The Childbearing Practices Of Turkey - 3703 Words

Running head: CHILDBEARING PRACTICES IN TURKEY 1 CHILDBEARING PRACTICES IN TURKEY 12 Childbearing practices in Turkey Caroline Sonbay University of Michigan - Flint Childbearing practices in Turkey Today?s society is a global community. More and more people are immigrating to different countries including the United States. As a result, nurses must become competent in providing care to numerous cultures. Nurses must strive to become competent in understanding the values, beliefs, and health care expectations of the communities and cultures they are serving. Dr. Leininger?s Theory of Culture Care Diversity and Universality has given nursing a framework and a model that continue to guide†¦show more content†¦?Childbearing is a time of transition and social celebration of central importance in any society, signaling a realignment of existing cultural roles and responsibilities, psychological and biologic states, and social relationships? (Andrews, Boyle, Andrews, 2012, p. 92). The focus of my paper is the childbearing practice for the Turkish culture, focusing on pre-natal care, birthing practices and customs, and post-partum care. Turkey is a country that has a deep rich history that is filled with traditions, customs and superstitions. Superstitions in Turkey apply to all aspects of their life, but have a huge part in pregnancy and child birth. Turks love babies and believe that each life renews hope for the culture and the Turkish family as well. In Turkey, every birth is a source of great joy not only for the parents, but also for relatives, friends and the community. ?Every birth increases the number of family members, and increased number have always meant increased strength? (Republic of Turkey Ministry of Culture and Tourism, 2015). Although Turkey is in many ways modern and Western, the Islamic tendencies are very strong. The primary religion practiced in Turkey is Muslim so the majority of birth practices are related to beliefs from that religion. Pre-natal and pre-birth practices Turkish people are very generous and believe in giving gifts to show respect, appreciation and admiration. They do not have traditional baby showers