Women’s experiences with the use of traditional medicine during childbirth in selected areas of Zambia

While motherhood is often a positive and fulfilling experience, for many women, it is associated with suffering, pain, ill-health, and even death. Like in many African countries, some Zambian communities rely on traditional medicines to mitigate birth related challenges and make motherhood a more positive experience. Most researchers emphasise that the safety of traditional medicines is particularly important for pregnant women. This qualitative study was conducted to better understand women's experiences and perceptions of traditional medicine in maternal care, particularly how they navigate its use alongside modern medical practices in selected areas of Zambia. The study explored women's perceptions and experiences towards the use of traditional medicines during childbirth in Zambia. This was an explanatory study, with sixteen focused group discussions conducted with women that used traditional medicine during childbirth (n = 192) and eight with women who supply traditional medicine to pregnant women (n = 96). The sample was purposively recruited until data saturation was reached. The study was conducted in Lusaka, Solwezi and Kaoma districts of Zambia. Data were coded and organised using NVivo 10 (QSR international), and were analysed using thematic analysis. While some women reported faster labour progression and less pain, others experienced complications. Cultural beliefs, fear of caesarean births, and hospital mistreatment reinforced the reliance on traditional medicine. Traditional medicine was commonly administered through oral ingestion, vaginal insertion, and medicinal tattooing to, restore fertility, for vaginal tightness, prevent complications and aid postpartum recovery. Many women perceive herbal remedies safer alternatives to conventional medical treatments, especially in settings where access to formal healthcare was a challenge. Women's experiences with herbal medicine during childbirth are shaped by a combination of personal beliefs, cultural traditions, and the socio-economic context in which they live. These findings highlight the need for safe and culturally sensitive maternal healthcare interventions.