title: Childbearing traditions of Indian women at home and abroad: An integrative literature review.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The percentage of overseas-born mothers giving birth in Australia has increased to 31.5% in 2012 and Indian women represent 10% (the highest proportion). It is important for midwives in Australia to be aware of the childbearing traditions of Indian women and how these influence Indian women birthing in Australia.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To explore childbearing practices in India and Indian women's experience of giving birth abroad; and to discuss the relevant findings for midwives working with Indian women in Australia.
  
  
  METHODS
  An integrative literature review was employed. 32 items, including 18 original research articles were thematically reviewed to identify commonly occurring themes relating to Indian women's childbearing traditions.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Five themes relating to traditional childbearing practices of women birthing in India were identified. These themes included diversity and disparity; social context of childbirth and marriage; diet based on Ayurveda; pollution theory and confinement; and finally, rituals and customs.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Indian women giving birth abroad and by implication in Australia experience a transition to motherhood in a new culture. While adjusting to motherhood, they are also negotiating between their old and new cultural identities. To provide culturally safe care, it is essential that midwives reflect on their own culture while exploring what traditions are important for Indian women.
authors.affiliation: 380 Ashley Gorge Rd, R.D.1, Oxford 7495, New Zealand. Electronic address: young.oak.wells@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Young-Oak
authors.initials: YO
authors.lastname: Wells
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, Midwifery and Indigenous Health, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia.
authors.forename: Elaine
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Dietsch
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001315:Australia / Q000453:epidemiology; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D003469:Culture; D036861:Delivery, Obstetric; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior / Q000208:ethnology*; D006801:Humans; D007194:India / Q000208:ethnology; D007743:Labor, Obstetric / Q000208:ethnology*; D008880:Midwifery / Q000379:methods*; D009035:Mothers; D036801:Parturition / Q000208:ethnology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D037841:Pregnant People / Q000523:psychology*
keywords: Childbirth; Cultural safety; India; Midwifery; Traditions