Heritage of Traditional Childbirth and Childcare on Jeju

제주도 전통 산육속(産育俗)의 전승

The characteristics of traditional childbirth and childcare custom on Jeju were studied by interviews of 134 elder women over 60. This established the nature of traditional custom of prenatal care, delivery, child rearing, and traditional ceremonies for baby as well as popular beliefs. The survey of current childbirth and childcare practices included 168 parents of kindergarteners. Results showed that traditional childbirth and childcare custom of Jeju is based in self-reliance, effectiveness, labor, and popular beliefs and that the heritage consisting of traditional postpartum foods, bathing of the newborn baby, use of a cradle, shamanistic prescriptions, and acupuncture is prevalent today.