Previous evidences have revealed that maternal malnutrition is a huge challenge in Nepal.
Despite of several intervention programs designated to improve the maternal nutritional status
and reduce maternal anemia in Nepal, there has been poor improvements in both. Since
nutritional status is directly related to food habits, a need to study about eating habits during
postpartum phase was realized. Therefore the study was done to identify the food habits of
postpartum women and how they define their own practices.
The study was conducted in Changunarayan Village Development Committee of Nepal. Qualitative
method was chosen for the study. 8 postpartum women were interviewed during individual
semi structured interview sessions. The study was done in collaboration with a public
health worker and female health care volunteers. The data was analyzed by using inductive
content analysis method.
The findings of the study suggest that the eating habits during this phase depended mostly
upon the socio-cultural practice of food prescription and restriction and partly upon the
mother's own perception on the diet she needs. The food believed to clean the postpartum
wounds, heal the tissues, repair the digestive system, improve lactation, nourish the newborn,
build up immune system of the child, healthy growth and development of newborn,
and some special food for postpartum phase were allowed to eat. The food believed to harm
the newborn and hinder the postpartum healing were restricted to eat. The mother's perception
on the food she needs relied on her observation and suggestion from the health care
workers.
In conclusion, improving the maternal nutritional status in Nepal demands that the healthcare
workers, government of Nepal and other intervening organizations need to understand the
food culture as well as the beliefs associated with it and plan intervention programs accordingly
in a reflective and analytical way. Postpartum women should be encouraged to eat food
rich in micronutrients, follow diet plans and take supplements as needed. The thesis argues
that further researches are required to identify the validity of the beliefs associated with
food culture as identified by research.