A descriptive study to assess the cultural beliefs on postnatal care among mothers admitted in maternity ward of shri guru ram das hospital, Vallah at Amritsar, Punjab

Introduction: Post partum period is one of the most important stages for the mother-child dichotomy, and has been influenced by multiple cultural beliefs and practices transmitted from generation to generation. Internationally, many studies describe the traditional beliefs and practices surrounding childbearing process, some traditional practices are beneficial to the mother and baby, whereas other practices are not. Cultural postpartum beliefs and practices are common in many countries. Aim of study to assess the cultural beliefs on postnatal care among mothers. Methods A descriptive study was conducted at maternity ward of Shri Guru Ram Das hospital, vallah at Amritsar, Punjab”. 100 postnatal mothers were selected by using convenience sampling technique. Self structured dichotomous questionnaire was used to assess the cultural beliefs on postnatal care among mothers. Results The present study shows that in dietary practices during postnatal period 82(82.0%) of mothers believed if mother consumed cold food then baby will suffered from diarrhoea and72(72.0%) If mother consumed cold food then she will suffer from constipation. 81(81.0%) were avoid reading and cry because it will cause blindness and 34(34.0%) were believed that mothers are not going to any religious place because of impurities related to birth. 87(87.0%) were avoided sexual activity because of unhealed scar and 34(34.0%) were believed that breast feeding reduce sexual desire. 71(71.0%) were wash hair during puerperium and 12(12.0%) added herb in water while bathing. 79(79.0%) were used betadine as an antiseptic and 16(16.0%) added herbs in water while washing perineal area. 71(71.0%) given feed only when baby cry and 38(38.0%) were not given colostrum to baby because they believed it is dirty milk. Association of culture beliefs of dietary items on postnatal care among mothers consuming cold food leads to constipation in mothers is significant with family type. Rest and activity items on postnatal care among mothers education was significant with resting on the bed to reduce pain, not going outside due to fear of clod and evil eye, believing that going to outside causes illnesses and not going to any religious place due to impurities. Family income was significant with not going outside due to fear of clod and evil eye. Religion was show significant value with resting on the bed to reduce pain, believing that going to outside causes illnesses and not going to any religious place due to impurities Sexual activity/abstaining items on postnatal care among mothers, believing that breast feeding reduce sexual desire was significant with family type. Avoiding sexual activities because of impurities related to birth was significant with habitat and religion. Bathing/hygiene items on postnatal care among mothers, not brushing your teeth was significant with age, family type and habitat. Education was significant with believing that while bathing can cause body swelling, arthritis & rheumatism. Perineal episiotomy care items on postnatal care among mothers age was significant with Prefer to sit in warm water. Family type was significant with washing perineal area with water mixed with salt.