Affiliations 

  • 1 Management and Science University
MyJurnal

Abstract

Postpartum period is perceived as an important period for women. It is associated with formalities, ceremonies and habits in many cultures. Different cultures practise different ways of traditional methods during this period. The common traditional practices are showering with herbs, traditional massage, eating food cooked with herbs, dietary precautions, behaviour precautions and many more. The aim of this study is to focus on the prevalence of traditional practices used during postpartum period among women in Ampang, Malaysia. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 235 women during six-month period, from June 2018 to December 2018. The data was collected by using questionnaire consisting of socio-demography (part A) and the traditional practices used (part B). Results showed 232 out of 235 women (98.7%) practiced different traditional methods during postpartum period. Among variety of methods used, traditional massage (68.9%) is the most common method practised by three races (Malay, Indian and Chinese). Showering with herbs (67.2%) and cooking with herbs (59.1%) were the second and third line popular traditional methods respectively. In addition, (29.8%) of women used some practices to increase breast milk production. Most of the women used more than one traditional methods. In conclusion, although there are many advanced modern technologies in medical field and in well facilitated urban areas, most of the women are still using their own traditional practices according to their races and cultures.