Traditional Food Taboos and Practices during Pregnancy, Postpartum Recovery and Infant Care of Zulu Women in Northern KwaZulu-Natal
Background: Indigenous practices and beliefs influence and support the behavior of women during pregnancy and childbirth in different parts of the world. Not much research has been conducted to examine whether and how cultural traditions continue to shape maternity experiences of Zulu women. The aim of this study is to establish the extent at which women in certain rural communities still adhere to traditional food taboos and practices during pregnancy, postpartum recovery and infants feeding, rather than modern medical practices.
Methods: A survey was conducted in rural northern KwaZulu-Natal between 2017 and 2020. A total of 140 women between the ages of 18 and 90 years were interviewed purposively based on their experiences in pregnancy, postpartum recovery, infant care and their willingness to share the knowledge. The interviews were conducted with school employees (teachers, cleaners and kitchen staff), workers in a cashew nut factory, and women in homesteads. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.
Results: Most (64%) of the participants said that they adhered to these cultural food taboos and practices. The most common foods avoided were certain fruits (mango, orange, naartjie paw-paw, peach), butternut, eggs, sweets (sugar, juice, sweet food, and honey), chili, ice and alcohol. The most highly recommended foods during pregnancy were leafy vegetables, fruits, liver and fish. For postpartum recovery, women mostly consumed soft porridge, all fruits and vegetables, beetroot and tea. Food not allowed for children younger than two years included meat, sugar and sweets, and chewable foods.
Conclusion: There were insignificant differences on food taboos and practices between the literate and illiterate participants. Most of the food taboos they mentioned do not have scientific explanation. Restrictions from fruits (vitamins C and A) and protein consumption may result in malnutrition and deprive the unborn babies of sufficient nutrients, and the foods recommended during pregnancy and postpartum period would not provide all the essential nutrients required for successful pregnancy. However, some of the food taboos would protect women from unhealthy eating. Our findings provide a basis for developing culturally appropriate nutritional intervention programs for Zulu women with a view to provide effective nutritional counselling.
Posted 23 Dec, 2020
On 18 Jan, 2021
Received 03 Jan, 2021
Received 03 Jan, 2021
Received 30 Dec, 2020
On 21 Dec, 2020
On 21 Dec, 2020
On 21 Dec, 2020
On 20 Dec, 2020
Invitations sent on 20 Dec, 2020
On 20 Dec, 2020
On 20 Dec, 2020
On 09 Dec, 2020
Traditional Food Taboos and Practices during Pregnancy, Postpartum Recovery and Infant Care of Zulu Women in Northern KwaZulu-Natal
Posted 23 Dec, 2020
On 18 Jan, 2021
Received 03 Jan, 2021
Received 03 Jan, 2021
Received 30 Dec, 2020
On 21 Dec, 2020
On 21 Dec, 2020
On 21 Dec, 2020
On 20 Dec, 2020
Invitations sent on 20 Dec, 2020
On 20 Dec, 2020
On 20 Dec, 2020
On 09 Dec, 2020
Background: Indigenous practices and beliefs influence and support the behavior of women during pregnancy and childbirth in different parts of the world. Not much research has been conducted to examine whether and how cultural traditions continue to shape maternity experiences of Zulu women. The aim of this study is to establish the extent at which women in certain rural communities still adhere to traditional food taboos and practices during pregnancy, postpartum recovery and infants feeding, rather than modern medical practices.
Methods: A survey was conducted in rural northern KwaZulu-Natal between 2017 and 2020. A total of 140 women between the ages of 18 and 90 years were interviewed purposively based on their experiences in pregnancy, postpartum recovery, infant care and their willingness to share the knowledge. The interviews were conducted with school employees (teachers, cleaners and kitchen staff), workers in a cashew nut factory, and women in homesteads. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.
Results: Most (64%) of the participants said that they adhered to these cultural food taboos and practices. The most common foods avoided were certain fruits (mango, orange, naartjie paw-paw, peach), butternut, eggs, sweets (sugar, juice, sweet food, and honey), chili, ice and alcohol. The most highly recommended foods during pregnancy were leafy vegetables, fruits, liver and fish. For postpartum recovery, women mostly consumed soft porridge, all fruits and vegetables, beetroot and tea. Food not allowed for children younger than two years included meat, sugar and sweets, and chewable foods.
Conclusion: There were insignificant differences on food taboos and practices between the literate and illiterate participants. Most of the food taboos they mentioned do not have scientific explanation. Restrictions from fruits (vitamins C and A) and protein consumption may result in malnutrition and deprive the unborn babies of sufficient nutrients, and the foods recommended during pregnancy and postpartum period would not provide all the essential nutrients required for successful pregnancy. However, some of the food taboos would protect women from unhealthy eating. Our findings provide a basis for developing culturally appropriate nutritional intervention programs for Zulu women with a view to provide effective nutritional counselling.