The Manner Born: Birth Rites in Cross-Cultural Perspective [Paperback]

Lauren Dundes (Editor), Niles Newton (Contributor), Michael Newton (Contributor), Wenda R. Trevathan (Contributor), James J. McKenna (Contributor), Sheila Cosminsky (Rutgers University (Contributor), Brian Bates (Contributor), Allison Newman Turner (Contributor), Elaine Jones & Margarita A. Kay (Contributor), Thomas R. Forbes (Contributor), Lenore Manderson (Contributor), Arthur Niehoff (Contributor), Natalie Meister (Contributor), Cecil Slome (Contributor), Ruth Benedict (Contributor), Daniel G. Freedman (Contributor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0759102651 | ISBN-13: 978-0759102651 | Publication Date: March 25, 2003

This essential collection on maternal and child health focuses on the rites of giving birth from a cross-cultural perspective. The distinguished list of contributors describe the many customs surrounding birth through infancy, highlighting a wide range of variation in practices across cultures. They discuss attitudes and techniques in childbirth, the interaction between human evolutionary form and birthing procedures, the influence of societal factors that differentiate Western from non-Western maternal birthing positions, and the art of midwifery. Also treated are less well-known areas of birthing such as the imagery of birthing, placenta rituals, and popular beliefs about the amniotic membrane called a caul. In addition, the authors explore the humoral medical tradition used in birthing, the possible influence of cultural practices on Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), customs and beliefs regarding breastfeeding, weaning, swaddling, and finally a sociobiological perspective on early infant behavior. This book will be valuable for courses in medical sociology and anthropology, public health or behavioral sciences, psychology and psychiatry, and for pre-med students.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Lauren Dundes is associate professor of sociology at McDaniel College. She teaches sociology, criminology and criminal justice, and medical sociology.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Altamira Press (March 25, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0759102651
• ISBN-13: 978-0759102651
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,794,007 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)