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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Kiran Regmi, MD, MSc, MA, PhD, Center for Popolation and Development, Harvard Universty, 9 Bow Street, Cambridge, MA 02138, 917 459 6381, kregmi@hsph.harvard.edu

One of the greatest health challenges faced by a developing nation like Nepal is the high death rate associated with childbirth, ranking it among the highest in the world. This article re-examines the birthing process in Nepal in its cultural context in order to look for alternative models of birthing which might provide greater access to suitable care, and to reduce adverse outcomes for women and children. The dichotomy between “traditional birthing” and modern medical obstetric care contributes to women's alienation from seeking care. This dichotomy prevents technical and cultural exchanges between traditional birthing attendants and medical staff. We propose alternative models for care which harmonize traditional and modern clinical approaches and enfranchise women with safer and more acceptable outcomes.

Learning Objectives:

• In the end of the presentation the audiance could appreciate the importance of family and community support in childbirth.
• Chilbirth is a not merely a physical process, but is a cultural, mental and spirutial

Keywords: Community Health Centers, Family Involvement

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered