Beliefs Associated with Mexican Immigrant Families’ Practice of La Cuarentena during Postpartum Recovery

Abstract

To examine underlying beliefs that motivate the observed behaviors of la cuarentena, which refers to the 40 days (6 weeks) of postpartum recovery observed by Mexican immigrant women in the United States. Qualitative/descriptive. Forty Spanish speaking individuals from 19 different Mexican immigrant families in Colorado were visited in their homes during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Ethnographic methods for this study focused on participant observation and interviews during traditional observance of la cuarentena. Mothers, their partners, and caregivers were interviewed in their homes in a series of four visits. Families described perceptions of the body as "open" and vulnerable to drafts or aire. Women reported that the cultural traditions of la cuarentena will "close" the body, and this was seen as the central purpose of postpartum recovery. Immigrant women reported that they hide their traditions in health care settings, recognizing that many providers don't understand or trivialize their beliefs and customs. A lack of awareness of la cuarentena among health care providers is a barrier to many women seeking professional care. Understanding the underlying fears associated with la cuarentena will assist nurses and clinicians in supporting immigrant families during postpartum recovery. Support from health care providers is particularly important given the occasional lack of family social support for immigrant women after they give birth.