HINDU CHILDBEARING WOMEN 2
The Culture Beliefs and Practices of
Hindu Childbearing Women Nurse's have a major role in providing safe and evidence-based care to promote optimal birth outcomes for all women. Maternity nurse's have a responsibility to be aware of the array of childbirth traditions practiced in America's societies. Although childbirth occurs in every culture, in each culture there are unique meanings and customs associated with pregnancy, childbirth, and neonatal period (Lewallen, 2011, p. 4). Because childbearing women cope with the stress of pregnancy and birth, as well as making the psychosocial and physical adaptations to motherhood, culturally diverse women particularly need expert, culturally sensitive nursing care (Corbett and Callister, 2012, p. 299). Hinduism is the world's oldest known religion, having been practiced over 8000 years as evidenced by ancient Hindu scriptures and is the largest Asian religion in the United States (Thrane, 2010, p. 337; Hodge, 2004, p.27). Without knowledge of Hindu child bearing woman’s practices and traditions effective nursing care is impeded and their cultural differences may affect patient-nurse interaction. To develop and improve culturally sensitive nursing care, interventions, and outcomes, it is important to explore woman’s beliefs and practices in regards to pregnancy, labor, delivery, and the neonatal period. In the United States, East Indians may feel a need to conform to Western culture; however, in general, they maintain the traditional cultural practices of their ancestors (Mahat, 1998, p. 156). Thus, the importance of this paper is to gain understanding and provide culturally sensitive care to the many Hindu childbearing women and their families residing in the United States.