Postpartum Beliefs and Practices Among Non-Western Cultures

Abstract

Postpartum health beliefs and practices among non-Western cultures are each distinct, but have many similarities. Two common belief systems surround 1) the importance of hot and cold, and 2) the necessity of confinement during a specific period of time after giving birth. This article describes common postpartum health beliefs among women in Guatemala, China, Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt, Palestine, India, and Mexico, and offers an exemplar from the author's experiences as a Korean woman giving birth in the United States. Cultural competence in the provision of postpartum care is essential for nurses in the healthcare world of the 21st century.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Postpartum Depression in Middle Eastern/Arab Women

“…During this 40-day period, someone comes to the house or stays with the new mother to take care of the baby, the house, and the other children (Kim-Godwin, 2003). They also receive support from family members including mother, motherin law, traditional birth attendants, or female relatives (Kim-Godwin, 2003;Klainin & Arthur, 2009).…”

“…During this 40-day period, someone comes to the house or stays with the new mother to take care of the baby, the house, and the other children (Kim-Godwin, 2003). They also receive support from family members including mother, motherin law, traditional birth attendants, or female relatives (Kim-Godwin, 2003;Klainin & Arthur, 2009). Klaining and Arthur (2009) explained that, "such cultural practices may be perceived as a double-edged sword which offers physical comfort on the one hand but serves as major sources of interpersonal conflicts and emotional frustration on the other. "…”

“…Research also indicates that incorporating culture-bound practices and rituals into mainstream therapeutic procedures and training of health care workers in the detection and management of postnatal depression can have beneficial effects (Ghubash & Eapen, 2009;Kim-Godwin, 2003). In a study by , Jordanian women defined postpartum care in terms of strong family support and kinship, and preservation of childbearing customs as expressed in the celebration of the birth of the baby.…”

Dietary changes during pregnancy and the postpartum period in Singaporean Chinese, Malay and Indian women: the GUSTO birth cohort study

“…In Asia, the dietary choices of women during pregnancy and the postpartum period may be heavily influenced by traditional medical theories and cultural beliefs surrounding these periods (3)(4)(5) . In general, pregnancy is considered *Corresponding authors: Email ephrmvd@nus.edu.sg; mary_chong@sics.a-star.edu.sg r The Authors 2013 to be a 'hot' state, but with blood loss after giving birth the woman moves into a state of excess 'cold' (5,6) . It is believed that a 'hot-cold balance' should be maintained in order to stay healthy (5,7,8) and that this can be achieved by following special prescriptive diets during pregnancy and the initial postpartum period, commonly termed 'the confinement period'.…”

Traditional Food and Health Practices during Post-Partum Period: A Study among Tribal Women of Fakir Gujri, District Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir

“…The period is characterised by strong social support for the mother usually provided by female relatives and midwives that severely restrict her activities catering to her needs as in other non-western cultures. (11). Emphasis is also laid on keeping the mother and the baby warm.…”