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Childbearing

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Submitted By unsaya
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CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION

A. Background of the study

According to Jordan, childbearing is universally treated as a life crisis event. In most societies birth and the immediate post partum period are considered a time of vulnerability for mother and child. It is a time of ritual danger for the entire family. Most societies tend to have certain sets of practices and beliefs in childbirth. Practices and beliefs of each society have common goals namely, the maintenance of well-being and preservation of life of a new mother and her newborn.

Confinement is the period after the birth and is perceived as a critical condition for a mother. At this period, women are considered to be in a weakened state due to the loss of blood during the delivery of the baby. Because a woman is weak, she is susceptible to all sorts of all illnesses and diseases. Therefore, there are a number of cultural practices which must be observed in order to gain strength and to avoid illness.[i]

The puerperium is a time of great change which spans a period of transition from the pinnacle of experience of birth to the assumption of the joys and responsibilities of family life.

Well-integrated post-natal care has an important role to play in assisting this transition and launching the family in their new life together.

The puerperium is a period of 6 weeks which begins as soon as the placenta has been expelled. During this time a number of physiological and psychological changes take place: ➢ The reproductive organs returns to the non-pregnant stage ➢ Other physiological changes which occur during pregnancy are reversed ➢ Lactation is established ➢ The mother recovers from the stress of pregnancy and delivery, and assumes responsibility for the care and nature of the infant. This care is based upon 3 principles: 1. Promoting the

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