Cultural Meanings of Childbirth

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Abstract
This descriptive, ethnographic study focuses on the experience of childbirth for Muslim women living in Jordan. Thirty-two childbearing women were interviewed in the early postpartum weeks. The audiotaped interviews were transcribed and translated. Themes were identified from the rich, narrative data. Motivations for having children, as well as what constitutes the motherhood feeling, were described. Themes also included the importance of relying on God or Allah for support in childbearing and child rearing. A strong sense of the spiritual dimensions of giving birth within women's traditional, religious, and cultural context was identified. Findings from this study provide insight into the meanings of childbirth for Muslim women living in Jordan. These meanings assist nurses in providing culturally competent care.

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