادر یک هفته یا چهل روز برای حمام صبر کند؛ دستور پزشک خودتان را دنبال کنید.

چه زمانی در دوران چله باید با پزشک تماس بگیرید؟

ماندن در خانه در چهل روز اول نباید باعث شود علائم هشدار نادیده گرفته شوند.

طبق توصیه‌ی CDC (کمپین Hear Her) و آکادمی اطفال آمریکا (AAP)، در این موارد فوراً با پزشک تماس بگیرید یا در شرایط اورژانسی با ۹۱۱ تماس بگیرید:

  • مادر: تب ۳۸ درجه‌ی سانتی‌گراد (۱۰۰٫۴ فارنهایت) یا بیشتر، یا خونریزی شدید

  • مادر: سردردی که خوب نمی‌شود، تغییر در بینایی، یا فکر آسیب زدن به خود یا نوزاد

  • نوزاد: زردی پوست که بیشتر می‌شود یا به شکم، دست‌ها و پاها می‌رسد

  • نوزاد: کمتر از ۶ پوشک خیس در روز بعد از روز پنجم، یا تب ۳۸ درجه یا بیشتر در نوزاد زیر ۳ ماه

برای فهرست کامل علائم هشدار بعد از زایمان (به انگلیسی)، راهنمای بهبودی سه ماه اول بعد از زایمان را ببینید.

پرستار فارسی‌زبان در کنار خانواده‌ی شما

پروین، بنیان‌گذار Sweet Start Services، پرستار رسمی (دارای مجوز ایالت کالیفرنیا)، دارای گواهینامه‌ی Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC)، دولای گواهی‌دار و دارای کارشناسی ارشد مامایی است و بیش از ۲۰ سال تجربه‌ی پرستاری و مامایی دارد.

او مادر چهار فرزند است و به فارسی و انگلیسی صحبت می‌کند. مجوز پرستاری او در سایت DCA License Search قابل بررسی است.

پروین در سن خوزه، سانتا کلارا، سانی‌ویل، ماونتن ویو، پالو آلتو، کوپرتینو، لوس گاتوس، کمپبل، میلپیتاس، فریمونت، سن متئو، سانفرانسیسکو، اوکلند، برکلی و والنات کریک به خانه‌ی شما می‌آید تا هم به سنت‌های خانواده احترام بگذارد و هم راهنمایی‌های امروزی را با زبانی ساده برای پدربزرگ‌ها و مادربزرگ‌ها توضیح دهد.

ویزیت‌ها فقط در طول روز، هر روز از ساعت ۸:۳۰ صبح تا ۸:۳۰ شب انجام می‌شود (بدون شیفت شبانه و بدون همراهی در زایمان).

برای یک مشاوره‌ی تلفنی رایگان ۱۵ تا ۲۰ دقیقه‌ای با شماره‌ی (858) 531-2269 تماس بگیرید، به Parvin@sweetstartservices.com ایمیل بزنید، یا همین حالا وقت مشاوره‌ی تلفنی رایگان را رزرو کنید.

این مطلب فقط جنبه‌ی آموزشی دارد و جایگزین توصیه‌ی پزشکی نیست.

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