Traditional Postpartum Practices and Rituals: Clinical Implications

Abstract

In many cultures, postpartum rituals are observed because they are believed to have beneficial mental health effects. Our systematic review examines the research literature investigating the effects of postpartum rituals on postpartum depression (PPD) to determine if the rituals protect against PPD. Methods: MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library were searched (from 1966 to October 31, 2008). Reference lists of relevant articles and links to related articles were also examined. Both qualitative and quantitative studies that focused on traditional practices and rituals in the postpartum period (that is, within the first year following childbirth) and their relation to PPD or mood were included. Results: Seventy-two studies were considered, with 12 meeting the inclusion criteria. The data were summarized according to the type of ritual including: organized support, diet, and other or multiple postpartum practices, and evidence for or against a protective effect on PPD. Although limited, not all studies suggested that the rituals prevent PPD. Overall, there is some evidence that postpartum rituals dictating appropriate and wanted social support may be of some protective value, depending on numerous contextual factors. Conclusions: This area needs more culturally sensitive and systematic research. Current studies suggest that the key protective element may be the presence of welcome support rather than the specific ritual.

Review of the prevalence of postnatal depression across cultures

“…Whilst it is understandable that the process of translation of the instruments and attempts to maintain the homogeneity of the interpretation of the questions had been considered, some cultures may define unique clusters of symptoms that differ from the western concept of PND [159] . Malaysia, a multi-ethnic country located in Southeast Asia comprises of three main races, including Malay (53.3%), Chinese (26.0%) and Indian (7.7%) [160] .…”

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

“…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. These rituals were found to be of supportive value and helped to facilitate transition to motherhood (Dennis et al, 2007;Grigoriadis et al, 2009).…”

Social Support, Postpartum Depression, and Professional Assistance: A Survey of Mothers in the Midwestern United States

“…Social support can come in many forms. In China, Japan, and Malaysia, the traditional "confinement" practices aim to help new mothers recover from pregnancy and childbirth (Cheng, Fowles, & Walker, 2006;Grigoriadis et al, 2009). The mother, receiving help from her family, remains at home for 30 days to rest and avoids physical work, which aids in the recovery of her physical annually on childbirth (Stalls, 2013), yet America has a higher infant mortality rate than 28 other developed countries (Ohio Department of Health, 2009).…”

“…Despite an inconsistent definition of the social support construct in research, the philosophy of societal involvement was the predominant theme addressed among researchers across the globe. Grigoriadis et al (2009) conducted a systematic review of multiple postpartum practices that transcended nine countries to determine if these practices protected against PPD. The authors reported that appropriate support may be of some protective value, which was more important than the specific ritual/practice itself.…”