Exploring the customs, traditions and beliefs of three generations of mothers in Turkish society regarding child development and child-rearing in prenatal, natal and postnatal periods

Birth is a transitional period that plays a major role in human life. Conscious or unconscious practices during prenatal, natal and postnatal periods can affect the future of the child in turn the future of the society. The aim of the current research was to examine the customs, traditions and beliefs of three generations of mothers in Turkish society regarding child development and child-rearing in prenatal, natal and postnatal periods. The study employed the phenomenological method, with data being gathered via semi-structured interview form from 25 groups consisting of three generations of mothers, a total of 75 participants. Content and descriptive analysis was used in data analysis. The research identified the traditions, customs and beliefs of the participants regarding child development and child-rearing in prenatal, natal and postnatal periods. Furthermore, the reasons of these traditional practices were also examined and, transfer of intangible cultural heritage between generations was tried to be understood. The results of the research demonstrated that there was no considerable difference between the three generations in terms of the knowledge of traditions, customs and beliefs related to child development and child-rearing in prenatal, natal and postnatal periods. However, there was a remarkable difference between the generations in terms of showing a willingness to apply traditional pratices. It is found that the vast majority of participants from new generations do not apply these pratices or they apply them against their will.