Practice of Postpartum Warming Among Mothers in Brunei

Abstract

Introduction: Postpartum warming is widely practiced among women in Asian countries despite unsubstantiated health claims. This study aimed to identify sources of knowledge and explore the practices of postpartum warming among mothers in Brunei. Methods: A cross-sectional study using a self-administered questionnaire was conducted on 124 mothers who had experience in postpartum warming. Results: Coal was commonly used for heat. Main source of knowledge came from family members. Older women had significantly lower intention to perform the practice in future pregnancies. Women who lived in nuclear families practiced it to a significantly higher frequency compared with those living in extended families. Discussion: Women still practice warming to adhere with family expectations and traditions although noticeable changes have been observed as society modernizes. It still poses a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and fire hazard from burning coal. Future studies should focus on health and safety aspects to provide evidence on the actual health benefits and ameliorate risk factors.

Mothers’ Experiences of Childbirth and Perspectives on Korean Medicine-Based Postpartum Care in Korea: A Qualitative Study

“…In Korea, it is considered that illness occurs due to exposure to cold wind after childbirth. This idea can be similarly seen in the importance placed on warming the body after childbirth in other Asian countries [39][40][41]. In the sense that herbal medicine warms the body, KM management directly helped with relieving the physical discomfort experienced by Korean mothers while matching their concepts of postpartum care.…”