Ethnic variations in observance and rationale for postpartum sexual abstinence in Malawi

Using quantitative and qualitative data from three culturally heterogeneous ethnic groups in Malawi, I show that differences in postpartum sexual abst inence are closely associated with community-specific rationales for the pr actice, particularly differences in the definition and timing of child-stre ngthening rituals that couples are required to perform before resuming inte rcourse. Contrary to conventional wisdom, the primary rationale for abstine nce in the study areas is not linked to child spacing. Among Tumbukas in th e north, most women perform the ritual immediately after resuming menstruat ion. Among the other ethnic groups, the rituals can be performed at any tim e after the end of postpartum bleeding. The study underscores the utility o f the complementary micro-level approach in understanding reproductive beha vior in sub-Saharan Africa.