The Salvadorian Culture and Child-Bearing Beliefs
In El Salvador, there is the belief that the main role of the woman is to give birth and become mothers. The female children are therefore raised knowing that everything they do should be based on giving birth and being good mothers (Yoon &Kim, 2020). They believe in materialism which they constructed out of the religious figure of Mary of Nazareth. According to this spiritual story, Mary was able to give birth in unhealthy and difficult conditions. She also managed to travel immediately after childbirth while escaping for safety despite being in pain. The Salvadorian culture, therefore, believes that delivery should be difficult, and the mother should be able to endure the pain. They also believe that the sole role of the woman is to give birth and ensure that the child is healthy and taken care of. The life of the child is always prioritized first, not considering the health of the mother. For this reason, there are a lot of teenage pregnancies, most of which are due to rape. Abortion is also illegal, even if the health of the mother is at risk. There is an example of two mothers who were served thirty years sentences for having accidental miscarriages.
The pregnant women in El Salvador are mainly advised by midwives and older women who have already experienced childbirth. They are considered knowledgeable and well experienced on childbirth issues. Giving birth at home with the assistance of a midwife is common in El Salvador. Expectant mothers are taught what they are supposed to do and what to expect. There are specific foods and drinks they are advised to take to ensure the baby grows healthy. The women who have already given birth tell the expectant mothers stories on childbirth and how to raise the children. During pregnancy and the birthing process, some cultures are followed. A midwife assists the expectant mothers due to lack of availability of health centres in most areas. The gender of the baby is determined by looking at the nature of the pregnancy or the behaviour of the mother. It is usually difficult to detect complications earlier on in the pregnancy, making the childbirth process risky for both the mother and the child. Abortion is not allowed even if the health of the mother is at risk (Yoon & Kim, 2020). The expectant mothers mostly give birth while in traditional positions such as squatting or while standing up. They believe this ensures that the baby is born quickly and safer. During the childbirth, the mother is supported by the midwife and other older women to ensure safe delivery.
The situation on pregnancy and birth in El Salvador is different from that of America. The main difference is that in America, childbirth is mainly done in hospitals, and this is widely encouraged. It is because it is easier to handle any complications that may arise when the process takes place in the hospital. Those who do give birth at home in America do so with the assistance of a doctor or nurse. During the pregnancy period, the expectant mother is advised and given supplements to aid in the healthy growth of the infant. The pregnant mother also visits the hospital regularly for a checkup to ensure the pregnancy is safe and to detect any complications early enough. In America, it is possible to see the gender of the baby earlier on during the pregnancy through the use of modern technology such as Ultrasound. In America, abortion is allowed if the health of the mother is at risk. The mother has the option of deciding on whether or not she desires to push through with the pregnancy. Abortion is legal in America, and therefore there is no penalty for women who choose to abort their pregnancies. The health system in America is more advanced due to the laws and technologies, and therefore the whole process is made easier for expectant mothers (Caughney& Cheyney, 2019).
References
Caughney, .B.,& Cheyney, M.( 2019). Home and Birth Centre Births in the United States: time for greater collaboration across models of care.Obstetrics & Gynecology,133(5),1033-1050
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Yoon, H.,&Kim, C.S.(2020).Maternity Waiting Home and Maternal Mortality Ratio in El Salvador