Traditional practices in post-partum care among Indonesian and Filipino mothers: a comparative study

Abstract

This study was conducted to assess the traditional practices in post-partum care among Indonesian and Filipino mothers to propose a program to improve maternal and child health. The study utilized a descriptive research design for Indonesian mother respondents (n=110) and Filipino mother-respondents (n=119) conveniently selected. Traditional practices on post-partum care focused on hygienic care, behavioral precautions, breastfeeding, baby care; dietary modifications; and physical activities. Descriptive statistics (frequency and percentage), weighted mean, and independent t-test were used to describe and analyze quantitative information. Four dimensions, including hygienic care (p-value 0.038); breastfeeding and baby care (p-value 0.000); dietary modifications (p-value 0.000); and physical activities (p-value 0.000), showed a statistically significant difference in the assessment of mother respondents on their traditional practices in post-partum care. Meanwhile, the dimension on behavioral precautions (p-value 0.250) yielded statistically no significant difference on the assessment of mother respondents on their traditional practices in post-partum care. Four dimensions, including hygienic care (p-value 0.038); breastfeeding and baby care (p-value 0.000); dietary modifications (p-value 0.000); and physical activities (p-value 0.000), showed a statistically significant difference in the assessment of mother respondents on their traditional practices in post-partum care. Meanwhile, the dimension on behavioral precautions (p-value 0.250) yielded statistically no significant difference on the assessment of mother respondents on their traditional practices in post-partum care]

Short Communication: Utilization of wild plants in medicinal foods for maternal postpartum recovery among the Kasepuhan in rural West Java, Indonesia

“…The application of various wild or non-cultivated plants, which were part of the ingredients for making medicinal foods for maternal postpartum recovery as medicinal ingredients to cure other illnesses, shows that the plant selection is not random (Arias et al 2020;Gaoue et al 2021). Blumea balsamifera leaves, for example, have been applied among various ethnic groups or traditional communities in the Indonesian archipelago to create alternative medications for diarrhea, malnutrition, kidney stones, headache, gastric disorders, and rheumatism (Silalahi et al 2015;Sujarwo et al 2015;Siregar et al 2021). In other words, the Sundanese people in the study area share a common knowledge with other ethnic groups in Indonesia, and this knowledge probably has deep roots in their common history.…”

“…Therefore, postpartum care plays a pivotal role in ensuring the well-being and survival of mothers and newborns. In many societies, this transitional phase is widely recognized as a vulnerable time that is managed with certain cultural practices (Dennis et al 2007;Eberhard-Gran et al 2010;Fantaye et al 2019;Wang et al 2019;Puddister et al 2020;Siregar et al 2021;Kaya 2023).…”