Perinatl considerations for Chaldean Patients?

Specialties Ob/Gyn

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I am a student currently in my OB rotation. I am a presentation on Nursing considerations, implications, diagnosis, and intervention specific to Chaldean mothers. I have consulted the almighty Google and turned up nothing. I have also searched extensively though all the journal data bases and libraries in my area. Unfortunately there doesn't seem to be much publicated about the Chaldean culture. If you are Chaldean, know someone who is Chaldean, or regularly treat Chaldean women Perinataly, and could answer any of the following questions I would be greatly appreciative!

1. What is the role of religion in childbirth? Are there any special rituals performed during birth to the mother, or afterbirth to the newborn?

2. What is the the role of the father during and after birth? Is he present during birth? Is it thought to be a woman's domain? Does he assume care of the infant too?

3. Are there any special Antepartum, intrapartum, or postpartum health practices? Are there any health practices that are newborn related?

4. How important is breastfeeding in the chaldean culture? Is feeding withheld until the milk comes in?

5. How important are grandparents to the birth experience?

6. Is there a major clash between western medical birth practices and cultural practices?

7. Will a male nurse or doctor be tolerated to perform exams during labor?

As a L&Dt nurse in San Diego CA with a large Chaldean population this is my experience:

Immediately after delivery the mother often does not hold child but other female relative take child. Focus is more on mother (took some getting used to for me)

Fathers are very "hands off" and don't often hold child right away, he is present but often not very involved.

Most Chaldeans are Christian so they have no diet restrictions or do not object to male nurses or MDs are exams are fine.

Most do breast feed but not for a few hours. Epidurals are common

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