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Childbirth Across Cultures: Research and Practice
Author(s) -
Chalmers Beverley
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
birth
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.233
H-Index - 83
eISSN - 1523-536X
pISSN - 0730-7659
DOI - 10.1111/birt.12000
Subject(s) - childbirth , sociology , psychology , pregnancy , biology , genetics
Countries and cultures differ in their approach to childbirth, as well as in their research practices. This paper examines 10 surveys of women's reports of their labor and birth in seven countries spanning N orth A merica and W estern E urope and E astern E urope. Similarities and differences in practice are highlighted, and the methodological difficulties of conducting research in cross‐cultural settings are examined. This paper discusses innovative and culturally unique perinatal practices that are not revealed by such surveys and stresses the importance of sharing such ideas globally. ( BIRTH 39:4 December 2012)