In the United States, mothers are typically discharged from the hospital shortly after childbirth, making the concept of ‘sanhujori’—Korean postpartum care—largely unfamiliar. However, increasing concerns over economic disparities related to childbirth and rising maternal mortality rates are driving interest in more intensive postpartum support. The 21-day care model from Korea, which provides comprehensive recovery services for mothers after childbirth, is now being introduced to American families. This service, known as ‘sanhujori’ in Korean, is gaining attention in the U.S., with the opening of services like Sanu Postpartum Retreat in Virginia.
In March of last year, the Watermark Hotel in Virginia welcomed the launch of Sanu, which offers a Korean-style postpartum care experience. Sanu provides personalized 24/7 care for mothers and their newborns, with tailored programs designed by medical professionals. The retreat quickly drew attention, including a feature in The Washington Post, which highlighted how this Korean tradition is making its way across the Pacific to the U.S.
A Vision Born from Personal Experience
Sanu was founded by Julia Kim, a second-generation Korean American who had worked as a chief aide to a Virginia senator. Kim’s journey toward creating Sanu stemmed from her own difficult postpartum experiences. Despite extensive preparation for her first pregnancy, including reading books and consulting doctors, Kim was overwhelmed and anxious after giving birth, particularly when left alone with her newborn in the hospital recovery room. Two years later, after the birth of her second child, Kim faced similar challenges, including postpartum anxiety and depression. It was through these personal struggles that she recognized the need for better support for American mothers.
Kim was inspired by Korea’s well-established postpartum care culture and believed it could benefit mothers in the U.S. She explained that Korean postpartum care is known for its “thoughtful, warm, and intimate” approach. She added that the professionalism and attention to detail from caregivers make the experience incredibly special. Kim’s aim with Sanu was to offer a level of care that exceeds expectations, regardless of the price.
Sanu’s Comprehensive Care Approach
Sanu’s services include round-the-clock care for mothers and their babies, delivered by professional caregivers. The center offers wellness services such as traditional Korean meals, postpartum massages, and mental health support. For added convenience, the retreat is located in a hotel, providing additional perks like concierge services—a personal assistant who takes care of various tasks for the clients.
One of the most popular offerings at Sanu is nursery care, which allows mothers to take breaks and rest knowing their baby is in good hands. Kim also created an educational program for new parents, as she recognized the importance of practical childcare education. “Having two children made me realize the urgent need for this type of support,” Kim said.
A Growing Demand for Postpartum Support
Since opening, Sanu has become highly sought after. The facility is fully booked through July this year, with many American mothers seeking relief from the pressures of balancing work and parenting, a challenge common in U.S. culture. In just 10 months, more than 100 mothers have taken advantage of Sanu’s services.
Each suite at Sanu is spacious, with a minimum size of 500 square feet, and features thoughtful amenities like a wheeled crib, a changing table, and even a whale-shaped baby bathtub. While the nightly rate can reach up to $880, Kim emphasized that the price reflects the high-quality care provided. When broken down into hourly costs for late-night care, she believes the service is quite reasonable.
Fostering a Positive, Supportive Environment
At the heart of Sanu’s philosophy is a commitment to a non-judgmental approach to caregiving. Kim stresses that Sanu respects the choices of all mothers, whether it comes to breastfeeding or formula feeding. The center aims to create a supportive environment where mothers can feel empowered in their decisions without being questioned. Kim believes that a positive attitude is contagious, and this attitude is embedded in every interaction between staff and families.
Kim’s ultimate goal is to normalize postpartum care in the U.S. She envisions expanding Sanu’s services to other regions, making it easier for more families to access the benefits of postpartum care. “Postpartum care helps alleviate anxiety and depression for mothers and supports healthy families,” she explained. Kim also believes it can have positive social impacts, including boosting the productivity of working mothers.
Sanu’s growing success points to a shift in how American society views postpartum care, with more mothers recognizing the value of dedicated support during the critical recovery period after childbirth.
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