H A Bawadi1, Z Al-Hamdan2. 1. Maternal and Child Health Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan. 2. Community and Mental Health Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan.
Abstract
AIMS: To determine the cultural and religious beliefs and practices about childbirth among Jordanian women and to indicate how these beliefs and practices can be integrated into the maternity care of Muslim women in general, especially those immigrating to Western countries. BACKGROUND: The physiology of childbirth is similar for all women worldwide, but the surroundings in which it takes place makes it a unique experience for each woman. Every society has cultural practices and beliefs related to childbirth, and what is considered to be a vital practice in one culture may be seen as insignificant in another. METHODS: A qualitative research design with an interpretative phenomenological approach was used to conduct semi-structured, audiotaped interviews with nine Jordanian mothers. RESULTS: Five main themes identified: childbearing is a blessing of Allah, a time for special maternal care, a time for maternal self-renewal, a time for maternal spiritual purification and a time to prepare for the sacrifices of motherhood. DISCUSSION: The findings reflected the sensitivity of the grace of God in all the interviews, illustrating the permeating influence of religious beliefs on traditional Jordanian childbirth practices. POLICY IMPLICATIONS: In planning policies, health services globally should acknowledge the diverse need of migrant women during childbirth, in order to gain women's trust in maternity services. To offer sensitive care, nurses need to address mothers' cultural and spiritual needs and meet these needs respectfully. CONCLUSIONS: To improve the childbearing experience, maternity staff should consider these themes to help build trust with mothers based on an appreciation of their spiritual and cultural beliefs.
AIMS: To determine the cultural and religious beliefs and practices about childbirth among Jordanian women and to indicate how these beliefs and practices can be integrated into the maternity care of Muslim women in general, especially those immigrating to Western countries. BACKGROUND: The physiology of childbirth is similar for all women worldwide, but the surroundings in which it takes place makes it a unique experience for each woman. Every society has cultural practices and beliefs related to childbirth, and what is considered to be a vital practice in one culture may be seen as insignificant in another. METHODS: A qualitative research design with an interpretative phenomenological approach was used to conduct semi-structured, audiotaped interviews with nine Jordanian mothers. RESULTS: Five main themes identified: childbearing is a blessing of Allah, a time for special maternal care, a time for maternal self-renewal, a time for maternal spiritual purification and a time to prepare for the sacrifices of motherhood. DISCUSSION: The findings reflected the sensitivity of the grace of God in all the interviews, illustrating the permeating influence of religious beliefs on traditional Jordanian childbirth practices. POLICY IMPLICATIONS: In planning policies, health services globally should acknowledge the diverse need of migrant women during childbirth, in order to gain women's trust in maternity services. To offer sensitive care, nurses need to address mothers' cultural and spiritual needs and meet these needs respectfully. CONCLUSIONS: To improve the childbearing experience, maternity staff should consider these themes to help build trust with mothers based on an appreciation of their spiritual and cultural beliefs.