Steam sauna, hot beds and mother roasting
This is a presentation given by Hugo de Boer at the 2012 annual meeting of the Society for Economic Botany.
ABSTRACT:
Steam sauna, hot beds and mother roasting: Medicinal plants and postpartum recovery among the Brou, Saek and Kry (Laos)
Introduction: The Brou, Saek and Kry inhabit the upper reaches of the Nam Theun watershed in the Annamite mountain range in Central Laos. Both childbirth and postpartum recovery have a complex of practices that are strictly observed, with those of the Kry being vastly different from those of the Brou and Saek. Objectives: Our research focused on documenting perinatal practices, and medicinal plant use, with the objective of identifying opportunities for culturally-sensitive integration of modern healthcare practices into traditional custom. Methods: Brou, Saek and Kry women were interviewed by female interviewers in 10 villages in the period 2006-2010. Respondent data was analyzed and complemented during subsequent interviews. Medicinally used plants were collected and identified. Results: The Brou, Saek and Kry all use medicinal plants during postpartum recovery. Medicinal plants are drunk in decoctions, eaten in food, boiled for steam sauna and steam bath, and used heated in hot beds and mother roasting. All groups observe a 14-28 days postpartum confinement period in which both mother and infant practice dietary proscriptions, and steam baths and sauna. The Brou and Saek practice hotbeds and mother roasting. The Kry have a complex system of spatial taboos, where the mother gives birth outside the village in a birthing hut, after which she recovers in her menstruation hut, before returning to the family house. Conclusion: Postpartum confinement practices are an integral and important part of childbirth for the Brou, Saek and Kry. Infant and maternal mortality could be reduced through improved monitoring by trained midwives or nurses, and availability of modern pharmaceuticals, such as antibiotics and synthetic oxytocin. For Kry women giving birth in clinics instead of a traditional birthing huts would be an option, as long as these are outside the village to respect Kry taboos.
AUTHORS:
DE BOER, HUGO, Uppsala University
LAMXAY, VICHITH, National University of Laos, Dongdok campus
BJORK, LARS, Uppsala University
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