Cultural Childbirth Practices, Beliefs, and Traditions in Postconflict Liberia

Abstract

In this qualitative study we used an interpretive, critical ethnographic approach to provide an understanding of childbirth and maternal illness and death in Liberia through the lens of women, families, and communities. We identified three major themes from the data: (a) secrecy surrounding pregnancy and childbirth; (b) power and authority; and (c) distrust of the health care system. The interpretive theory, Behind the House, generated from data analysis provides an understanding of the larger social and cultural context of childbirth in Liberia. Our findings provide a more complete understanding of the contextual factors that impact on the intractable problem of maternal mortality.

Acknowledgments

This work was supported by The Institute for Research on Women and Gender and the Global Health Research and Training Initiative at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI. We thank Gertrude Gormah Cole for her valued contribution and assistance; we are most indebted to the women and families who opened their doors and shared the intimate experiences reflected in this article. Without their willingness to relive the events surrounding the tragedy of maternal illness and death, none of this would have been possible.