Adherence to traditional Indian customs surrounding birth.
Customs traditionally followed by Indian women during pregnancy, birth and early parenthood have been documented. An exploratory investigation of the extent to which some of these traditional beliefs, customs and practices are currently adhered to was undertaken by interviewing Indian mothers living in Johannesburg and its environs about 3 months after delivery. Results indicate that while some traditional customs are still adhered to by most Indian women, others are not so strictly followed. Since most customs relate to activities conducted at home rather than while in hospital for delivery, medical care would not be expected to influence their practice.
Department of Psychology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg.
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B
Chalmers
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Meyer
D000328:Adult; D003431:Cross-Cultural Comparison; D003469:Culture; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007194:India / Q000208:ethnology; D007743:Labor, Obstetric / Q000208:ethnology; D009321:Natural Childbirth; D011247:Pregnancy / Q000208:ethnology*; D012068:Religion and Medicine; D013019:South Africa; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires