The Wisdoms of “Toh Bidae” for Reproductive Healthcare among Women in Pattani Province, Thailand

Abstract

Introduction and Objectives: In the southern border provinces of Thailand, there exists traditional wisdom from local healers that has been passed down through families. This wisdom, known in the local Malay language as "Toh Bidae", plays an important role in these provinces due to the healers ‘expertise in caring for women from early pregnancy through postpartum. It also encompasses knowledge in treating infertility and maintaining women's health. This study aims to examine the wisdom of Toh Bidae in caring for the reproductive health of women in the Pattani province, with the goal of using this knowledge to further public health initiatives and improve community healthcare.

 Methodology: This qualitative research explores the knowledge of Toh Bidae in Pattani province with a sample group of 17 participants through in-depth interviews. The research tool is an interview recording form. Data were verified by the informants and analyzed using thematic analysis. The duration of the study is from October 2023 to March 2024.

Results: The sample group consisted of 17 individuals, and the data are divided into five key points: (1) The inheritance of Toh Bidae Wisdom, which involves both studying from textbook and gaining knowledge through supernatural means. (2) Infertility treatment, where Toh Bidae practices are considered an alternative approach to treating infertility. (3) Healthcare for pregnant women, where Muslim women, especially those from families with elderly such as grandmother and mother, have strong beliefs in prenatal care provided by Toh Bidae. (4) Postpartum healthcare, where Toh Bidae typically provide postpartum care for 15 to 30 days, starting from three days postpartum or following a cesarean section once the surgical wound has healed. (5) Participation in public health system, where some hospitals allow Toh Bidae to assist in pregnancy and postpartum care. The study results suggest the potential for developing integrated approaches between traditional medicine and public health system.

Discussion: Toh Bidae in Pattani province have inherited knowledge passed down through generations. Their care practices can be divided into pregnancy preparation period, the pregnancy period, and the postpartum period. It was evident that direct birth care is no longer practiced, as there is currently a campaign promoting hospital births for the safety of mothers and children. Moreover, integrating Toh Bidae care with health services can reduce challenges and increase access to   hospital service, lowering the risks associated with not receiving prenatal care in hospital.

Conclusion: Toh Bidae in the southern border provinces continue to play role in caring for the reproductive health of women in the area. Compiling and summarizing the wisdom of Toh Bidae can help in developing guidelines for integrate on of this traditional knowledge with public health initiatives, benefiting the community.