What is Taegyo?
In a previous post, I discussed Taegyo, a traditional Korean form of prenatal care. It’s based on the philosophy that a fetus is a human being from the moment of conception. This practice emphasizes the importance of the mother’s emotional and physical well-being, as it’s believed to directly influence the baby’s development.
Why Do People Practice Taegyo?
Taegyo is rooted in the belief that a fetus has a personality from conception. By recognizing the unborn child as an individual, this practice places emphasis on intentional care for both the mother and the baby. It encourages the mother to nurture herself, which in turn benefits the child.
Research strongly supports the idea that experiences during pregnancy can have profound and lasting effects on a child’s development. For example, a study by Moshe Szyf, titled “The Early Life Social Environment and DNA Methylation” (2011), explains how stress experienced by the mother during pregnancy can cause long-term changes in a child’s biology through a process called DNA methylation.
So, what is DNA methylation? Think of it as a way our genes can be “turned on or off” based on what’s happening around us, without changing the actual genetic code. It’s like flipping a switch to control how certain genes work, helping the body adapt to its environment.
One powerful example of this is a study conducted during a severe ice storm in Quebec. Some pregnant women lived without power for days, while others had their electricity restored more quickly. Researchers found that children whose mothers endured longer power outages showed significant changes in their biology—specifically in their immune systems and how their bodies processed energy. This demonstrates how real-life stress, like being without electricity during a disaster, can leave lasting effects on a child’s health, making them more likely to develop conditions like asthma, obesity, or diabetes later in life.
This study highlights the critical importance of reducing prenatal stress and fostering a nurturing environment during pregnancy. In the context of Taegyo, a traditional Korean practice that emphasizes the mother’s emotional and physical well-being, this research underlines the idea that maternal care extends beyond immediate physical health and has long-lasting implications for the child. Practicing Taegyo, which encourages mindfulness, relaxation, and emotional balance, aligns with the modern scientific understanding that a nurturing prenatal environment contributes to better developmental outcomes for the baby.
Taegyo in Modern Times
Traditionally, Taegyo is NOT practiced by the mother alone but by everyone around her. The true essence of Taegyo is a collective effort to ensure the mother remains stress-free, healthy, and happy. The whole family and community play a role in providing a peaceful and supportive environment for both the mother and her baby.
However, because Taegyo emphasizes the mother’s role, some critics see it as a tool for oppressing women and consider it an outdated practice. This negative view of Taegyo stems from the fact that some people blame mothers for their children’s illnesses, developmental delays, or other problems, claiming that it’s a result of inadequate Taegyo. However, it’s not Taegyo itself that’s the problem, but rather the misinformed individuals who possess inaccurate knowledge about Taegyo and child development. Taegyo should never be used to induce guilt or blame mothers under any circumstances.
Taegyo should be seen as a framework that allows mothers to practice self-care. It’s not about pressuring or restricting them; it’s about giving them the freedom to prioritize their own happiness. Most pregnant women carry heavy responsibilities, but Taegyo encourages them to delegate tasks, rest when needed, listen to music they enjoy, eat the food they crave, and take walks when they feel like it.
How to Practice Taegyo?
As I mentioned earlier, Taegyo involves recognizing the signals from your body. If your body needs rest, rest. If you feel tired at work, ask for a break and take a walk. Listen to music that makes you feel good, even if it’s not Mozart. The goal is to find whatever brings peace to your mind.
In Korea, if a pregnant woman craves something and her husband doesn’t get it for her, people often say, “How could you not get that for her? She’s pregnant!” This reflects the cultural value of supporting the mother-to-be, ensuring that her desires and needs are met.
Taegyo isn’t something you do alone. It’s a collective effort, with those around the mother helping to create an environment where she can take care of herself and the baby. It’s about ensuring that when she wants to rest, eat, or do something, the space and opportunity are provided.
Strengthening Bonds with Your Baby
An important aspect of Taegyo is helping both parents develop a stronger attachment to their baby.
Loving someone doesn’t happen automatically; it grows through the intentional act of caring for and nurturing them. Mothers may have an advantage in fostering this love because they carry the baby, but there are also mothers who struggle with developing feelings of love and attachment.
Taegyo offers an opportunity for the mother, the partner, and other family members to nurture both the baby and the mother carrying the child, fostering that love and attachment. Love grows over time, and Taegyo provides a way to actively nurture it even before birth.
Taegyo: Your Way
There’s no one “right” way to practice Taegyo. If you search in Korean, you’ll find an abundance of books, Taegyo concerts, and exhibitions. If you’re unsure where to start, those books and events might be helpful. But you don’t have to follow them rigidly.
For example, when I searched for Taegyo (태교) in Korean at our local library near Seattle, I found two books filled with beautiful, heartwarming stories (see the picture on the right).
However, Taegyo doesn’t have to be involved in reading specific books. Babies don’t connect with the content of the stories; they respond to the emotions you feel while reading. So, read whatever brings you joy.
Similarly, if you search for Taegyo concerts, you’ll find a wide range of genres, including classical, trot (a popular Korean genre with a distinct rhythm), K-pop, popera (a fusion of pop and opera), and pop music. In other words, it doesn’t matter what kind of music you listen to.
Here are some TaeGyo concert videos that show the diverse genres of music featured in these special concerts – Forestella (Popera), K-pops, and Korean classical music.
About 8-9 years ago, there was a trend in Korea called ‘math Taegyo.’ The idea that engaging with math during pregnancy could enhance a baby’s brain development spread through social media. Pregnant women began solving math workbooks, and math Taegyo classes at community centers became so popular that there were waiting lists.
Mainstream media eventually interviewed experts, who found no scientific evidence to support the idea that math Taegyo would improve a child’s math abilities. Experts also warned that stress from doing math Taegyo could cause uterine contractions and potentially hinder the baby’s development. They advised that the best Taegyo is something the mother enjoys, whether it’s listening to music or taking a walk.
In short, do what makes you happy! Whether it’s browsing art, traveling, walking, watching movies or TV shows, chatting with friends, or enjoying the satisfaction of a hard day’s work, it all counts as Taegyo. The key is to find joy, as that positive energy is what matters most.
Even if you’re too busy for dedicated Taegyo practice, you can still embrace it in small moments. Take a deep breath during your day and speak to your baby: ‘Mommy works hard, and I hope you’ll also work hard at what you love when you grow up. I’m working with joy and gratitude.’ Simply nurturing these thoughts and connecting with your baby is Taegyo.
My Experience with Taegyo
If you’re wondering how I practiced Taegyo, my experience was simple: I did whatever made me happy. Before having a child, I took pride in my busy life and often felt I didn’t have enough time for things like reading, getting enough sleep, or taking walks as much as I wanted. But during my pregnancy, I reflected on my life and made time for the things I truly enjoyed. It wasn’t anything grand; I just made small changes to find balance.
So, if you’re pregnant and thinking about Taegyo, start by considering what would make you happy and help you feel more balanced. How can you delegate some of your responsibilities? How can you ensure you’re getting enough sleep? What causes you stress, and how can you address it?
Do whatever makes you feel better.
A happy mother leads to a happy baby.
Introducing the Taegyo Self-Care Guide
This one-page guide provides key questions and tips to help you check in with yourself and practice self-care. Take a deep breath, relax, and enjoy this special time! You can download the guide here.
