Through the interviews and discussion groups, Jiménez found
many traditions regarding nutritional needs during pregnancy
and lactation that have been passed among the Guatemalan women.
Despite the abundance of such beliefs, most of the women in
the study said that they do not change their nutritional habits
during these periods. Jiménez found this situation to be the
most prevalent in the case of the women who live in Corral
de Piedra, where the women have fewer resources than those
in the other communities.
When questioned about their specific beliefs, the women in
the different groups gave similar answers. In some instances,
the women in the focal groups gave more detailed answers;
group discussion and the opportunity to respond to others’
answers likely stimulated the increased responses.
Regarding beliefs during pregnancy, many of the women agreed
that eating vegetables, grains such as quilete (Amaranthus
spp.), Incaparina (a fortified drink made from cotton and
soy seeds), and milk will promote the health of the baby.
There are also foods considered to be beneficial for lactating
mothers, such as quilete, chicken soup, and vegetables, which
they believe help them to produce more milk.
The women indicated that the sources of information about
nutrition during pregnancy and lactation are their mothers,
grandmothers, older people, and mothers-in-law, as well as
professional personnel such as doctors, a group of nuns from
Jocotán, and Benson Institute workers.
In addition to having beliefs about foods that are good to
eat during pregnancy and lactation, the women also had opinions
about foods that are harmful during these times. One woman
mentioned that coconut and avocado should be avoided during
pregnancy. She knew no reasons for this, but she reported
that her neighbor gave her this information.
Although most of the women knew of no foods that should be
eliminated from the diet during pregnancy, many were aware
of foods that should not be consumed immediately after delivery
or during lactation. For example, some reported that women
should not eat fresh foods immediately after giving birth,
but all the foods they eat should be cooked and served hot.
Most of the women commented that mothers can resume a normal
diet 40 days after delivery.
There are more defined beliefs among Guatemalan women regarding
nutrition during lactation. Among foods that some women said
should be avoided during this time -included avocado, coconut,
coconut preserves, and lemon, as they are believed to make
the mothers’ milk rancid, subsequently causing gastric illness
in the children. These traditions come from various sources,
all of which the women said have been transmitted by word
of mouth.
Although there are various traditions among the women regarding
proper practices and habits during pregnancy and lactation,
what the women actually eat during these times changes little.
Jiménez found that 75 percent of the women she interviewed
make no alterations in their diets during pregnancy or lactation.
Apparently, this tradition is not for lack of knowledge or
beliefs; instead, it stems from the poverty and the scarcity
of resources in the communities. The women continue with their
normal diets consisting of cereals, legumes, native herbs,
sugars, and fats. This monotonous diet is barely sufficient
for their normal nutritional requirements, much less for their
increased needs during this period.
When asked at which meal of the day they receive the best
nourishment, most of the women indicated that they eat the
most at lunchtime, but the actual food consumed varies -little
from what they eat at other meals. They said they eat a large
at lunch because they are more hungry and they have more time
to prepare food. They also reported that during pregnancy
and lactation they have a marked preference for foods of animal
origin, as well as for foods that they rarely eat at other
times. These responses indicate that while the women feel
better nourished if they eat more, they are not necessarily
better nourished, as their situation calls for a larger variety
of food as opposed to more food.
As part of her study, Jiménez investigated correlations between
schooling, age, and nutritional beliefs. She found a positive
correlation between illiteracy and lack of knowledge regarding
good nutritional practices during lactation. This suggests
that women would benefit from education programs developed
in their behalf. Furthermore, Jiménez found that literate
women tend to have fewer opinions regarding foods that are
unhealthful during lactation. This is interesting because
most of the foods that the women mentioned as being harmful
during lactation are considered safe from a scientific standpoint.
This indicates that as women become more educated and literate
they tend to rely less on pure tradition.
In addition, Jiménez found that younger women are generally
better educated as to what should be consumed during lactation,
which they attribute to their interest in becoming informed
about nutrition.
Jiménez’s study indicates that there are two phases in the
process of improving the nutrition of pregnant and lactating
women in the communities. First, the women must have access
to resources for good nutrition; second, they must understand
how to maximize the benefits of those resources.
The first phase of this project is one of the objectives
of the Benson Institute, which it fulfills through the implementation
of agricultural programs in the communities. The second is
accomplished through projects implemented in the area, which
are being continually improved as students like Gudrid Jiménez
conduct studies and make improvement recommendations.
As a result of her study, Jiménez was able to make several
suggestions aimed at improving educational activities in the
communities of Salitrón, Chancó, and Corral de Piedra. Among
these was to teach women about the increased necessity of
good nutrition during periods of pregnancy and lactation.
Jiménez suggests that these education programs be extended
to the entire family so that all are aware of the needs of
women during these critical times.
In addition, Jiménez suggests that education material be
developed that is understandable to illiterate women. Jiménez
concludes that improvement is possible if families are informed
about the risks of malnutrition to mothers and children during
these times and if they are taught how to improve nutrition
using available resources.
It is encouraging to see young women in rural areas -motivated
to improve their situations. These young women have a powerful
influence on the nutrition of their families and, therefore,
entire communities. Before giving birth, they determine the
health of their children. After giving birth, mothers provide
vital nourishment through breastfeeding. Their influence continues
as they prepare meals for the entire family. The Benson Institute
hopes to channel interest toward productive and educational
programs so that, through these women, the nutrition of the
entire community will improve.
Top
|
