MALAWI COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES
ZOMBA CAMPUS
PROGRAM : Certificate in Community Midwifery Assistant (CMA)
SEMESTER : One
YEAR : One
GROUP MEMBERS : Hija Hassan, , Blandina Kambalame,Sandra Chabuka, Peter
Phiri, Emily Mkandawile, Maggie Silavwe, Chikondi Lino,
Charles G Mbewe, Faith Nkhwazi, Paul Denious.
GROUP MEMBERS :1B
PRESENTATION TITLE : Cultural beliefs and practices
PRESENTED TO :
DUE DATE : 05th May 2026
OBJECTIVES
A. Define cultural beliefs and practices
B. Outline the cultural practices /beliefs in antenatal, labor, delivery and postnatal/ neonatal
period
C. Describe the positive/ negative effects of the cultural practices/ beliefs to the mother and
the baby
D. Explain the role of the community midwife on cultural beliefs/ practices
WHAT IS CULTURE PRACTICES
This refers to the traditional ways of behavior, customs, rituals and activities that are passed
down through generations within a particular culture or society.
WHAT IS CULTURE BELIEFS
It means system of ideas, values and attitudes that a particular culture or society holds about
the world, human behavior and the meaning of life.
INTRODUCTION
In Malawi there are so many culture practices both good and bad that are practiced in Malawi
in different area. This presentation will outline some of these cultural practices, its positive
and negative impact and our roles as midwives in addressing this issues and there are some of
the pictures to help as understand it better.
CULTURAL PRACTICES THAT AFFECT PREGNANCY
These are actions of behaviors that people perform based on their beliefs in maternal and
neonatal health, these practices influence how woman behave during pregnancy , labor,
delivery and after birth.
CULTURE PRACTICES IN MATERNAL
1. Antenatal period
a. Diet and nutrition practice
Traditional food in some cultures in some cultures pregnant woman are advised to avoid
eating some specific food e.g. eggs and sugar cane
b. Fasting and dietary restriction practice
In some religion tradition e.g. fasting during pregnancy may be practiced in some religion,
though this is avoided due to health concerned
c. Use of some herbals practices
In some culture herbals or traditional medicines are given to pregnant women without
medical advice thinking
d. Limited social activities and pressure for gender preferences
Pregnant woman are isolated, not allowed to attend functions or meet some people with a
belief they may bring evil eye or bad luck
Also preference for male child is also another bad practice faced by pregnant women and
they sometimes be treated badly if previous child is a girl.
2. Labor and delivery period
a. Use of some herbals practices
In some cultures they use also herbs with a belief that they speed up labor processes
b. Restriction of male
In some of many occasions due to some cultural belief they restrict male involvement during
labor time.
c. Birth position
They believe that use of upright position rather than lying on back, they belief that upright
position make labor easily.
3. Postnatal or neonatal beliefs
a. Breastfeeding beliefs
Some cultures delay breastfeeding until certain rituals are completed
The first milk is not allowed to be given to a baby in some cultures
b. Seclusion and rest practices
In some culture, mother and new born may be kept in seclusion for days or weeks in order to
protect them from infection and evil spirits
Also in some cultures baby is kept indoor until the naming ritual is practiced
c. Delayed bathing
Some cultures delay bathing the baby for several days. This is believed to keep the baby
warm and protect from illness
d. New born practices
In some cultures they use some traditional methods to care for the baby for example, apply
some substances e.g. ash, herbs and oil from umbilical cord
POSITIVE EFFECTS OF THIS CULTURAL PRACTICES/BELIEFS
• Emotional and social support
By allowing a women to rest after delivery offers and social and emotional support
This makes the mother feel loved, confident and less stressed which is good for both her and
the baby.
• Improve nutritional through traditional diet
Certain cultures provide special nutritious foods to pregnant and breastfeeding women. These
food may help improve mother’s strength, support, and fetal growth and enhance breast milk
production
• Postnatal care and rest for mothers
Allows the body heal and recover well
Promotes successful breastfeeding and prevent complications and infections
• Birth preparation rituals
Mentally prepares and builds confidence
Reduces fear and anxiety about childbirth
NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF CULTURAL PRACTICES
Malnutrition from food restrictions during pregnancy
Certain cultures restrict pregnant women from eating nutritious foods like, eggs, fish or meat.
This can result ln poor nutrition, leading to anemia, low birth weight & poor fetal
development.
Increased risk of maternal death from complications
Some women refuse to go to the hospital at the right time of delivery thinking that, if they go
late to the hospital they will not take much long to put on bed hence leading to some
complications.
Poor feeding practices
Delayed initiation of breastfeeding due to belief about colostrum being dirty.
Impact on educational and economic opportunities
In some cultures girls may be discouraged from continuing their education due to pregnancy
leading to remitted economic opportunity and poverty.
OUR ROLES AS MIDWIVES TO ADDRESS THIS
• Health education
Educates women, families and community about safe and harmful practices.
• Promoting positive cultural practices
Not all cultural practices are harmful so midwifes need to identifies and support practices.
• Discouraging harmful practices
The midwife gently corrects unsafe practices like, food restrictions and unsafe cord care.
• Encouraging use of health facilities
The midwife encourages women to deliver at health facilities and seek care during
complications.
REFERENCES
Fraser, D.M., & cooper, M. A (2009) myles Texbook for midwives
World Health Organisation (WHO) (2020) Maternal and Newborn Health Guidelines
Ministry of Health Malawi (2018) Maternal Health care policy