I used to live in Korea and it's traditinoal there to spend a month in bed being cared for post-birth. Back then, I thought it sounded horrid. But then, I'd never had a baby.
I think if you're actually being cared for, then it would be excellent for all mums. Totally agree with Sushee about the unrealistic expectations that we put on ourselves and other mums to just get on and do EVERYTHING by themselves from day dot.