Exploring cultural influences in perinatal and early childhood nutrition

This review analyzes socio-cultural factors impacting maternal and infant nutrition in low-resource settings, covering the perinatal period including pregnancy, childbirth, and early infancy.

It examines qualitative studies from 1990 to 2021, identified through databases such as Medline, Embase, and Scopus, using broad search terms including 'traditional beliefs,' 'practices' and 'perinatal'.

The synthesis highlights strong cultural support for breastfeeding across diverse cultures, although traditional taboos and beliefs often undermine exclusive breastfeeding. A deep cultural appreciation for the therapeutic benefits of foods is observed, with prevalent, albeit varied, notions of 'good' and 'bad' foods influencing dietary choices during the perinatal period. Intergenerational support plays a crucial role, though it often conflicts with biomedical advice, particularly in migrant populations. Crosscutting themes include the enduring role of women as 'good mother' in perinatal care, the impact of poverty on nutritional choices, and the evolving nature of cultural practices, the direction of which is not always predictable.

Cultural beliefs profoundly shape perinatal and infant nutrition. It advocates the need for public health strategies that are culturally sensitive and tailored to specific community needs to optimize health outcomes for mothers and infants. Future interventions should integrate cultural understanding into public health practices, promoting beneficial traditions while modifying detrimental ones.