Dietary Concerns
In a traditional Vietnamese diet, the consumption of meat, fish and poultry is limited and dairy products are almost non-existent. As a means of helping Asian immigrants adjust upon arrival in the United States, various food pyramids have been developed to ensure healthy living. The healthy traditional Asian Diet Pyramid is anchored by plant-based foods and is broken down to designate what is needed daily, weekly and monthly (Dang, p. 14C). To view the Asian Diet pyramid, and get a more in-depth discussion on various aspects of Asian diet, go to Asian Food Pyramid.
There are several dietary concerns associated with pregnancy and childbirth. For many Vietnamese these food restrictions must be adhered to even though they may lead to malnutrition and disease, such as tuberculosis. The following dietary information was found in Southeast Asian Birth Customs by Hart, Rajadhon and Coughlin.
Prenatal Dietary Beliefs (Hart, Rajadhon, and Coughlin, p. 227)
These beliefs vary by region, therefore the area of Vietnam where a patient lived must be taken into consideration. The following foods are traditionally prohibited during pregnancy.
North: mollusks, soya, chicken, duck, dog and carp
Central: sparrow, pigeon, cuttlefish, spices (pepper and pimento), glutinous rice
South: rabbit, game, beef, dog, mouse, rat, snake, eel, frog, mule, horse, duck eggs with embryo, and food offerings from weddings or funerals
General: crabs, turtle flesh, ginger, blood heating foods (i.e., coffee, alcohol, unripe fruit), eggplant, guava, carambola as well as cooling foods, such as ice water, ice cream, bananas, oranges and gelatins
Post Delivery Diet (pp. 244-245)
Until the umbilical cord is removed, the new mother may eat only rice gruel with pepper and salt. As soon as the cord has sloughed off, the mother may eat fish and meat, but is prohibited from eating fruits and vegetables for three months. The most favorable food for a new mother to eat are pork legs and knuckles.
Cultural Diversity
