[Postnatal care in a cross-cultural and historical perspective].
BACKGROUND
In most societies, birth and the immediate postpartum period are considered a time of vulnerability for mother and child. Rituals for major changes in the life cycle are common in most societies. The aim of this study was to present some examples of postpartum customs in a cross-cultural and historical perspective. We also present research on associations between postnatal care and mental health.


METHODS
A systematic search was performed in Medline and the Science Citation Index Expanded (ISI) from 1966 until March 2003. Reference lists in books about pregnancy and birth from the library of the University of Oslo were used to get additional information.


RESULTS
The postnatal period is defined as approximately 40 days in most cultures; most societies have special postnatal customs that include special diet, isolation, rest and help in the household. The resemblance between different cultures is striking. Many postnatal customs from rural societies that were common before 1950 have disappeared. The focus on rest and help in the household for the mother after delivery has been reduced.


CONCLUSIONS
We need more knowledge about the impact of different kinds of postnatal care on the mother's wellbeing.
Eberhard-Gran
Malin
M
Divisjon for epidemiologi, Nasjonalt forkehelseistitutt, Oslo. malin.eberhard-gran@fhi.no
Nordhagen
Rannveig
R
Heiberg
Eli
E
Bergsjø
Per
P
Eskild
Anne
A
D000883:Anthropology; D002562:Ceremonial Behavior; D003431:Cross-Cultural Comparison; D019052:Depression, Postpartum / Q000208:ethnology / Q000266:history / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D049690:History, Ancient; D049691:History, Medieval; D049711:History, Modern 1601-; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D008512:Medicine in the Arts; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology*; D010151:Paintings / Q000266:history; D011181:Postnatal Care / Q000266:history / Q000523:psychology*; D049590:Postpartum Period / Q000208:ethnology / Q000523:psychology*; D011247:Pregnancy / Q000208:ethnology / Q000523:psychology