This paper has summarized a sampling of observations by many social scientists and physicians who have viewed the practices of people in traditional cultures. There has been no intent to point out what is natural or ideal. Rather, it is hoped that the examples of practices different than our own will emphasize the varied ways in which the birthing and feeding processes have been approached. Today we need to make use of the contributions of social science and history to see our own traditions and rituals in context and be open to explore new and old avenues for mothers, fathers. and babies at the time of birth.
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Address correspondence to: Mary Ellen Stanton, C.N.M., CIO R.C. Munsche, 77 East Andrews Drive. Apt. 351, Atlanta, Georgia 30305.
1 Mary Ellen Stanton holds an A.B. in Sociology and Anthropology from Oberlin College, a B.S. in Nursing from Columbia University, and an M.S.N. in Maternal-Child Nursing from the University of Illinois. She has practiced midwifery in the Ivory Coast, West Africa and has interviewed a traditional Ebrié midwife. She presently holds a joint appointment as staff nurse-midwife at Cook County Hospital, Chicago, and instructor in the Nurse-Midwifery Program at the University of Illinois.
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