Ethnographical Study of Postpartum Practices and Rituals in Altit Hunza

Postpartum, a critical period for both mother and new born baby, entirely changes the life of a woman. This study aims to understand the perception of postpartum, the postpartum practices and rituals in Altit Hunza community, the nutritional regime for the mother and her new born baby, the cultural and health barriers faced by the women during the postpartum period, and to understand their knowledge related to biomedical health care system. Ethnographical and descriptive study was carried out through focus group discussion, interviews and observations. Findings revealed that cultural beliefs strengthen postpartum practices of these women and newborn babies but sometimes these may increase the risk of various problems related to newborn baby. Women who observe cultural traditions and have strong gendered kin support express less symptoms of postpartum depression, easily restore their bodily energy and experience healthy life with their new born babies. In addition, experienced women and dais (traditional midwives) have indigenous knowledge and facilitate women in nutrition and utilization of herbs in prenatal and postnatal care. The effective postpartum practices and rituals based on the specific cultural perspective usually minimize the devastating effects of postpartum in Hunzai women. Further anthropological studies are suggested at the community level.