Yu duan practices : the significance and implications for women's health in northern Thailand

In this chapter, I address traditional confinement beliefs and practices among Thai women in northern Thailand. The chapter is based on qualitative research involving in-depth interviews with 30 women in Chiang Mai province. In northern Thai culture, the period after birth is considered as the most vulnerable period of a new mother and of her life. For a period of 30 days, known as yu duan in northern Thailand, she is in a state of vulnerability to ill health and diseases. During this period, a new mother follows many dietary and behavioural proscriptions and prescriptions. It is clear that traditional beliefs and practices are still carried on by the women in this study. It is, therefore, imperative that these traditions need to be taken into account in providing postpartum care to Thai women. I contend that a serious consideration of traditional beliefs and practices may go a long way in improving women's birthing care in Thailand and elsewhere.