Traditional beliefs and practices in the postpartum period in Fujian Province, China: a qualitative study

Background: Zuo yuezi is the month postpartum in China associated with a variety of traditional

beliefs and practices. We explored the current status of zuo yuezi from social, cultural and western

medical perspectives.

Methods: We interviewed family members (36) and health workers (8) in Fujian Province,

selecting one rural and one rapidly developing urban county. We asked about their traditional

beliefs and their behaviour postpartum. We used a framework approach to identify main themes.

We categorised reported behaviour against their probable effects on health, drawing on Western

standards.

Results: Respondents reported that zuo yuezi was commonly practiced in urban and rural families

to help the mother regain her strength and protect her future health. Zuo yuezi included: dietary

precautions, such as eating more food and avoiding cold food; behavioural precautions, such as

staying inside the home, avoiding housework and limiting visitors; hygiene precautions, such as

restricting bathing and dental hygiene; and practices associated with infant feeding, including

supplementary feeding and giving honeysuckle herb to the infant. Respondents reported that the

main reasons for adhering to these practices were respect for tradition, and following the advice

of elders. Categorised against Western medical standards, several zuo yuezi practices are beneficial,

including eating more, eating protein rich food, avoiding housework, and daily vulval and perineal

hygiene. A few are potentially harmful, including giving honeysuckle herb, and avoiding dental

hygiene. Some women reported giving infants supplementary feeds, although zuo yuezi emphasises

breast feeding.

Conclusion: Zuo yuezi is an important ritual in Fujian. In medical terms, most practices are

beneficial, and could be used by health staff to promote health in this period. Further research on

reported potentially harmful practices, such as supplements to breast feeding, is needed