"POSTPARTUM CARE: ASSESSING THE TRADITIONAL MYTH RELATED TO CHILDBIRTH AND UNDERSTANDING POSTPARTUM HEALTH AND NUTRITION".

This paper intends to offer an insight into the myths of motherhood with reference to postpartum nutrition and
health issues exploring traditional beliefs around childbirth. Further looking into women's health and nutrition
and postpartum depression. It prompts the need to explore further into cultural myths and wrong beliefs present
in communities surrounding pregnancy and childbirth leading to harmful consequences. The most reported
false belief all over is the eating behaviour such as avoiding certain nutritious foods and traditions related to it.
Most of the customs are related to social expectations of what a particular society expects women to do (or not
to do) during pregnancy, birth and/or the postnatal period. A qualitative and quantitative study comprising of
data from 50 mothers, 6 in-depth face-to-face interviews and few interviews with gynaecologist and health
service providers. Women and children are two very vulnerable groups, therefore debunking myths and eliminating
harmful practices is very important. This paper stresses that cultural practices, taboos and beliefs during
pregnancy and around childbirth found in India act as barriers to good health.