Postnatal confinement among Malay women: Comparing practices between two different generations

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the difference in postnatal confinement practice between two different generations. It was an unmatched cross-sectional study involving 200 women. Women aged less than 50, and 50 years old or more, were grouped as younger and older generation, respectively. This study showed there were significant differences in postnatal confinement practice including the pattern of food restriction and some traditional postnatal care practices (less sexual abstinence, hot compression, herbal bath and avoiding social outing among women from younger generations). Clinically proven intervention should be recommended, and harmful practices should be discouraged to ensure a safe confinement practice.