Abstract:
The postnatal period is a crucial yet frequently underprioritized phase of maternal care, with lasting effects on physical recovery, emotional well-being, and long-term health. Traditional postnatal practices (TPCs) offer valuable tools to complement contemporary approaches to postpartum support. A recent systematic review highlighted the health and wellness benefits of TPCs for mothers, including enhanced recovery and emotional well-being¹. Earlier work has also emphasized the cultural and therapeutic significance of postpartum rituals across diverse contexts². This workshop aims to explore the role of traditional postnatal practices within holistic maternal care, focusing on their physiological, psychological, and cultural benefits. Participants will engage in interactive demonstrations of rebozo techniques and the Closing of the Bones ritual, alongside discussions on nutrition, recovery, and maternal mental health. Evidence and experiential data suggest that integrating such practices into postnatal care contributes to faster physical recovery, improved emotional well-being, stronger maternal-infant bonding, and enhanced breastfeeding outcomes. By bridging traditional wisdom with modern evidence-based care, this workshop seeks to equip midwives and healthcare professionals with practical skills and insights to support mothers in a more comprehensive and culturally sensitive way.

Conclusion:
Holistic postnatal care that integrates traditional practices can enrich modern maternal health services. This workshop fosters reflection on the value of ritual, nutrition, and community-based support in postpartum recovery, while offering participants hands-on opportunities to apply these approaches in practice.