While some practices described in this study are beneficial and need to be encouraged, others may be harmful. The practice of routine massage of the uterus for 3 days postpartum is potentially very beneficial. since more than 65% of maternal deaths occur in the first week ( Li et al, 1996 ) , a general assessment of the postpartum woman, including, specific assessment of uterine involution for 3 days after birth. Should be encouraged strongly both in the traditional and formal sector. Limiting strenuous physical labor during the period of immature sawsaye is probably beneficial as is the period of rest while roasting. On the other hand, the ingestion of a high salt diet postpartum, drinking late amounts of khmer medicines infused in rice wine while roasting, Or roasting itself for women who may have borderline hypertension or be hypovolemic from blood loss may be problematic. The practice of manually removing blood or clots from the uterus to prevent stuck blood is also potentially dangerous. Many birth attendants have limited or no access to soap and water or gloves. Considering that home is the birth site for most Khmer women, the practice of routine manual curettage could easily increase the rates of postpartum infection. The practice of injecting questionable or dangerous medicines during postpartum deserves further attention. While most of the medicines reported by women in this study were innocuous in the doses injected, the background prevalence of hepatitis and HIV combined with widespread reuse of needles make this practice particularly dangerous.