Traditional pre- and post natal dietary practices prevalent in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh

Rural women constitute a storehouse of traditional knowledge. The paper attempts to present a rich variety of traditional foods served to the rural women specifically at pre- and postnatal stage. The traditional knowledge was documented from rural women using questionnaire based survey along with focused group discussion with key informants, local health workers and aged rural women. The information pertaining to ingredients used, method of preparation, frequency of consumption and logic behind consumption of these food preparations were recorded. The dietary practices followed by the local people at pre- and postnatal stages are based on different concepts. At the initial prenatal stage, to check abortion, seera is served as it is considered to possess cooling effect, while during ninth month, dietary practices emphasize on improving digestion and appetite, and provide energy to bear the stress of delivery. Decoctions and mixtures of herbs that can provide strength and stimulate the uterine contractions to aid in comfortable delivery are given at the time of labour pains. At post natal stage, food preparations like kharani, sand and moong dal halwa are served which are nourishing, provide energy and increase lactation. Since, the knowledge has been passed on from generation to generation orally; understanding and documentation of such knowledge can help to conserve the dying wisdom.