Maternal health in Timor-Leste: representations and practices during pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period

Manuel, Helena Isabel Borges; Ramos, Natália

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.2/6858

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Authors

Manuel, Helena Isabel Borges

Ramos, Natália

Abstract(s)

Culture has a strong influence on the representations and health behaviour of individuals and groups. This is reflected in the reproductive health of the Timorese women, intervention in this field being of a priority nature in Timor-Leste in view of its high fertility and maternal mortality rates. The purpose of this ethnographic study is to analyse beliefs, representations and practices associated with pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period. It was conducted in Timor-Leste and involved the participation of health professionals, traditional midwives, women and couples, all of them selected through a snowball chain sampling procedure. Data was collected by means of exploratory semi-structured interviews and observation, and its content was duly analysed. The results show the existence of various recommendations, taboos and restrictions which aim at protecting the health of both mother and child, making use of traditional care practices which may vary among ethnolinguistic groups, communities or families.