Hawaii's Birthing Crisis
How it Effects Teens and their Health
Hawaiian Birthing Practices
GALLERY
Room For Improvment
Celebration of Life
The relationship dynamics between a mother and her community are important. In the old days, Hawaiians believed that the more love and support a mother was given during pregnancy and especially birth, the more loving a mother she would become. Essentially each child was wanted and therefore each pregnancy was welcomed. Every birth was accompanied by a gathering with food and music, a true birthday party so to speak. The community celebrated the new parents and baby with elaborate ceremonies and feasts indicating that they we’re a part of the larger picture and we’re assured an important role in the community.
Often times, teens are rarely emotionally, financially, and physically prepared to take care of infants. Late or no prenatal care can further complicate matters.In the old days, Hawaiian’s had excellent prenatal care and while no one knows how often complications arose it is certain that today there is room for improvement. Healthy Hawaii 2010 report states that compared to other ethnicities in Hawaii, native Hawaiians represent the highest percent of most negative factors associated with pregnancy and birth. Hawaiians have the highest percent of late prenatal care, teen pregnancies and births, infant mortality, and infant deaths associated with low birth weight (Neiss).
Hawaiian Birthing Practices
Malama 'o Wahi noho like o ka po'e​