Midwifery:

In the past, midwifery played a crucial role in childbirth throughout most indigenous societies. Although western civilizations attempted to assimilate their birthing technologies into certain indigenous societies, like Turtle Island, and get rid of the midwifery, the National Aboriginal Council of Midwives brought back the cultural ideas and midwifery that were once associated with indigenous birthing[1].


Cesarean Section:

In western societies opting to have cesarean sections is becoming more popular as vaginal births are seen as more difficult and painful[1]. Amish societies, on the other hand, tend to place value on the strength of the women's bodies so that their natural, at home birth is seen as less daunting. Most women in Amish societies find the pain and effort of childbirth satisfactory[1].


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In undeveloped countries and remote communities, hospitalized childbirth may not be readily available or the best option. Maternal evacuation is the predominant risk management method for assisting mothers in these communities[2]. Maternal evacuation is the process of relocating pregnant women in remote communities to deliver their babies in a nearby urban hospital setting[2]. This practice is common in colonial Canadian communities as well as Australian aboriginal communities. There has been research considering negative effects of maternal evacuation due to a lack of social support provided to these women. These negative effects include an increase in maternal newborn complications and post-partum depression, and decreased breastfeeding rates[3].

In some undeveloped countries where maternal evacuation is uncommon or not possible, local hospitals can still be a major resource for assistance in delivery. These hospitals often lack the equipment and specialists utilized by many hospitals in developed communities[4]. Despite this, women in these undeveloped countries continue to utilize their local hospitals for the practical, obstetrical assistance that they offer[4].

Alternative Birthing Practices in Non-Western Communities

In many underdeveloped civilizations there are multiple different views of childbirth that are different from the ways that Western Civilizations view childbirth. Many women in different civilizations treat pregnancy in a different manner than those in Western Civilizations would. For example, many women often continue to work in a similar function to how they normally would throughout pregnancy. In some cases, women will work right up until labor begins[5][6].

Comfort is something that people in uncivilized cultures embrace in their pregnancies. Home births can help to make childbirth more comfortable for the mother as she is in her own home with her family around her helping out in different ways[5]. It is also rare in indigenous cultures for the mother to lie down during pregnancy. Instead, they often opt for standing, kneeling, or walking around prior to and during birthing[5][6].

People in Non Western societies also rely heavily on religion for their birthing practices. It is believed that if certain acts are carried out, then it will allow the child for a healthier and happier future[5]. One example of this is the belief that if scissors are used for cutting the umbilical cord, it will cause for the child to go through clothes very quickly. In order to prevent this, a jagged ceramic tile is used to cut the umbilical cord[6]. In some religions many ceremonial gifts are presented to the mother throughout pregnancy and childbirth in order to help her into the beginning of her child’s life[5].

  1. ^ a b c editor, Burton, Nadya, 1965- (2015). Natal signs : cultural representations of pregnancy, birth and parenting. Demeter Press. ISBN 9781926452326. OCLC 949328683. {{cite book}}: |last= has generic name (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  2. ^ a b editor., Tait, Hannah Neufeld, 1968- editor. Cidro, Jaime,. Indigenous experiences of pregnancy and birth. ISBN 9781772581355. OCLC 1012401274. {{cite book}}: |last= has generic name (help)CS1 maint: extra punctuation (link) CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  3. ^ editor., Tait, Hannah Neufeld, 1968- editor. Cidro, Jaime,. Indigenous experiences of pregnancy and birth. ISBN 9781772581355. OCLC 1012401274. {{cite book}}: |last= has generic name (help)CS1 maint: extra punctuation (link) CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  4. ^ a b Capelli, Irene (2011-12). "Risk and safety in context: Medical pluralism and agency in childbirth in an eastern Moroccan oasis". Midwifery. 27 (6): 781–785. doi:10.1016/j.midw.2010.06.020. ISSN 0266-6138. {{cite journal}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  5. ^ a b c d e Rogoff, Barbara (2011-04-06). Developing Destinies. Oxford University Press. ISBN 9780195319903.
  6. ^ a b c Inge., Bolin, (2006). Growing up in a culture of respect child rearing in highland Peru. University of Texas Press. OCLC 748863692.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: extra punctuation (link) CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)