The Benefits of Traditional Postnatal Practices A Narrative Review of Cultural Beliefs vs Scientific Findings

Abstract

This review attempts to explore the traditional postnatal practices based on cultural beliefs and evidence-based benefits. This narrative review involved published quantitative and qualitative studies, review papers and guidelines and review documents by the Ministry of Health Malaysia. A literature search was conducted by using these databases-Medline, Science Direct and Google Scholar. There are some evidences to support some of the postnatal practices in providing physical and psychological benefits to postpartum mothers. For example, postnatal body massage could reduce anxiety and postnatal depression. Breast massage caused a reduction in breast pain from breast engorgement and improved lactation. A hot compress could reduce breast pain and prevent postpartum weight retention. These findings are essential for healthcare providers to support or refute the traditional postnatal practices and allow better integration of traditional postnatal practices into modern medicine. More studies with good research design are needed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the traditional postnatal practices.