The Art Of Birth Across The Globe

Nicky Manson, mom of two, discovers there is a whole other world of labour practices out there

In South Africa, it is the norm to give birth in a hospital bed. We may have a C-section or we may choose natural delivery. However, in more recent years, there has been a conscious move towards more natural and holistic birth practices. Water has replaced the bed, midwives or doulas have replaced the gynae and meditation has replaced the meds.

Women want to be in touch with themselves and their baby before, during and after the birth – but what about dad? It’s interesting to note that men were not allowed in the hospital room during labour and birth until about 50 years ago. Today’s dad is present by holding his wife’s hand in the labour ward, the theatre or even jumping into the water bath. All in all, there is nothing unusual in our labour and birth methods, but further afield lies a host of unsual and unique practices. While the elements of labour like contractions, dilation and pain are universal, a woman’s labour and birth experience is very much influenced by her culture and religion.

POSITION