Premium Essay

Western Birth Culture Paper

Submitted By
Words 790
Pages 4
Birth culture is how a culture embraces childbirth. This includes which practices are conducted to prepare for birth, during birth and after birth. It also encapsulates a cultures traditions and beliefs about child birth overall. I am lived all my life in the United States and thus, and more familiar with the Western birth culture. In reading about other cultures and their approaches towards child birth I found many similarities and difference.
The textbook points out that 25 percent of births occur by cesarean section in the United States, which is much higher than any other country (Wiley and Allen 2013). I personally have many friends that have had cesarean sections and they even have the date of the procedure planned out in advance. I have always found it unnatural, but that is just my opinion. The textbook cites some advantages to a cesarean procedure to natural birth. Some advantages mentioned are getting to choose who delivers the baby, knowing exactly when the day of delivery is can be convenient, and some like …show more content…
This is similar how the mothers in the west spend time with their new born “attaching” but they usually are surrounded with more help. In Lao, the husband is not allowed to enter the hut but he is important for the collection of food, water and herbal plants for medicine (Lamxay et al 2011). There has been progress made towards the medicalization of the practices in 3rd world countries in the form of midwifery training in the 1970’s and 1980’s. This training allowed the midwives to provide care to women that did not have access to hospital facilities (Wiley and Allen. 2013). We are now in the year 2014 so I am confident that more programs and medicalization has reached rural areas where women are at risks when births are

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Circle of Life

...concept speaks of how much of the Sioux culture, both religious and practical, attribute great importance to the concept and universality of “the circle.” This is both a cultural and religious worldview of many primary indigenous peoples, who observe the ongoing theme that much of life and our physical world is circular in both appearance and ideology. Everything from the earth, planets, and stars, are physically in essence, a circle. Likewise, nature both conceptually and physically adheres to this principle, from the revolving of the seasons, to the life cycle of birth to death. ( ) In this paper, I will look at the circle and cyclic importance in relation to most Primal peoples understanding and perception of reality. I will then contrast this with modern western cultural and religious ideas, of linear time, space and identity. Lastly, I will compare Black Elk’s ideas with that found in Contemporary Christian views of nature and creation. For the Primal or Indigenous people, religion and culture, the concept of the world, universe and nature, is based on the image of the circle. People and life correspond to two interrelated circles and cyclic events. The first is the great circle of life and the second is regarded as the “Annual circle. “( ) The big circle of life represents man’s concept from birth to death. In the great Circle of life, there are four major events: birth, coming of age, marriage and death. Birth and death, were certain in everyone’s...

Words: 1656 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Culture of Hindu Women

... 2 The Culture Beliefs and Practices of Hindu Childbearing Women Nurse's have a major role in providing safe and evidence-based care to promote optimal birth outcomes for all women. Maternity nurse's have a responsibility to be aware of the array of childbirth traditions practiced in America's societies. Although childbirth occurs in every culture, in each culture there are unique meanings and customs associated with pregnancy, childbirth, and neonatal period (Lewallen, 2011, p. 4). Because childbearing women cope with the stress of pregnancy and birth, as well as making the psychosocial and physical adaptations to motherhood, culturally diverse women particularly need expert, culturally sensitive nursing care (Corbett and Callister, 2012, p. 299). Hinduism is the world's oldest known religion, having been practiced over 8000 years as evidenced by ancient Hindu scriptures and is the largest Asian religion in the United States (Thrane, 2010, p. 337; Hodge, 2004, p.27). Without knowledge of Hindu child bearing woman’s practices and traditions effective nursing care is impeded and their cultural differences may affect patient-nurse interaction. To develop and improve culturally sensitive nursing care, interventions, and outcomes, it is important to explore woman’s beliefs and practices in regards to pregnancy, labor, delivery, and the neonatal period. In the United States, East Indians may feel a need to conform to Western culture; however, in general...

