M3 Discussion ANTH Responses

Respond to each classmate's post. Netiquette – Always express viewpoints, disagreements, alternative views or questions in a courteous, respectful way. Take a leadership role in discussions and actively extend help to others 1. Darla Walker posted: In Midwives: A Global Perspective on Childbirth (2003), the Netherlands, Mexico, and Tanzania show different approaches to childbirth based on cultural, legal, and religious factors, as well as gender roles, sexuality, reproductive responsibilities, and medical technology. In the Netherlands, midwifery is legally supported, allowing women the option of home births, reflecting trust in both traditional methods and modern medical systems. In Mexico, traditional midwives (parteras) operate in rural areas, often outside formal legal frameworks, providing care heavily influenced by Catholic rituals. In Tanzania, midwives work in rural areas with limited government support, relying on traditional practices rooted in spiritual beliefs due to weak healthcare infrastructure. In the Netherlands, gender roles are more progressive, with women having autonomy over childbirth choices. Reproductive roles are seen as a shared responsibility. In Mexico and Tanzania, traditional gender roles dominate, with women primarily responsible for childbirth and childcare. In both cultures, sexuality is closely tied to motherhood, and male involvement in childbirth is minimal, especially in rural areas. The Netherlands integrates modern medical technology with midwifery, offering women both home births and access to advanced medical interventions if needed. In contrast, Mexico and Tanzania have limited access to healthcare and medical technology, particularly in rural areas. Midwives in these regions often rely on traditional knowledge, increasing risks during complicated deliveries. While midwives play a key role in childbirth across the Netherlands, Mexico, and Tanzania, the level of legal and medical support varies widely. The Netherlands balances midwifery with modern healthcare, whereas Mexico and Tanzania face challenges due to limited legal recognition and access to medical technology. These differences reflect broader societal attitudes toward gender, sexuality, and reproductive roles. Berghammer, K. (Director). (2003). Midwives: A Global Perspective on Childbirth. 2. Zahava Ross posted: In the video Midwives: A Global Perspective on Childbirth (Berghammer, 2003), childbirth practices in the United States, Guatemala, and Ghana portray several differences and similarities shaped by cultural, legal, and religious factors. In the U.S., childbirth is highly medicalized, relying on hospitals and technology, and while gender roles are more egalitarian, women still have a lot of reproductive responsibility. Decisions are made by the individual, with a focus on medical tools like epidurals and c-sections. In contrast, Guatemala’s childbirth practices, especially in rural and Indigenous communities, are rooted in tradition, with midwives playing central roles and childbirth happening in homes, and without medical technology. Here, gender roles are more traditional, and reproductive responsibilities are community-centered, with religious and cultural rituals influencing childbirth. Similarly, in Ghana, midwives are essential in rural childbirth, with traditional practices and limited medical technologies, though government efforts are increasing access to modern healthcare. Gender roles in Ghana are traditional, with childbirth seen as mostly a woman’s responsibility, shaped by religious and cultural beliefs. Both Guatemala and Ghana have less access to medical technology compared to the U.S., highlighting the differences between traditional practices and the need for modern healthcare. Berghammer, S. (Director). (2003). Midwives: A global perspective on childbirth. [Film]. Berkeley Media.