274 -- Biomedicalization's Effect on Traditional Yucatec Mayan Reproductive Practices & Medicinal Plant Use

In this study, I will examine Yucatec Maya women’s experiences with the reproductive cycle regarding medicinal plant use as well as traditional cultural practices and beliefs. Medicinal plant use in general is still very prevalent in rural communities of Yucatan, Mexico due to the lack of biomedical healthcare accessibility, transportation, and costly fees of care. Maya women and traditional birth attendants use medicinal plants throughout the female reproductive cycle as needed to manage pain, inflammation, and for prevention against culturally important illnesses. Mayan plant practices have begun to be implemented into the biomedical healthcare system within the past few decades in search of new pharmaceuticals as well as for cultural accommodation. During pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period Maya mothers follow strict traditional dietary guidelines and lifestyles, such as the “hot” and “cold” food system which is one of the most prominent beliefs observed in the Yucatan. Various cultures around the world adhere to similar practices and beliefs during the pre-, peri-, and postnatal periods, such as pregnant mothers in parts of Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. To emphasize the use of traditional cultural reproductive practices, I will conduct a cross-cultural comparison of these beliefs as well as how they differ in this study.