MATERNITY CARE


expected to be present during the birth of a son, even if in modern times many choose to do so, while Indian women often seek advice from their mother- in-law in preparation for birth and will follow the pregnancy rituals she describes. Where the birth takes place usually determines the amount and type of support offered to a woman. For example, those who give birth in hospital are usually supported by nurses, where some express dissatisfaction with the lack of physical touch and comfort. At home, where most deliveries occur, women are supported by the ‘wise women’ of the family and the decision on where the birth takes place is made by the woman’s father or brother. In some parts of Africa, there is a ritual


feast during childbirth and the mother to be is surrounded by gifts. In other areas, the sun is not allowed to touch the newborn or there are instruments made of bamboo cane and decorated with feathers, which the women blow into until the child is born. Women may attend the closest hospital where they are accompanied by their children or another older woman, a relative, midwives or health workers. An example of a space dedicated to childbirth that respects the local culture is the Nurse Celina Villacrez Ruiz


Maternity Centre in Tabatinga, interior of Manaus – Amazonas. The intention here was to provide a more welcoming environment for mothers from indigenous communities who often prefer to have their children in their villages instead of travelling to health facilities and do not follow prenatal care, increasing the risk of child mortality. Customs that relate to ethnicity or


culture directly affect feelings of privacy, shelter, comfort, tranquility and safety for pregnant women and should be considered in the design of spaces where women give birth. The aim should be: l to allow the woman to choose who should be present during labour, delivery and immediately after birth


l to ensure the environment is comfortable and effective for observation and assessment before, during and after the birth


l offer privacy to the woman and her companion/s before, during and after the birth.


Adequate care at the time of childbirth is a fundamental right of every woman. Culture, history and personal experiences as well as the health system and the environment will determine the experience of each individual woman at this time.


References 1 Helman CG. Culture, health and disease. Porto Alegre: Medical Arts Cap 4, p70-99.


2 Figueiredo B, Costa R, Pacheco A. Childbirth experience: some factors and associated consequences. Análise Psicológica 2002; 2: 203-17.


3 Sopa MJP. (2009) Representations and Practices of Maternity in a Multicultural and Migratory Context. Dissertation. Open University, Lisbon.


4 Isehard ARM et al. Cultural practices for the care of new mothers in the south of Brazil. Esc Anna Nery Rev Enferm 2009; 13 (1): 116-22.


5 Bezerra MGA, Cardoso MVLML. Cultural factors that interfere with women’s experiences during labour and delivery. Latin Am J Nurs 2006; 14 (3): 414-21.


6 Malard ML. (1993) The Objects of Daily Life and Ambience. School of Architecture of Federal University of Minas Gerais – UFMG: Proceedings of the 2nd Meeting of Comfort in the Built Environment, Florianópolis. p360.


7 Von Hartenthal MW, Ono MM. Perceived space: searching for a conceptual definition. Arquitetura Revista 2011; 7 (1): 2-8.


IFHE


8 Braga. Cross cultural nursing and the beliefs, values and practices of gypsy people. Nursing School Magazine of the University of São Paulo 1997; 31 (3): 498-516.


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