Cultural practices surrounding motherhood in deoria district: A comprehensive case study

Background: Childbirth rituals are profoundly embedded in cultural traditions. These traditions cover a diverse array of beliefs, rituals, and societal conventions that influence the experiences and choices of women throughout pregnancy, labour, and delivery. Sacred rituals, folklore, and customs handed down through the ages all have an impact on culture. Objective: The aim of this study is to explore the traditional and cultural practices followed during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum period. Methodology: Purposive sampling was used to choose the study participants. Data were gathered through comprehensive interviews. Thematic analysis was used to examine and understand the interview transcript and field notes. The researcher meticulously reviewed the transcript multiple times to enhance comprehension of the context and subsequently identified the principal themes and subthemes. Result: Respondents reported many cultural, traditional and religious practices experienced by the women of Deoria district during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum period. Practices like restriction, tying black cloth around arm, wearing small knife, food taboos, burying of umbilical cord, confinement in a room after delivery, drinking holy water, praying to god and body massage were some of the practices followed by the women. Conclusion: Traditional and cultural practices significantly influence women's experiences of pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period in the Deoria district. Numerous behaviours provide emotional and social support; nonetheless, it is crucial to comprehend them to ensure that maternal healthcare interventions are safe and culturally respectful.