Heat, balance, humors, and ghosts: postpartum in Cambodia

In Cambodia, where postpartum maternal mortality and morbidity is high, cultural views about causation of postpartum complications are different from biomedical views. This ethnographic study used focus groups and in-depth interviews to explore the postpartum beliefs and practices of Khmer women. Specific emic taxonomies (those used by cultural insiders, i.e., Khmer women) used to describe postpartum conditions and practices used to prevent mortality and morbidity are described. Beneficial and harmful practices are detailed. Recommendations are made regarding strengthening beneficial cultural practices as well as use of emic taxonomies in developing health education and communication messages and in the preservice education and in-service training of providers who care for postpartum women.