Postpartum care, a common practice in South Korea but relatively unfamiliar in the U.S., is gaining attention due to rising economic disparities and maternal mortality rates. The traditional Korean system, which focuses on 21 days of intensive postpartum care for mothers, has sparked interest in the U.S., leading to services like the Sanu Postpartum Retreat, a facility offering Korean-style care in Virginia.
Founded by Julia Kim, a Korean-American former senior advisor to the Virginia state senator, Sanu opened in March 2024 at the Watermark Hotel in Virginia. Kim had meticulously prepared for her first pregnancy, reading books, using apps, and consulting doctors. But when she found herself alone with her newborn in the hospital recovery room, she panicked. “I thought I was fully prepared, but in that moment, I felt overwhelmed,” she recalled.
Kim’s experience with her second child further emphasized the need for better support for new parents. She struggled with postpartum anxiety and depression, which led her to realize that South Korea’s postpartum care system could help U.S. families. This insight inspired the creation of Sanu.
The name “Sanu” is derived from the Korean word “sanhu” (postpartum), adapted for easier recognition by non-Korean speakers. Kim describes Korean postpartum care as “attentive, warm, and intimate,” highlighting the professionalism and dedication of caregivers that provide new mothers with a truly special experience. She believes the high standards of care in South Korea offer exceptional services at various price points, and she is committed to offering those same benefits in the U.S.
Sanu provides a range of services, including 24-hour care for mothers and newborns by trained caregivers, traditional Korean meals, postpartum massages, and mental health support. The hotel setting also offers concierge services, helping families manage their needs.
One of Sanu’s most popular offerings is the newborn care room. Kim explained that the ability for mothers to access the newborn room whenever needed offers peace of mind. Another important feature is the parenting education program Kim developed from her own experiences. “I realized how important it is to have practical child-rearing education,” she said. “Knowledge is power.”
At Sanu, mothers stay in rooms around 500 square feet for at least three nights. The five suites at the Watermark Hotel are thoughtfully designed with features like baby cribs on wheels, diaper-changing stations, baby bathtubs shaped like whales, and mini kitchens to accommodate the needs of new mothers and their families.
Since its opening, Sanu has received significant attention on social media, with bookings filling up by July. Many American mothers, who are accustomed to a “do it all yourself” culture, have embraced Sanu’s comprehensive care programs, which ease the pressures of balancing work and motherhood. Despite being open for less than a year, Sanu has already served over 100 mothers.
The cost of a stay at Sanu can reach up to $880 per night. Kim acknowledges that the service may seem like a luxury, but she argues that the price reflects the quality of care and the value of the team’s dedication. When calculated on an hourly basis for nighttime baby care, Kim says the services are quite reasonable. “Time spent at Sanu is an investment in a healthier family and a better future,” she said.
Sanu operates on a principle of non-judgmental maternal care. Kim emphasized that the facility respects all mothers’ choices, whether they breastfeed or use formula. “There are valid reasons for each decision, and Sanu’s goal is to support these choices without questioning them,” she said. The retreat fosters a positive atmosphere, believing that positivity is contagious in every interaction.
Kim’s broader goal is to normalize postpartum care in the U.S. “I want to expand the service to more areas so more families can benefit from postpartum care,” she said. She believes that accessible postpartum care can help alleviate maternal anxiety and depression, creating healthier, happier families and contributing to broader social benefits, including increased productivity for working mothers.