Words: 2379 - Pages: 10

Premium Essay

Contrasting Yokut and Cherokee Culture

...Luis Thompson ANTH 252 Doctor Hemphill Yokuts v. Cherokee I. Introduction This paper is a basic introduction to two native North American tribes; the Yokuts of the California cultural area and the Cherokee of the Southeast cultural area. First I we will delve in to the general backgrounds of these two tribes, followed by an in depth examination of Religious beliefs practiced by each tribe, as well as the Life cycle rituals of the Yokuts and Cherokee. Directly proceeding this we will then contrast the former in depth examinations with that of the Tlingit tribe who resided in the Northwest culture area and also we will contrast The Yokuts and the Cherokee with the Zuni tribe who reside in the Southwest cultural area. General Background: Yokuts The Yokut tribe is a group of native North Americans found in the California culture area. The Yokut tribe inhabited the San Joaquin Valley of California. The Yokut tribe has been broken up into three main groups based on the area that their territory encompassed. The are the Northern Valley Yokuts who inhabited the region beginning in the northern most San Joaquin valley, present day Stockton, to the area where the San Joaquin Valley turns northward toward the Calaveras and Mokelumne rivers, or present day Modesto. The Next division is known as The Southern Valley Yokuts. This group of Yokuts lived in the Southern San Joaquin Valley from the upper forks of the Kings River, present day ...

Words: 6090 - Pages: 25

Premium Essay

Benchmark Assessment Heritage

...are many diverse culture and ethnic backgrounds, each with their own habits, traditions, preferences, and of these includes health. Different needs of the whole person should be evaluated in detail. This paper will discuss results from three different cultures through the interviewing of them using the Heritage Assessment Tool. It will also review, compare, and address health traditions between the cultures as well as identify common health traditions based on cultural heritage. The purpose is to evaluate and discuss how families subscribe to these traditions/practices, address health maintenance, health protection, and health restoration according to the assessment. Why Heritage Assessment? One method for determining an individuals or groups needs is to use some type of tool in order to complete the assessment. Over 20 years ago an assessment tool was used in order to promote public health and awareness ("Heritage Assessment Tool | Researchomatic," n.d.). The name later became known as “Healthy People 2000 and 2010” and 2020 is soon to come ("Heritage Assessment Tool | Researchomatic," n.d.). The tool contains twenty-nine different and varying questions to obtain detail of birth, siblings, immigration, religion, school, ethnic activities/cuisine and other topics. The usefulness of applying a heritage assessment is because it enables the research to identify how “Different people have different beliefs regarding health, sickness, infection, virus, birth as well as death...

Words: 1199 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

The Importance Of Gender Rights

...relevance in different cultures. The first step to uncover the invisibility of gender-based violations is to change priorities that were derived by its male model and equally take into account women's life experiences. Only with that we can analyze its validity in all cultural...

Words: 2946 - Pages: 12

Premium Essay

Linda's Heritage Assessment Paper

...Linda’s Heritage Assessment Paper Cultural differences abound in America today. Approaches to health also differ from one culture to another. People are shaped by their traditions and use traditional ways to satisfy their needs for better health (Agec, 2012). America is a melting pot of different cultures. This cultural diversity comes with differences in health traditions and health decisions. It could be a religious approach to health or a cultural tradition. Health has a different meaning for different people. So, everyone has a different approach to his or her health ( Alpa, 2007). Cultural heritage is an important of one’s economic, social and health issues. It helps one understand someone else’s health heritage, as well as traditional health methods that are used to maintain, protect, and restore health. Applying these concepts makes it easier to deal with a person’s physical, mental, and spiritual beliefs. Different cultures have different values and beliefs of health, disease, illness, birth, and death. It is essential to open a pathway for the effective communication of others values and beliefs, in regards to health, illness, family support as well as spiritual values ( Agec, 2012). Health concerns though practiced in all traditions, varies among different cultures. To become aware of another’s culture and health traditions can enable one to better understand and respect another’s cultural traditions, health...

Words: 1159 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Aboriginal

...Museum Visit Paper Through the visit of The First Peoples Collection of the McCord Museum, many Indigenous clothing, ornaments and pictures serve as elements to complete class lectures. For instance, the Raven Rattle is a good example showing the respect that Aboriginal people have toward the spirit of the animals. In their culture, animals contributed to the world creation and ensured the survival of human (Aboriginal Worldviews). Another concept which enhance class lecture is the symbol of circle. Many pieces of art feature the inclusion of the circle. In fact, the circle is a sacred symbol of the cycle of life. It suggests connection and interdependence of all form of life. Moreover, the concept of renewal and revitalization can be found in many Indigenous clothing. After being exposed to Western culture, the Aboriginal people combined their tradition clothing forms with the Western techniques and styles. This combination shows the respect and recognition that Aboriginal people have for Western culture. During the visit of The First Peoples Collection, one of the most interesting elements would be that each items have a unique function and spiritual signification. The questions arising after the visit are: What happens if an Aboriginal individual do not respect the spirit world? Does hierarchy exists within Aboriginal society? In the exhibition, the equipments for hunting, fishing, and travelling seem to be missing. Moreover, war equipments are absent as well. Therefore...

