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Traditional Postpartum Care in Northern Thailand: A Case Study from Bann Hua Suea, Tambon
Hua Suea, Mae Tha District, Lampang Province
Yupa Apikomolkorn*
*Faculty of Science, Lampang Rajabhat University, Lampang
The objectives of this study were to explore community circumstances, traditional postpartum care and
passing of knowledge in postpartum care of Bann Hua Suea, Tambon Hua Suea, Mae Tha District, Lampang.
Understanding community relevance will assist in gathering information on locality protection and improve
traditional medicine. Qualitative research methods, observation, interviews and group discussions were em-
ployed for data collection. The key informants included seven elderly persons and those who had experienced
traditional postpartum care. Triangulation was used to ensure validity and precision. The findings showed
that Bann Hua Suea, a 400-year-old village, was urbanizing. However, a close relationship among relatives
was preserved. Most of the community members worked in the agricultural sector. The indigenous culture
with regard to religion, occupation and health cares was kept alive. The traditional post-delivery care is called
yu-duean-fai or “lying by fire.” The knowledge was passed on within the family. The findings indicated that
traditional postpartum care is based upon beliefs regarding a balance of elements and holistic care of the
northern style of traditional medicine. Furthermore, the herbs selected were associated with the local ecology.
Key words: health care, indigenous medicine, postpartum care
