Newborn and Infant Care Practices of French Women in Puducherry: The Acculturation Effect Explored

Culture plays an important role in child rearing and caring practices of the mothers. It always interesting to observe the role of host culture on people who stays in other culture for more than a year. This study has been undertaken to assess and associate the cultural practices of newborn and infant care practices of French women in Puducherry, an old French territory of India. Descriptive research design by survey was used to assess the existing cultural practices among the French women residing in Puducherry, South India regarding new born and infant care practices. French mothers had their baby with them immediately after the delivery. Having the delivery in swimming pool (15%) was a cultural different phenomenon preferred by the French women. Women usually prepare a cotton belt to wrap around the waist and over the cord of the new born infant to prevent potential umbilical hernia. It was evident that the acculturation might have an influence on the newborn and infant care practices of French women who were residing in Puducherry.