Birth and 'bonding' in non-industrial societies
Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology
|October 1, 1983
Summary
Early skin-to-skin contact and immediate breastfeeding were uncommon in traditional societies. Most cultures delayed nursing and bathed newborns, with limited maternal-neonate contact post-birth.
Area of Science:
- Anthropology
- Human Biology
- Sociology
Background:
- Cultural practices surrounding childbirth vary significantly across societies.
- Understanding historical infant care practices provides insight into human developmental biology.
- Previous research has explored maternal-infant bonding, but cross-cultural data on early contact is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of early and extended skin-to-skin contact between mothers and neonates in traditional societies.
- To determine the frequency of immediate nursing practices in non-industrialized cultures.
- To assess the correlation between specific childbirth practices and maternal affection, paternal involvement, and breastfeeding duration.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of ethnographic descriptions of childbirth in 186 non-industrial societies.
- Categorization of cultural practices regarding immediate postpartum mother-infant contact.
- Examination of data on newborn bathing, placement (cradle/basket), and initial breastfeeding timing.
Main Results:
- Immediate skin-to-skin contact was rare (14%); newborns were often bathed or placed in cradles.
- While most mothers and infants rested together later (98%), early contact was uncommon.
- Immediate postpartum nursing was infrequent, with 52% delaying breastfeeding for 24+ hours.
Conclusions:
- Traditional societies rarely practiced immediate skin-to-skin contact or early breastfeeding.
- Cultural norms often involved bathing newborns and delaying initial nursing.
- No significant increase in maternal affection, paternal involvement, or breastfeeding duration was observed in societies with early contact or nursing practices.
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