Post-partum rituals around the globe: Advancing the research agenda through kleinman's explanatory model

Background: Disparities in maternal health remain between women in developing countries and their counterparts in the United States (US). In the US, women from cultures in which postpartum rituals are common may engage in practices that are hidden from their health providers, increasing the likelihood of adverse interactions between traditional practices and medicalized care. Method: We conducted systematic searches in PubMed, Web of Knowledge and relevant journals (Cultural and Medical Anthropology, Maternal Child Health), for English language articles published between 1980 and 2013, which focus on traditional practices/ rituals observed during the postpartum period. Results: Our search yielded 39 articles, (18 countries, six continents) that emphasize postpartum rituals. Postpartum rituals valued for their “antimicrobial and analgesic properties” included use of botanical oils, saunas, limited dietary practices; also valued were isolation/ seclusion, modified sexual behaviors, emotional support, and other practices and self-medication. Conclusion: Knowledge of the types of ingredients used in the teas and baths, around the globe, as well as the culturally endemic definition of the postpartum phase and its requisite needs can contribute to public health and other health professionals' cultural competence in working with particular groups. We recommend the use of Kleinman's Explanatory Model to further assess the meaning of postpartum practices to women from various countries so as to tease out the benefits and potential risks assumed from their emic perspective. Such knowledge in turn can inform their local practice with these groups and contribute to their overall health.