Postnatal Care

In the cultural profiles section, diverse cultural practices during the postnatal period will be identified in order to provide evidence-based information on culturally competent care for women, babies and their families. Postnatal cultural practices are seen as beneficial in guaranteeing the wellness of the woman and the new born baby. In many traditional societies women and baby’s are considered to be at risk after childbirth and therefore a range of protective practices are put in place to safeguard the woman and her child (Udoji, 2014). These practices include the avoidance of certain foods and drinks, observation of a mandatory period of rest for full recuperation and; certain norms, taboos and rituals regarding cleansing and purification. These cultural practices are sanctioned by traditional communities to ensure the welfare of the woman and her baby. Postnatal customs and practices are passed from one generation to the next. Grandmothers, mothers and other older women in the family and community are the custodians and teachers of these cultural practices ensuring the longevity of traditional postnatal practices over many generations (Udoji, 2014).These practices are often accepted and adhered to without question and maintained by older female members of the family (Lauderdale, 2012; Sein 2013).

In many Asian cultures, postnatal practices assist women to restore the balance of “hot and cold” elements in the body. Women who have given birth are considered to be vulnerable to cold and wind. Women who have given birth are exposed and as such need to take warm drinks, warm food, dress warmly, wear long sleeved clothes, and refrain from showering and washing their hair. Women, even acculturated women may continue traditional postpartum practices in accordance with cultural, religious and family traditions. As well, women may fear negative consequences from not following traditional practices such as: illness of mother and/or baby, uterine prolapse, arthritis, illness in the baby, stigmatisation arising from being considered impure, and even the death of the new-born.

Cultural practices during pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period give women a sense of cultural, spiritual and familial safety and belonging. Health practitioner’s respect for cultural practices is a very sensitive issue. An awareness and knowledge of postpartum cultural practices minimises the possibility of cultural conflict between maternity service providers and women and their families.

Women who receive care that recognises their cultural preferences creates safety for the family and improves the relationship between the woman and the maternity service provider (Udoji, 2014). As well, health practitioners can use their knowledge to encourage beneficial cultural practices and to advise mothers on the risks of harmful practices during the postpartum phase.