Contemporary childbirth practices in Nepal: improving outcomes

Nepal has one of the highest infant and maternal mortality rates in the world, second only to parts of Africa. Using in-depth interviews, fifteen postpartum mothers and eight mothers-in- law were interviewed to examine current cultural, social and contextual birthing process in Nepal. Analysis of this qualitative data through a grounded theory approach identified the dichotomy between 'traditional birthing' and modern medical obstetric care. This dichotomy limits technical, social and cultural collaborative birthing practices between the many traditional birthing attendants and medical staff. The emerging themes suggest other approaches for childbirth care; bringing harmony to traditional as well as modern clinical approaches. The outcomes of this study hope to enfranchise women with safer and more acceptable birthing experiences and outcomes not only in Nepal but also in other developing countries.