Birth

I thought that I would research the birth traditions and rituals of the Native American culture. I am Native American and thought this was the perfect opportunity to not only learn more about other birthing rituals but my own culture as well.

"The Navajo view of pregnancy is as a state of wellness and everything that the expectant mother does is for the well being of the fetus and the mother. She is to exercise and do chores but nothing heavy. She is not to be around anyone or thing that is dead or even go to funerals. A Ceremony called the Blessingway is done by a holy man. This puts the mother and baby in tune with the Holy people and causes balance. All mothers are expected to breast feed their children so that the child will not take on the nature of the animal.The umbilical cord and placenta are buried near home so the child will always return home. The placenta also was buried next to objects of the profession the parents hoped that the child would become. Sometimes it was given to the grandmother to discard. Or it could be buried in the fire of by the Hogan to ward off evil spirits. The child is introduced into the community with a baby shower and a Blessingway ceremony" (Grice, 2002). 
 

Grice, L. (2002). Indigenous birthing rituals. Retrieved from http://www.chatham.edu/pti/curriculum/units/2002/Grice.pdf