The Impact of Culture on

Pregnancy in Jamaica
Elizabeth Chang-Saito
NURS320
10/13/2014

Kultcha
Most Jamaicans are of Yoruban descent and have customs that
can be traced back to West Africa
Traditionally, folk customs and superstitions have permeated
into most aspects of Jamaican life. These beliefs cause
Jamaicans to be particularly sensitive to blood, bodily fluids
and various internal components of the human anatomy.
It is generally believed that females are unclean during
menstruation and that mothers and babies are susceptible to
duppies or evil spirits who can harm both mother and child.
Medicine is one of the strongest areas of superstition and
many Jamaicans will self-medicate and exhaust every possible
home remedy before seeking professional medical assistance.

Jamaican Pregnancy
Superstitions
Pregnant women are encouraged to not feel sorry for
anyone or anything because sympathizing will cause the
baby to suffer the same affliction.
If a pregnant women wants anything to eat, she must
have it, or the baby will be marked. In addition, if a
pregnant woman asks you for food, you are obligated to
give it to her or you will be responsible for the babys
birth mark.
Pregnant women are not allowed to look at anything dead
or ugly.

The
Westernization of
Jamaican
Obstetrics
- Today, most children are
born in hospitals
- Prenatal and Postpartum
activities are beginning to
conform to western
medical guidelines.
- However, many Jamaicans
keep a deep connection with
the spirit world and
continue traditional birth and
child rearing practices.

Antepartum
Most women do not seek prenatal care
Utilize midwives or Nanas
Ganja, or Cannabis in the form of a tea or tonic is
used to alleviate symptoms of nausea and stress
during an entire pregnancy.
Dr. Melanie Dreher Study

Laboring woman are massaged with castor oil

Thyme tea is given to hasten the birth and expel
the placenta
To help with labor pains, the Nana will have the
mother blow into an empty bottle and place and
open pair of scissors under the mattress to Cut
the Pain.
Open bible displayed to prepare for labor
The nana will wash her face with white rum and
drink a shot of it to protect her vision because
witnessing a birth can cause blindness.

Men + Laboring
Men are not involved in the labor process
Women are viewed as unclean during pregnancy.
Men who come into close contact with pregnant
women will become weak and unable to work or form
an erection.

Jamaican men prefer to think of a vagina as

unscathed and do not want to see vaginal births
Even after birth, Jamaican men remain distant for
several days.

After Birth.
Following delivery, mother and child are isolated for 8 days, during which time
it is believed that mothers have an increased susceptibility to spiritual harm
and physical dangers due to childbirth.
Until day 8, a childs fate and personality/soul is not fully formed. If a child
died during this period, it was believed that an evil spirit had arrived.
For three months, the woman is not allowed to bathe or wash her hair because
it is said that her pores were open, making her very susceptible to colds.
A special broom used to sweep the mothers room
A charm or strong smelling substance was used to protect the baby
The baby was washed in cold water with rum and a coin given by the father.
Later, the water and coin would be buried in the yard along with the after birth.
The umbilical cord is not allowed to fall on ground

Navel-String Tree
3 days after babys birth, placenta and umbilical
cord were planted. A young tree was planted in
the same spot.
If damaged or destroyed, child was compensated
If the property sold, a new tree was to be planted
for the child by the new owner

To Breastfeed, or Not
to.
Lack of knowledge on exclusive breastfeeding
According to World Health Organization (WHO), Exclusive breastfeeding is
an infants consumption of breast milk without supplementation of any other
food or liquids including water for the first six months of a childs life.

Most Jamaican mothers dont practice breastfeeding because they

feel it goes against their belief of baby requiring water or tea.
According to some studies, as much as 90 percent of Jamaican mothers are
unfamiliar with excusive breastfeeding and 80 percent of Jamaican mothers
introduce supplemental foods such as tea, formula, porridge and Irish potatoes
between one and three both of birth.

Jamaican health care professionals are generally misinformed about the

nutritional needs of infants or do not believe in the benefits of
breastfeeding.
In addition, many Jamaican women believe in superstitions about
breastfeeding.

Jamaican Myths
Surrounding Breastfeeding
Infants need bush tea to clear their stomach in the
mornings
Babies need water to quench their thirst
Mothers do not produce enough milk, hence the
reason for additional food.
Extensive breastfeeding will give the mothers
slipper titties
A mother should not breastfeed if she has a cold

Things to Think About When

Caring for the Jamaican Patient
Acknowledgement of an individuals presence is important. Before
any professional or social interaction, Jamaicans begin interactions
with a Good Morning, or How are you doing today? Absence of
the greeting implies a failure of interest in the well being of the
individual.
The titles of Miss, Mr., Mrs., or Doctor before ones names are
important and is based on respect for each other
Jamaicans are very proud and will go to great lengths to maintain
their dignity; they remain stoic even in times of distress
Privacy is highly valued
Appointments should be made as convenient as possible because
Jamaicans have a strong work ethic and will miss an appointment
before missing work

Some of the
Famous AND from Jamaica

Sources:
Davidson, M. (1998, August 5). Jamaicans.com. Retrieved October 5, 2014, from Jamaican
Culture: www.jamaicans.com/culture/intro/beliefs.shtml
Gibson, M. J. (2013, December 2). High Times. Retrieved October 5, 2014, from Cannabis
Okay for Pregnant Women?: www.hightimes.com/read/cannabis-okay-pregnat-women
Long, D. (2013, April 23). Prezi. Retrieved October 5, 2014, from OB culture day:
www.prezi.com/v1l8tkhakqee/ob-culture-day/
Mundle, T. (2009, December 14). Jamaica Observer. Retrieved October 5, 2014, from All
Woman Push for exclusive breastfeeding:
www.jamaicaobserver.com/magazines/allwoman/push-for-exclusive-breastfeeding
Scarlett, C. (2011, September 25). Navelgazing Midwife. Retrieved October 5, 2014, from
Jamaican Birth:
www.navelgazingmidwife.squaresqace.com/navelgazing-midwife-blog/2011/9/25/gues-pos
t-jamaicanbirth.html
Tortello, R. (2006, May 2). Jamaica Gleaner. Retrieved October 5, 2014, from A time to Live
Jamaican Birth rituals: www.jamaica-gleaner.com/pages/history/story0079.html