Creencias y costumbres alimentarias de mujeres posparto que asisten a los centros de salud Pumapungo y Ricaurte, Cuenca 2022

Abstract

In Ecuador, currently, the application of ancestral food practices is evident, reflecting a close relationship between nutrition and social anthropology. Food beliefs and practices in the postpartum stage have undergone great changes throughout history, so the need to identify food beliefs and customs of postpartum women who attend health centers in Cuenca in 2022 was presented, a qualitative ethnographic study was applied, 14 volunteer participants in the postpartum stage, 9 from rural areas and 5 from urban areas, the information was collected through a semi-structured interview and the analysis was carried out with the Atlas ti program. As a result of this research, it was observed that the consumption of liquids, chicken broth, chocolate in milk or water are recommended during the 40 days after delivery; additionally, it was mentioned that the infusion of Paraguay leaf would enhance milk production in the mother. Age and origin were not determining factors in food beliefs/customs, since mothers mentioned adherence and dissemination of these with the support of well-being and benefits obtained empirically in a transgenerational way. It is concluded by establishing that; Eating practices are carried out repetitively for 40 days at breakfast, lunch and snack; with the belief that they stimulate milk production and a speedy recovery, they consume traditional preparations; rune chicken broth, milk chocolate or water, aromatic waters, especially from the mountains of "Paraguay" and cereal strains.