Words: 711 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

The Fall of the Roman Empire

... EBM | The fall of the Roman Empire | How Christianity played a part in the decline of an Empire | | | | 8/1/2014 | Paper outline 1. Introduction 2. Rise of Christianity in the Roman Empire 3. How Christianity played a part in the decline of the Roman Empire 4. The situation after the fall of the Roman Empire 5. The situation in the dark ages 6. Conclusion 7. Bibliography “Why did Rome fall?” still remains one the greatest questions of Western history. Many books have been written about this topic and many theories have been advanced about the reason of the decline and fall of the Roman Empire. Several reasons are issued for the fall. These reasons are issued to be sequacious and interwoven. For example, one of the most influential modern historians, Edward Gibbon wrote “The Decline and fall of the Roman Empire” in 1776, where he stated that the initiation of Christianity was one of the reasons for the decline. The transition of religions in the Roman Empire, from a polytheistic religion to a monotheistic religion, leads to instability within the Empire. (Gibbon, 1782) How Christianity was a factor in the decline of the Western Roman Empire will be discussed more extensively in this paper. In the beginning, Christianity was not more than an insignificant sect of Judaism and began its spread from Roman Judaea during the life of Jesus, but in only four centuries Christianity...

Words: 1235 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Birth Defect In The Philippines

...2.1.1. Introduction to Birth Defect Birth defect is one of the significant indicators of health status of every individual. The incidence of birth defects remains an important public health concern. Inadequate knowledge about the defects among prospective mothers (or the family) could result in delayed medical managements. It is also under-recognized cause of infant’s and children’s death and disability. The World Health Organization (WHO) defined birth defect as structural or functional abnormalities that are usually seen at birth. It is reported that children who survive and live with birth defect are faced with the increased risk of developing life-long physical, cognitive and social challenges on which medical intervention and other supportive...

Words: 3403 - Pages: 14

Premium Essay

Behavioral Sciences Task 1

...Non-Western Cultures Impacted by Globalization Western Governors University Table of Contents 1. Two Non-western culture impacted by globalization ....................................................1 2. Before and after globalization ........................................................................................1 3. Case study analysis ........................................................................................................2 4. Reference Page ..............................................................................................................3 Non-Western Cultures Impacted by Globalization Globalization in a defined state is the connection of people in different parts of the world; it results in the broadening of cultures, economic growth and political advancements (Dunn, 1989,1993). It can and does lead to a greater independence and mutual awareness among all the people of our world. This paper will focus on two non-Western cultures that have been impacted by Western globalization. The Globalization in China and India China has been impacted by Western globalization in regards to their economy. China has been transformed from a culture that relied on their own self-sufficient economy and refused the thought of Western globalization to becoming more open and acceptable to trade and foreign investments. Women in India have been impacted by Western globalization...

Words: 1307 - Pages: 6

Free Essay

Major Events in Western History

...Western Civilization is a type of civilization which relates to cultures of the western European culture. According to historians Western Civilization emerged between fourth and third thousands BC, “when people in different parts of the world began to live in organized communities with distinct political, military, economic, and social structures” (Judith & Learner, 123-129). Basically, Western Civilization is rich and famous for its progressive development and constant changes in people`s lives. She appeared in ancient Greece and ancient Rome. The first stage of its development, known as "ancient civilization", was marked by the emergence of the core values ​​of Western-type society: the relations of private ownership, private production, market-oriented, the first “government by the people” – democracy, republican form of government. In the early times of Western Civilization the foundations of civil society to ensure individual rights and freedoms were established, as well as socio-cultural system of principles, the mobilization of creativity and development of the individuals (Judith & Learner, 130). There are many significant events that happened in Western Civilization and influenced today`s world, as some of them have significantly affected our modern lifestyle and undoubtedly changed our society. Nevertheless, I think the three major elements that happened in Western Civilization are: The Rise of Christianity, the appearance of Democracy, and the invention of the printing...

