baseline survey of pregnancy practices among kenyan Maasai
Article Written by Kenyan Maasai who became a nurse specializing in maternal/child health
Traditional Maasai Diet consists of: milk and meat when available, depending on condition of herds (wild animal meat was considered taboo)
Meat was provided during convalescence (a gradual healing after sickness or injury), after childbirth, and during special ceremonies/special occasions
Blood: drawn from a cow's jugular vein- given to people who needed it to replace blood; also used as "survival rations" during the dry season and when milk was low.
Animal fat was given for remedial purposes as a purgative/food/ and used to preserve meat
Traditionally, Maasai did not eat plant foods: believed that green veggies were meant for livestock consumption.
Wild fruits/honey were consumed by women/children - especially expectant women
Cornmeal is increasingly popular in Maasai diets
Restricted diet of expected mother after 6th month was to prevent excess weight gain of mom and fetus. This was to aid in an easy delivery. Diet excluded rich foods :fatty meats, milk, avoided regular meals; ate less food/ drank more water than usual. Restriciont of diet occurred earlier with first pregnancy. Mother would at times have to look after cattle: reduce access to food and increase physical effort. Babies born to diet restricted moms weighted 142 grams.
Vomiting was induced by taking bitter roots/herbs or large quantities of fat: done to clean the stomach, purify the mothers blood stream, and keep her healthy. Only allowed to eat lean meat of animal, could not consume meat of animal that died from sickness.
Pregnant women, especially those pregnant for first time: go to Traditional Birth Attendant; they advise women to consume restricted diet
Other info regarding the results of their study
Traditional Maasai Diet consists of: milk and meat when available, depending on condition of herds (wild animal meat was considered taboo)
Meat was provided during convalescence (a gradual healing after sickness or injury), after childbirth, and during special ceremonies/special occasions
Blood: drawn from a cow's jugular vein- given to people who needed it to replace blood; also used as "survival rations" during the dry season and when milk was low.
Animal fat was given for remedial purposes as a purgative/food/ and used to preserve meat
Traditionally, Maasai did not eat plant foods: believed that green veggies were meant for livestock consumption.
Wild fruits/honey were consumed by women/children - especially expectant women
Cornmeal is increasingly popular in Maasai diets
Restricted diet of expected mother after 6th month was to prevent excess weight gain of mom and fetus. This was to aid in an easy delivery. Diet excluded rich foods :fatty meats, milk, avoided regular meals; ate less food/ drank more water than usual. Restriciont of diet occurred earlier with first pregnancy. Mother would at times have to look after cattle: reduce access to food and increase physical effort. Babies born to diet restricted moms weighted 142 grams.
Vomiting was induced by taking bitter roots/herbs or large quantities of fat: done to clean the stomach, purify the mothers blood stream, and keep her healthy. Only allowed to eat lean meat of animal, could not consume meat of animal that died from sickness.
Pregnant women, especially those pregnant for first time: go to Traditional Birth Attendant; they advise women to consume restricted diet
Other info regarding the results of their study
posted by researchforchange at 7:27 PM
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