The Rights of Unborn and Newborn Babies in Jordanian Arab Culture: Implications for Practice

Abstract

Background: Traditional patterns relating to how to handle the provision of culturally competent care for refugees are often challenging. Addressing the unique religious and cultural beliefs and norms of refugee parents during the childbirth process will alleviate their anxiety and feelings of alienation with respect to healthcare systems. Objectives: This paper aims to understand the meaning of Jordanian women’s beliefs and practices related to their foetuses and newborns and to facilitate the recognition by Western healthcare providers of these practices among immigrants and refugees. Methods: An interpretive phenomenological study was used to conduct an individual in-depth semi-structured interview with nine women. Results: Eight superordinate themes were identified: couple in legitimate relationship before conception, rejection of abortion, accepting the gender of the baby, guaranteeing that ‘Allah’ is the first word heard, rubbing the newborn’s palate with a date, choosing a meaningful name, ensuring circumcision for boys and showing gratitude to Allah. Conclusion: The attitudes of Jordanian women towards newborns’ rights and care are greatly influenced by their cultural and religious backgrounds. Capturing these attitudes and needs can inform the development of health education strategies and information resources. To enhance Muslim women’s engagement in maternal newborn health services, maternity staff should endeavour to create a trusting relationship with the childbearing women, which values their social, cultural and spiritual needs.

Retracted Article: Neonatal Hypoglycemia: Oral Dextrose Gel and Tahneek Practice

“…Tahneek is one of the rights of the child in Islam. 25 32 The desire to perform tahneek soon after birth may run counter to nursery protocols and cause anxiety in parents. The understanding of this practice by clinicians in the nursery can help alleviate parental concerns while ensuring newborn safety.…”

“…22 23 24 25 26 27 Tahneek is usually performed by religious figures or pious people or an esteemed member of the family or parents in the hope that some of his/her positive attributes will be transmitted to the fledgling infant. 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 However, anyone can do this, following it with dua (supplication) for the child, according to the example of the Prophet (SAW), who chewed dates to soften them before feeding. 33 It is aimed with tahneek application that the child is healthy in terms of soul and body.…”