I think in somewhat it is good that women are not allowed to work during the monthly cycle. As we all know that nepali women worked very hard in the village and they need some break so not allowing them to work during 3-4 days a month is a good thing. Also after the baby they are not aloow to touch any men or do some work it is also in somewhat good thing becasue they are already too tired from all those nine months and now they have a child to breat feed and take care so it is good thing that they can rest for 11 day or I am not sure how many days that they are still consider unclean. Well, Laura, IF I were you I will not tell anyone about my period and just deal with it, Like I do at my parents home since they follow this tradition, even though they live in the city.