Perceived Stress and Support of the Chinese Postpartum Ritual “Doing the Month”

Bibliographic Data

ID15217810
AuthorsSharron S K Leung (HKU-Pasteur Research Pole, corresponding author), David Arthur (0000-0002-3732-3618, Hong Kong Polytechnic University), Ida M Martinson (University of California, San Francisco)
Year2005
Volume26
Issue3
Pages212-224
Publication date2005-03-16
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueHealth Care For Women International (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0739-9332 • E-ISSN: 1096-4665
PublisherTaylor & Francis (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/07399330590917771
PMID15804694
OpenAlexW2008133080
LanguageEN
Citations received12
References cited12

Doing the month" is the traditional ritual for Chinese postpartum women. A qualitative study involving in-depth interviews with 20 Hong Kong Chinese women was conducted to examine the women's perceptions of stress and support in "doing the month." Four central themes were identified as follows: bound by the environmental constraints, difficulties in following the prescriptions of the rituals, conflicts between the parties involved, and attainment of the maternal role. The study revealed that "doing the month" is not necessarily protective and supportive of the postpartum women. It raises the critical question of how women can adapt the ritual to fit modern life. The study findings suggest that midwives and health care providers should provide culturally appropriate advice for new mothers. Suggestions are given on bridging the gap between traditional and modern postpartum practices

Developmental psychology · Perception · Qualitative research · Sociology · Grief, Bereavement, and Mental Health · Maternal and Perinatal Health Interventions · Maternal Mental Health During Pregnancy and Postpartum · Medicine · Nursing · Psychology

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