Cultural variations in professional and parenting patterns

Existing parental and professional caring patterns are explored in an attempt to lay a foundation for the development of culturally relevant perinatal programs. Beliefs about bonding behavior are discussed as well as exploring whether this new knowledge is consistent with cross-cultural adaptations to the birth process. New rules and customs being introduced by professionals may be fostering a "detachment" phenomenon rather than the desired result of bonding behavior between parent and infant. Finally, a method of examining culturally divergent health beliefs and practices is discussed as a means of evaluating whether such practices are likely to be beneficial or harmful.