https://padlet.com/OBNC/h114wvep7ug7r4d6 Explore some of the documented practices around pregnancy, birth, postpartum & newborn care from around the world! This map represents only a small portion of cultural practices from around the world. No one practice can be generalizable to all people from these select countries. *Source: AWHONN'S Perinatal Nursing (2021) - Chapter 2. Integrating Cultural Beliefs and Practices When Caring for Childbearing Women and Families* en-us 2022-12-29 06:20:08 UTC 2026-02-14 19:20:03 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet-uploads.storage.googleapis.com/1923604522/8eb4e693318eb0a090358de1d7f2e611/Providence_cross_logo.JPG kindseygattman https://padlet.com/OBNC/h114wvep7ug7r4d6/wish/2430200397 * Many Haitian people believe that, when pregnant, they should not swallow their saliva, and instead carry around a spit cup with them. 

* Breastfeeding strongly encouraged in Haitian communities, though some beliefs (such as thick milk causing newborn skin rash and thin milk causing diarrhea) exist and may influence newborn feeding decisions.

* Traditional postpartum practice of bathing to aid in recovery.  Baths include water with herbs, leaves, and a cold bath thought to help tighten muscles and bones loosened during the birth process. 

* Avoidance of white foods such as milk, lima beans, and lobster due to the belief that these increase the risk of vaginal discharge and hemorrhaging. ]]> 2022-12-29 06:50:00 UTC https://padlet.com/OBNC/h114wvep7ug7r4d6/wish/2430200397 kindseygattman https://padlet.com/OBNC/h114wvep7ug7r4d6/wish/2430201541 * Many Ethiopian communities believe postpartum people to be in a delicate state after birth, to be protected from disease and harm.

* Often will remain secluded for at least 40 days postpartum.  

* May partake in a special diet that includes milk and warm foods such as gruel made of oats and honey, which is thought to increase milk production. ]]> 2022-12-29 06:53:59 UTC https://padlet.com/OBNC/h114wvep7ug7r4d6/wish/2430201541 kindseygattman https://padlet.com/OBNC/h114wvep7ug7r4d6/wish/2430206151 * During pregnancy, the avoidance touching hair is practiced.  If an infant is born prematurely or is expected to die, a family member may request to perform a ceremony that includes ritual washing of the hair. 

* The postpartum patient and newborn remain indoors resting for 20 days or until the umbilical cord falls off.  

* The umbilical cord may be saved because of the belief that it has spiritual significance.  

* Patterns of infant care include group caregiving, living spiritually, using permissive discipline, and observing the child developing. ]]> 2022-12-29 07:10:15 UTC https://padlet.com/OBNC/h114wvep7ug7r4d6/wish/2430206151 kindseygattman https://padlet.com/OBNC/h114wvep7ug7r4d6/wish/2430208841 * Belief that newborns need sleep and little stimulation; discouraged from touching the baby and may be hesitant to interact with their newborn. 

* Child rearing often occurs within the extended family. 

* A newborn's head is considered sacred, the essence of his or her being.  Touching the newborn's head may be distressing to parents and should be avoided.  

* Avoidance of certain animal foods during pregnancy due to the belief that they may harm the newborn's character or appearance (duck, eggs, dairy products).

* Postpartum Korean person perceived as being sick and needing care, and do not easily participate in self-care activities or newborn care. 

* Mother-in-law often responsible for caring for the newborn and for the recovery of the daughter-in-law. 

* Avoidance of cold postpartum, due to the importance of restoring balance between hot and cold state. ]]> 2022-12-29 07:20:06 UTC https://padlet.com/OBNC/h114wvep7ug7r4d6/wish/2430208841 kindseygattman https://padlet.com/OBNC/h114wvep7ug7r4d6/wish/2430210857 * Avoidance of certain activities during pregnancy, such as standing in doorways, because of the belief that this will cause the baby to become stuck in the birth canal. 

* Sexual intercourse not permitted during the third trimester. 

* Often not seen cuddling their newborns, instead the newborn is held down and away from the body.  

* Herbal medications are prepared during the third trimester to be eaten three to four times per day during the postpartum period to restore body heat. 

* Breastfeeding may be delayed for several days because colostrum is thought to be harmful for the newborn. ]]> 2022-12-29 07:27:54 UTC https://padlet.com/OBNC/h114wvep7ug7r4d6/wish/2430210857 kindseygattman https://padlet.com/OBNC/h114wvep7ug7r4d6/wish/2430212358 * Pregnant Filipino people are often discouraged from remaining in a dependent position late in pregnancy because sitting or standing may cause retention of fluid. 

* Sexual intercourse discouraged for the last two months of pregnancy. 

* Often eat eggs during pregnancy, believing that slippery foods help the baby move through the birth canal more easily.

* Accompanied during labor by someone who has also experienced birth. ]]> 2022-12-29 07:31:34 UTC https://padlet.com/OBNC/h114wvep7ug7r4d6/wish/2430212358 kindseygattman https://padlet.com/OBNC/h114wvep7ug7r4d6/wish/2430216064 * Avoidance of octopus and raw fish during pregnancy.

* Labor support person often gently massages the laboring patient's abdomen to relieve discomfort and determine the position of the baby. 

* Postpartum, the abdomen may be bound and massaged by the midwife. 

* Newborns are not carried after dark. 

* Breastfeeding is feeding preference chosen by most postpartum people. ]]> 2022-12-29 07:43:17 UTC https://padlet.com/OBNC/h114wvep7ug7r4d6/wish/2430216064 kindseygattman https://padlet.com/OBNC/h114wvep7ug7r4d6/wish/2430216611 * Avoidance of sexual intercourse during pregnancy.

* Special hygiene practices include using salt water to wash their teeth and gums. ]]> 2022-12-29 07:44:51 UTC https://padlet.com/OBNC/h114wvep7ug7r4d6/wish/2430216611 kindseygattman https://padlet.com/OBNC/h114wvep7ug7r4d6/wish/2430223794 * According to tradition Chinese medicine, blood carries chi, a "life force," which fuels all the functions of the body.  During labor and birth, the loss of blood and fluids causes the body to go into a state of yin (cold).   

* Postpartum tradition of "sitting the month" (zuo yue zi), with elaborate and specific restrictions for the first month following birth designed to promote health, well-being, and to restore a balanced state.  

* Some restrictions of zuo yue zi include the avoidance of cold foods, air conditioners, carrying the newborn baby, climbing of stairs, sexual intercourse, among other things. ]]> 2022-12-29 08:10:09 UTC https://padlet.com/OBNC/h114wvep7ug7r4d6/wish/2430223794 kindseygattman https://padlet.com/OBNC/h114wvep7ug7r4d6/wish/2430231724 * Strong family ties, large and cohesive kin groups, and a family decision-making process 

* Mexican Americans may seek the services of folk healers such as herbalists, bone and muscle therapists, and midwives.

* Present-oriented, which may present as being late to or missing prenatal care. 

* Belief in the "evil eye" means that a fixed stare from a person believed to be envious may result in illness. 

* La manita de azabache, a black onyx hand, may be placed on or near the newborn to ward off the envious evil eye. 

* Colostrum viewed as bad or old milk, thus delaying breastfeeding until several days after birth. 

* Postpartum-newborn dyad considered muy delicados (vulnerable or delicate) and encouraged to stay home for 7 to 15 days and up to 40 days for some. 

* May want to keep and bury the placenta. ]]> 2022-12-29 08:41:00 UTC https://padlet.com/OBNC/h114wvep7ug7r4d6/wish/2430231724