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Asian Mothers, Western Birth

Antenatal & Birthing Beliefs & Practices of Cambodian Women

Type: eChapter
Book Title:	Asian Mothers, Western Birth
Chapter:	3
This education is:	eligible for CPD

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Chapter 3: Antenatal and Birthing Beliefs and Practices of Cambodian Women

Overview

This chapter provides information on beliefs and practices of Cambodian women in relation to birthing and antenatal care and how these affect their lifestyle when living in a new country with a different health care system. It also aims to promote sensitivity and understanding among health care providers.

Differences in cultural expectations and values between clients and service providers may have an effect on the utilisation of health care among clients as well as on the provision of health care among service providers. As Sargent and Marcucci (1988: 79) said:

Because the beliefs, attitudes and practices of pregnant Khmer (Cambodian) women differ from those of clinical staff who provide them with prenatal care, it is neeessary to appreciate, explore and document the cultural meanings and social relationships that shape the health care system.

The information provided in this chapter is partly based on the author's personal experience as a Cambodian woman as well as on work experience in community health with Cambodians in Melbourne.

Although the beliefs and practices of the women vary — depending on where they were brought up, on their educational level and on their age/generation — many of them share common experiences and knowledge which they receive from their parents and older relatives.

Speaker/ Author:

LEVISEDA BUN DOUGLAS

Leviseda was born in Cambodia. She is married with one son. She fled Cambodia in 1979 and stayed in refugee camps in Thailand from 1979 till 1983. During her stay in those camps, she worked in the hospital and nutrition department where she had many contacts with Cambodian families and had the opportunity to learn about their pattern of health care practices and beliefs.

Leviseda came to Australia in 1983 where she undertook a three-year ethnic studies course. For seven years after she completed her studies, she was employed by various community health centres in Melbourne as a community health worker. One of her major roles was to organise and conduct cross-cultural training for staff. During that period she also did extensive work with ethnic communities, especially the Cambodian community. At present Leviseda is employed as a broadcaster with the Cambodian Service of Radio Australia, one of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation networks. One of her major roles is to produce and present health features on a weekly basis. Her research interests are in the area of health care and education.

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