การศึกษาภูมิปัญญาการแพทย์พื้นบ้านด้านการดูแลมารดาหลังคลอดของโต๊ะบีแด ในอําเภอจะนะ จังหวัดสงขลา

Peechaya  Pathompromma; Sofeeya  Binboso; Haseela  Hayeebueraheng; Oratai  Neamsuvan; Phatsasi Laojeenwong

Authors

Peechaya Pathompromma Faculty of Traditional Thai Medicine, Prince of Songkla University
Sofeeya Binboso Phawong Subdistrict Health Promoting Hospital, Songkhla
Haseela Hayeebueraheng Khu Subdistrict Health Promoting Hospital, Songkhla
Oratai Neamsuvan Faculty of Traditional Thai Medicine, Prince of Songkla University
Phatsasi Laojeenwong Faculty of Traditional Thai Medicine, Prince of Songkla University

Keywords:

Muslim folk midwife, To Bidae, Postpartum maternal care, Traditional knowledge

Abstract

Postpartum care based on folk medical practices plays a significant role in promoting the health of women and infants in rural areas of Thailand, particularly in the southern region, where Muslim cultural traditions are especially prominent. This qualitative study aimed to investigate the background and postpartum care practices of to Bidae in Chana District, Songkhla Province. Five participants were purposively selected. Data collection was conducted through non-participatory observation and in-depth interviews. The data were analyzed by thematic categorization and descriptive methods. The results showed that to Bidae were elderly women aged over 60 years who acquired their knowledge through spiritual visions of their teacher-healers. Their postpartum care practices comprised manual techniques, herbal medicines, and counseling on self-care. The major manual techniques included (1) pressing, stroking, or pulling the chest muscles to stimulate breast milk flow, (2) abdominal “gung” pressing to assist uterine involution and (3) hot stone compression to facilitate the expulsion of lochia. A total of 13 herbal formulations were documented, utilizing 33 medicinal plants, with Kluai Nam (Musa sp.) being the most frequently used (appearing in 4 formulations). Several of the medicinal plants were reported for the first time in relation to postpartum care. This study systematically compiled and organized the body of knowledge on postpartum care practiced by To Bidae, comprehensively covering all stages of maternal health care, an area that has not previously been documented. The findings highlight the potential of certain traditional procedures and herbal formulations to be further developed into Thai Traditional Medicine service guidelines for postpartum women. In addition, this study establishes a foundational database that can support future clinical research and the development of health service systems.

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