Culture provides comfort in childbirth

Private centers provide familiar atmosphere while increasing safety of Tibetan mothers

In China, where hospital childbirth is virtually universal, a growing number of Tibetan mothers-to-be are turning to natural birth centers as an alternative where they can access modern medical services while preserving their cultural traditions.

Private natural birth centers that emphasize cultural practices have proven appealing to Tibetan women in poor rural areas who are reluctant to let go of the tradition of giving birth at home, which can be risky without proper medical help, according to Drolkar Ja, an official in charge of health and family planning in Huangnan prefecture of Qinghai province.