Postpartum care, a well-established practice in South Korea, is gaining attention in the United States as the country grapples with rising maternal mortality rates and economic disparities. South Korea’s traditional postpartum care system, which includes 21 days of intensive support for new mothers, is inspiring American services like the Sanu Postpartum Retreat in Virginia, offering a similar model of care.
Founded in March 2024 by Julia Kim, a Korean-American former senior advisor to a Virginia state senator, Sanu Postpartum Retreat provides Korean-style postpartum services at the Watermark Hotel in Virginia. Kim, who carefully prepared for her first pregnancy with books, apps, and medical consultations, found herself overwhelmed and unprepared when left alone with her newborn in the hospital. Her struggle with postpartum anxiety and depression after her second child further fueled her belief in the importance of better support for new parents.
Kim’s experience led her to look to South Korea’s postpartum care model, which she believes could benefit American families. The name “Sanu,” derived from the Korean term “sanhu” (postpartum), was chosen to be accessible to non-Korean speakers. Kim describes South Korean postpartum care as “attentive, warm, and intimate,” emphasizing the professionalism and dedication of caregivers in providing new mothers with essential support. She is committed to offering similar high-quality care in the U.S., with services at varying price points to ensure broader access.
At Sanu, mothers and newborns receive round-the-clock care from trained staff, along with traditional Korean meals, postpartum massages, and mental health support. The hotel setting also provides concierge services, helping families with daily needs. One standout feature of the retreat is the newborn care room, where mothers can care for their infants at any time, offering much-needed peace of mind. Additionally, Kim created a practical parenting education program based on her own experiences, stressing the importance of knowledge for new parents.
Rooms at Sanu are spacious, with the hotel offering five suites that each include features designed to ease the transition for new families, such as baby cribs on wheels, diaper-changing stations, baby bathtubs, and mini kitchens. Mothers typically stay for a minimum of three nights, with many opting for longer visits. Since its opening, Sanu has seen overwhelming demand, with bookings filling quickly by mid-year. In its first few months, the facility has already served over 100 mothers.
The cost of a stay at Sanu can reach up to $880 per night, which Kim acknowledges may seem steep. However, she argues that the price reflects the high-quality care provided, particularly for services like nighttime baby care, which, when broken down hourly, is reasonable. Kim believes that time spent at Sanu is an investment in a healthier family and a brighter future.
A key element of Sanu’s philosophy is non-judgmental care. Kim emphasizes that the facility respects each mother’s choices, whether they decide to breastfeed or use formula. “There are valid reasons for each decision, and Sanu’s goal is to support those choices without judgment,” Kim explains. The retreat promotes a positive environment, believing that positivity can help foster healthier family dynamics.
Looking ahead, Kim’s goal is to expand Sanu’s services across the U.S., making postpartum care more accessible to families. She believes that providing comprehensive postpartum support can help alleviate maternal anxiety and depression, leading to happier, healthier families and contributing to broader societal benefits, including improved productivity for working mothers.
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