Knowledge of midwives regarding traditional practices used during intrapartum period in a selected hospital in Gauteng

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background Traditional practices plays a pivotal role for the majority of women globally, including in South Africa, especially in rural areas, where family involvement is important when it comes to pregnancy, childbirth and childcare. The need to acknowledge traditional practices during the provision of maternal and child healthcare is a global issue that requires serious consideration. Knowledge and understanding of different traditional practices used by women during the intrapartum period are crucial to ensure positive outcomes to the mother and the baby. The aim The aim was to explore and describe midwives’ knowledge of traditional practices used during the intrapartum period in a selected hospital in Gauteng. Method The study used was an exploratory descriptive qualitative design to explore and describe midwives’ knowledge of traditional practices used by their patients during the intrapartum period. The researcher used purposive sampling to select midwives working in the maternity department of a selected hospital in Gauteng to participate in this study. Data was collected through individual in-depth interviews. Analysis was carried out simultaneously with data collection using content analysis. Findings The study findings revealed eight themes in the knowledge of the midwives regarding traditional practices used during the intrapartum period. These themes were knowledge of: practices that facilitate or hasten labour; using traditional rope/band/wool/cloth/elastic; prolonging labour using a stone; eating different things in labour wearing different types of clothing; protection/calmness/prevention of preterm labour and caesarean section, and safe delivery; praying; and the do’s and don’ts when in labour. Conclusion The study findings indicated that midwives have some knowledge regarding the traditional practices used during intrapartum period. For example, it is evident from the findings that midwives are aware that some traditional practices are beneficial to the mother and the baby while others may have adverse effects on the mother and unborn child that are not known to the patients, their family elders and traditional healers. The knowledge gained from this study, from both primary and secondary literature research, may be used to empower midwives with skills to enable them to identify safe and harmful practices. Maternal and child healthcare may also be improved and become sensitive to traditional practices as the midwives are able to show understanding of different traditional practices when caring for patients with traditional and cultural diversity. The findings of the study could be communicated to relevant hospitals to increase their knowledge and skills and improve the quality of patient care rendered. Key words: intrapartum, knowledge, midwife, traditional practices