Hinduism And The Child Bearing Process Theology Religion Essay

Hinduism And The Child Bearing Process Theology trust EssayHaving a bollocks up and changing your life with a refreshful be is a very important p artwork of life. Regardless of flori coating and customs, it is a very special process for most mothers, stimulates and families in whole cultures around the world. This essay will look in depth into the ship canal the Hindu culture views tike bearing, infant feeding, post partum beliefs and in prevalent how their beliefs differ from our Canadian modernized culture.Child-bearingThe Hindu religion in itself is a very tight-knit culture, relying a lot on the power of their Gods and determination enormous strength in the faith itself. The squirt-bearing process is no exception. Ceremonies be normally performed during pregnancy to ensure the health of the mother and growing electric shaver (Hindu, 2012). Initially at conception a ceremony called samskar is performed and this involves supplicants of hope that a churl will fulfill the p atomic number 18nts obligation to broaden the human race. thither ar rituals that the father practices with the mother such(prenominal) as the father component part the hair of the pregnant mother cardinal times upward from the trend to the back, this is considerd to assure ripening of the embryo inside. Also, charms may be placed on or around the mother that ward off evil eye and witches and demons.As the pregnancy advances there atomic number 18 a set of prayers that are held during a ceremony to continue the blessings of the mother and tiddler. Between the fourth and one-s pull downth months of pregnancy a ceremony called Simantonnayana is held in which the father combs his wifes hair and expresses his lie with and support for her. Traditionally in the seventh month of pregnancy Hindus fix another ritual that is performed which would be compared to a modernized Canadians version of a bollix up shower, this is called Seemantham. This event is organized by the fam ily members and involves gift-giving and phantasmal rituals. A prayer to fire is recited to sooth the expectant mother. Light instrumental music is played, and it is believed that this will discipline the development of the babys ears (Hindu, 2012).During pregnancy the mother usually assumes a passive usance and follows directions of the trained professionals (Leifer, 2011). During all examinations and the actual birthing process a female couch is usually preferred and they value the teachings of professionals. While the woman is in labour, her head is usually covered and if any examinations are to be do to the mother the husband must always be present.Rituals immediately following(a) the birth of the child are practiced as well. Prior to the acidulated of the umbilical cord, the father may touch the babys lips with a gold spoonful or ring dipped in honey, curds and ghee. The word vak (meaning speech) is whispered three times into the right ear, and mantras (prayers) are chan ted (Leifer, 2011). This ritual is normally called Jatakarma and is viewed as a sacrament or samskar. This ritual is given by the father to welcome and give blessings to ensure a long life, peace and to continue the generation of talent for the young child. After the new born(p) is delivered the sex of the child is not revealed until the placenta is delivered. This information is with-held to delay stress of the mother if the gender of the child is not of her preference until subsequently the placenta is delivered.One of the last rituals in this family unit includes the performance of Namakarana (a ceremony through to name the child). This is held between the tenth and 41st days of life. This particular ceremony marks the childs formal entry into his or her seat of Hinduism. Names are chosen according to astrology (BeliefNet, 2012) and a consultation is done in deciding the name of the child and usually names of Hindu gods or goddess are chosen and preferable. Hindus believe thi s tradition is special and a blessing because you will have an added benefit of retentivity how your child was named.Infant Feedingtypically a newborn baby in the Hindu culture is white meatfed the belief is that by feeding the child breast milk, mothers are worshipped by the Hindu goddess Durga (the mother goddess). It is believed that breast milk is idea to have special powers which are in their unearthly text as the Sushrauta Samhita. These texts also recommend delaying breastfeeding until lawful milk comes in. (McKenna, 2009). avocation religious beliefs a mothers colostrum and prelacteal feeding is discarded. Among or so Hindus colostrums is discarded because of a belief that its thickness and viscosity may be difficult for the newborn to sw stop. Also, there are beliefs that the get-go breast milk is stale or old from being stored in the breasts for the duration of the pregnancy (McKenna, 2009). Mothers ensure that their breasts are washed and all colostrums are discar ded for the first day until the true milk comes in. Hindus also believe that by discarding the colostrum they are distill the tubes of the mothers mammary glands. Prior to the mothers giving their child the true milk, Hindus give prelacteals which their religious beliefs and cultural backgrounds state they are to have positive effects on the babys gastrointestinal and genitourinary systems. Hindus use prelacteals like honey and ghee, which are thought to evacuate meconium, reduce colic and act as a evacuant (McKenna, 2009).When the infant reaches an age of six or seven months an Annaprasana ceremony is performed for the first solid foods. Annaprasanas meaning is anna= rice and prasana= to enter, thus the reasoning why rice is typically the first food given, and is given at this ceremony. The difference of the month for the ceremony depends on the gender of the child. A girl childs ceremony is held on an odd month, while a boys ceremony would be on an even month. When a baby gets s olid food for the first time legion(predicate) prayers are offered to the child. It is believed with Annaprasana that the flaws that arise due to intake of impure food are removed. At the ending of this ceremony distinct articles such as books, fruits, toys and money are spread in front of the child. The baby is allowed to touch these items and it is believed that what the baby touches first will be his interest for rest of its life.Post Partum BeliefsTypically in most Indian cultures after a baby is born there is a lot of family support for the mother and many believe that the baby is to be handled as little as possible to allow its spine to grow normally. For the post partum women sponge baths are usually done (Leifer, 2011) in the Hindu culture. Usually the woman who delivered the child is kept in seclusion for 40 days postpartum (Leifer, 2011). This time of seclusion allows for hold fast of the woman and child and immediate family. After this stick time is love then other f amily, friends and presents are welcomed into the home of the child. A traditional art of painting the skin with Henna is also performed on the woman after having a baby. Hennaing a woman after she gives birth is a traditional way to deter the malevolent spirits that cause disease, depression, and poor cohereing with her infant. The action of applying henna to a mother after childbirth, particularly to her feet, keeps her from acquire up to resume housework. A woman who has henna paste on her feet must let a friend or relative stand by her care for older children, tend the baby, cook and clean. This allows her to regain her strength and bond with her new baby (Cartwright Jones, 2002).Personal ReflectionThe process and importance of having a child in the Hindu religion really intrigues me. Although each culture finds importance and happiness in the process of a new child being welcomed into their family, the Hindu religion has opened my eyes into how special and purposeful this process can be. All the ceremonies and special activities that are done to dramatise this beautiful time in life made me wish some of these special events were incorporated in modernized Canadian cultures. I very believe that having this much culture and religious belief incorporated into having a child makes it even more special.It is very important as a nurse that you take the time and consideration to value all the different areas that cultures around the world celebrate and embrace different parts of life, such as having a baby. As a nurse you must be respectful of each and every persons beliefs and be culturally aware that every person regardless of race, color or culture may aim to embrace this part of life in their own way. It is the responsibility of the nurses and health professionals to make this the best possible experience for them and in turn being respectful to their wishes, regardless if they are different than your own.