Cultural practices and preferences when having a baby

Different cultures have different values, beliefs and practices. Your cultural background can shape your needs and expectations during pregnancy and childbirth — for example, the type of care you prefer, who you want to be present, or special foods and rituals that are important to you.

It can also influence how you and your family plan to raise children, including traditions around feeding, sleep, naming and celebrating milestones. Sharing your cultural preferences with your healthcare team can help them provide care that respects and supports your traditions.

In Australia, people have different views about cultural practices during pregnancy and birth. For some, following traditional practices is very important. For others, it may not play a big role.

Here are some examples:

• You may choose not to eat certain foods during pregnancy, because of your cultural background.
• During labour, you may prefer to avoid moving too much, or lie down, sit or squat, based on your culture.
• In some cultures, the father does not attend the birth, but the mother or mother-in-law does.
• Your culture may also have special rules for after you give birth, like staying in bed for a few days or not showering.

In Australia, care during pregnancy, including antenatal care, and birth is 'person-centred'. When you're pregnant, this means it focuses on you and listens to your needs and preferences.

When you have a baby in Australia, you have many choices. For example, in many situations you will be able to choose:

• where you want to give birth
• if you access publicly or privately funded care
• to have a female doctor or midwife care for you (if one is available)

The health professionals caring for you will ask you many questions. This is to make sure they understand what you need and want. They will also give you information and encourage you to ask questions. You should feel comfortable asking anything about the care you will receive.

You should feel that your wants and concerns are heard.

They will also encourage you to take part and make decisions about your care. If you wish, they will also involve your partner or family members.

When you give birth in Australia, it is your right to have healthcare that fits your cultural needs. This means that those caring for you in hospital and in the community will respect your wishes as much as possible.

Many antenatal clinics provide services for people with specific cultural needs. These include 'cultural liaison officers' who help explain your needs to health professionals. They also provide you with extra support before and after the birth.

In most Australian states and territories, multicultural health workers and Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander health workers are available to help you with:

• choosing an antenatal clinic
• getting to appointments
• finding relevant services and support groups in your area

Read more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers. Other community services are also available.

If you are an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person, you may have a local Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Maternal Infant Health Service near you.

If you are a refugee, your local community health service may have a Refugee Health Nurse.

Talk to your doctor to find out what is available in your area. You can also search Australian health services.

It's very important that the healthcare specialists looking after you and your baby understand what you want and need. If you don't speak English well, you should ask for an interpreter.

Hospitals in Australia provide free access to interpreters, either in person or over the phone.

Where possible, it is better to use a trained health interpreter rather than a family member.

This may help you feel more comfortable, protect your privacy and reduce the chance of confusion.

Find out more about using an interpreter on the Translating and Interpreting Service website.

Having a baby can be a stressful time. It can feel especially hard if your family is overseas or you are new to Australia. For help and support, you can get help and information from one of these services:

• Talk to your local doctor or midwife.
• Use government support services in your area. These may include multicultural services such as migrant resource centres, and Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander services such as Aboriginal health centres.
• Get involved in a community group, where others can help you connect to the traditions, ceremonies and rituals of your culture.

Languages other than English

You can find translated resources on a range of topics related to pregnancy and birth on the Health Translations website.

PANDA provides support for new parents and families in different languages.

Information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples

To learn more about Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Health Practitioners, visit the National Association of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Practitioners (NAATSIHWP).

You can visit NACCHO to find out more about Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs).

Learn more about Birthing on Country through Waminda.