Common Traditions, Practices, and Beliefs Related to Safe Motherhood and Newborn Health in Morocco

Abstract

The cultural context influences women’s antenatal care and postpartum knowledge. This study aims to determine the traditional practices related to maternal health in Morocco. We conducted in-depth qualitative interviews with 37 women from three different Moroccan regions on the first postpartum day. We used thematic content to analyze data, and an a priori coding framework was created utilizing the pertinent literature. Beliefs regarding pregnancy and postpartum positively affect maternal health, such as family support, prolonged rest for health recovery, and specific dietary precautions according to the mode of delivery of the new mother. However, some practices may negatively affect maternal health, such as cold postpartum treatment through traditional medicine and not seeking prenatal care after the first pregnancy experience. Such practices include painting newborns with henna, using kohl and oil to hasten the umbilical cord’s descent, and producing solutions based on chicken throat to cure respiratory ailments in newborns that might harm their health.