Authors: Dennis, Cindy-Lee; Fung, Kenneth; Grigoriadis, Sophie; Robinson, Gail Erlick; Romans, Sarah; Ross, Lori

Source: Women's Health, Volume 3, Number 4, July 2007 , pp. 487-502(16)

Publisher: Future Medicine

Abstract:

Many cultures around the world observe specific postpartum rituals to avoid ill health in later years. This qualitative systematic review examined the literature describing traditional postpartum practices from 51 studies in over 20 different countries. Commonalities were identified in practices across cultures. Specifically, the themes included organized support for the mother, periods of rest, prescribed food to be eaten or prohibited, hygiene practices and those related to infant care and breastfeeding, among others. These rituals allow the mother to be `mothered' for a period of time after the birth. They may have beneficial health effects as well as facilitate the transition to motherhood. In today's society, with modernization, migration and globalization, individuals may be unable to carry out the rituals or, conversely, feel pressured to carry out activities in which they no longer believe. The understanding of traditional postpartum practices can inform the provision of culturally competent perinatal services.

Keywords: culture; doing the month; postpartum; rituals; support

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2217/17455057.3.4.487

Affiliations: 1: 1University of Toronto, Faculty of Nursing, 115 College Street, Toronto, ON, M5T 1P8, Canada., Email: cindylee.dennis@utoronto.ca

Publication date: 2007-07-01

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• Women's Healthprovides a forum for specialists addressing those conditions that are unique to women or far more prevalent in women than in men. The journal focuses on current and emerging topics relating to the safe and effective management of therapy in women, taking into account issues such as key areas such as women's physiology and life-cycle hormonal changes, with all articles subject to rigorous peer review.
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