Selected maternal-infant care practices of Spanish-speaking women.

To ascertain which postpartum maternal-infant care practices were prevalent in a large southern California hospital's Spanish-speaking population, an informal survey was taken of 30 Hispanic women. The survey consisted of an initial interview in the hospital and a second interview in the patient's home. The latter interview covered seven open-ended questions regarding umbilical cord care and "La Cuarentena" practices. Results from the small survey suggest that cultural practices are observed by Hispanic women. Nursing implications for those working with Spanish-speaking patients are discussed.