Indigenous Practices of Women during Pregnancy, Labour and Puerperium among Cultural Groupings at Selected Hospitals in Limpopo Province, South Africa

Abstract

Indigenous practices are performances that occur naturally in a region. Most women believe in Indigenous practices because of their cultures and social structure. In South Africa, regardless of the availability and accessibility of maternal and child health services, 50% of women still consult traditional birth attendants as their first choice during pregnancy, labour, delivery and postnatal care. A qualitative research approach was applied with an explorative and descriptive design to explore the Indigenous practices of women during pregnancy, labour and puerperium among cultural groupings. Non-probability purposive sampling was used to select 25 participants and data was collected through semi-structured interviews with a guide until data saturation was reached. Data was analysed using tech’s open coding method. The study showed most women use Indigenous practices for protection against witchcraft and a fear of caesarean section. This study will help pregnant women to be aware of the harmful Indigenous practices that can affect their own health and that of their baby. It will also help nurses provide holistic nursing care, taking into consideration pregnant women’s cultures and beliefs. The study recommends that nursing education include Indigenous practices in the curriculum so that healthcare practitioners know about them. This could reduce maternal and child morbidity and mortality.