Birth Customs Around the World

Childbirth is an event that, despite its extraordinary nature, occurs daily throughout the world. But the circumstances under which this miracle occurs vary dramatically, even in places that don't seem that dramatically different. I can personally attest to this: Three years ago my Dutch husband and I moved from Texas to the Netherlands, where I gave birth to our son, Bram. I was surprised by many differences there, and I have friends from other countries with stories just as interesting. So I put together a roundup of birthing practices around the world, based on my own experience and accounts from friends.