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Childbirth Across Cultures pp 175–184Cite as

Pregnancy, Childbirth and Traditional Beliefs and Practices in Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand

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Part of the book series: Science Across Cultures: the History of Non-Western Science ((SACH,volume 5))

Abstract

Childbearing in any society is a biological event, but the birth experience is also socially constructed. It takes place within a cultural context and is shaped by the perceptions and practices of that culture (Steinberg 1996 Liamputtong Rice 2000a, b Liamputtong 2007a, b). Therefore, there are many beliefs and practices relating to the childbearing process that the woman and her family must observe to ensure the health and wellbeing of not only herself but also that of her newborn infant (Steinberg 1996 Jordan 1997 Liamputtong Rice 2000a, b Liamputtong 2007a, b).

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia

    Pranee Liamputtong

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  1. Pranee Liamputtong
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Correspondence to Pranee Liamputtong .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Hampshire College, West St 893, Amherst, 01002, U.S.A.

    Helaine Selin

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Liamputtong, P. (2009). Pregnancy, Childbirth and Traditional Beliefs and Practices in Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand. In: Selin, H. (eds) Childbirth Across Cultures. Science Across Cultures: the History of Non-Western Science, vol 5. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-90-481-2599-9_15

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