Words: 2580 - Pages: 11

Premium Essay

Syncretism

...INDIVIDUAL PROJECT #2 THE ORIGINS OF VERNACUALR LANGUAGES Florie Buerki HUMA215-1301D-01 Professor Laurie Sprankle April 14th 2013 American InterContinental University Abstract The following paper presents a brief history of the Latin language origin, providing a synopsis of the creation of the very first writing method that went through changes and how it spread out the world. In addition and where appropriate, it is indicated how Charlemagne had an influence on the continuity of Latin. Even thought Latin is defined as a dead language and has no real future it has a long history. Latin was commonly used until the twelfth century by educated people, in literature and also in Christian churches in the Roman Empire. Its use went through many changes and took different forms depending on the people using it as a written or spoken purpose and also due to the influences of other surrounding oral communication. (Sayre, 2010) However, Latin was not the first language created by the human being and learning the birth of a written form help to understand where Latin comes from. The very first language was introduced back in 3,000 BC by the very first ancient civilization, the Sumerians. The Sumerians lived in Mesopotamia – modern Southern Iraq – and were an active economical population. Because of a need to record their production and trade was becoming a problem of memory they invented a form of recording using soft clay tablets with the slanted edge...

Words: 1074 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

The Birth of Venus: a Renaissance Marvel

...Europe during the turn of the 14th century. The Renaissance as we call this movement changed the society and culture of Europe. The replacement of medieval ideas with the birth of modern principles changed the whole landscape of Europe and even the world as these ideas would gradually spread to other parts of the globe. It was particularly the Italian Renaissance which instigated these changes. It was when handful of humanists sparked off of what would be the one of the most remarkable revolutions. The Catholic Church started to shift away from being the center of the universe and began to be replaced by ideals such as secularism and individualism; a concept unheard of over the last 1000 years. This Renaissance movement were fueled by the people of Florence more so than any other nation. It was Florence which was the center of Renaissance and where it started off. With the discovery of ancient Roman and Greek manuscripts and art, the prosperous city of Florence soon became a mecca of culture and great achievements. It was in early stages of the Renaissance when the son of a goldsmith, Sandro Botticelli created his most famous works; Primavera and The Birth of Venus. After his death, Botticelli’s masterpieces and his artworks’ importance were obscured and underestimated for nearly 400 years before scholars grasped the importance of his work; primarily Primavera and The Birth of Venus and how it played a vital role in the Renaissance movement. Sandro Botticelli in the courts of the...

Words: 1035 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Teenage Pregnancy

...pregnancy is treated differently in many cultures. A great number of countries, mostly in Asia treat it like a regular thing due to their traditions and peculiarities of the culture. But the Western civilization treats teenage pregnancy like a negative phenomenon, because young people are supposed to study and have normal years of life, without burden and big problems. Unfortunately, teenage pregnancy is quite a frequent thing. Every day we can hear about the cases when a 15-year-old girl has got pregnant and parents do not know what to do. Teenagers are too young to be allowed to get married, and a child commonly lives in single parent family (very often it is difficult to identify the father of the baby). The most common decision of the teenagers and their parents is to get rid of pregnancy. Abortion in such a young age is quite a regular thing nowadays, because a baby is a great responsibility and one can not study and work having it. On the other hand abortion influences the girl’s body badly and it is the next problem. So, the topic is extremely urgent in modern society and nearly every student is asked to prepare a research paper on teenage pregnancy and analyze the problem deeply. Students have to spend much time to discover some cultural aspects and points of view towards teenage pregnancy of different people of the world. They have to brainstorm good methods and solutions how to prevent it. In order to compose a successful paper one has to know how to present data and...

Words: 3038 - Pages: 13

Free Essay

Overpopulation in India

...Overpopulation in India, Causes, consequences, solutions Felipe Benjumea Juan Casares EAS Overpopulation occurs when the number of people living in an area exceeds the limit the area is capable of having. In other words the relationship between the human population and its local environment is unbalanced. This is problematic because as individuals, we rely on a local area for subsistence; therefore, we are limited by the productivity of a given area. If productivity does not meet our demands, nature will be in charge of balancing the scale. However, we as humans are animals of reason. Therefore we are capable, through technology and culture, of living in an area that should, in theory, be unable to support us. And what makes it worst is the fact that, regardless of political (countries) and geographical barriers, we all share a common home called mother earth. Therefore overpopulation affects the individual area suffering from it, and, because of globalization, the rest of the world. However, the countries most affected by extreme population are of course the countries suffering from it. In our world there are many countries, principally, Asian countries that reside under this “deplorable” conditions of overpopulation. To understand overpopulation, it is necessary to analyze the underlying reasons behind it, the consequences of it, and most importantly the solutions for it. Like mentioned above, culturally and geographically, Asian countries are more prone to suffer...

Words: 1458 - Pages: 6