Cultural Differences in Defining Normal Labor and Delivery.

CHILDBIRTH at home; BIRTHING centers; CESAREAN section; CHILDBIRTH; DELIVERY (Obstetrics); HEALTH services accessibility; EVALUATION of medical care; MEDICAL care use; MIDWIVES; PREGNANCY; PREGNANT women; MIDWIFERY; HOSPITAL maternity services; CULTURAL values; INTRAPARTUM care; PATIENT decision making

Normal birth is a physiologic event closely intertwined with culture. This article describes cultural differences in mode and place of delivery and choice of birth attendants for childbearing women. National rates of cesarean versus vaginal birth vary significantly. Establishing maternity waiting homes in rural areas and obtaining care from trained birth attendants are needed to ensure the safety of the mother and newborn during birth. Promoting normal birth requires integrating the sociocultural factors that effect a woman's choice of mode and place for birth and choice of birth attendants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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