TEMA BUDAYA YANG MELATARBELAKANGI PERILAKU IBU-IBU PENDUDUK ASLI DALAM PEMELIHARAAN KEHAMILAN DAN PERSALINAN DI KABUPATEN MIMIKA

Maternal Mortality Ratio in Indonesia is still high about 300-400 per 100.000 live births. One factor influencing this determinant is the behavior and culture. The objective of this research is to obtain information of culture and care behavior of indigenous mothers during pregnancy, delivery and post natal related to daily activities, food pattern, health check and treatment, and delivery management. The research is based on qualitative ethnography. It was conducted in the two new settlements namely Kwamki Lama and Nayaro villages. The main informant of this study was six mothers from Amungme and Kamoro tribes. They were in stages during seven months or 30 weeks of pregnancy to one month post delivery. Other informants were mothers' families, neighbours, cadres, tribe heads, midwives, nurses, doctors, and related persons from government and private sectors. Data was collected by in-depth interviews, participan observations and documentations. The findings of this research are people believed that seeking daily food for family is women's job, while much dietary taboos/myths must be followed. Likewise pregnancy and delivery are women's affairs, the traditional birth attendants received guidance from the soul, and the blood during delivery might cause dangerous diseases for men and children. The conclusion is the behavior of pregnant and delivering mothers' care is supported by some cultural themes which might bring disadvantages to the mothers' reproductive health due to lack of gender equity.