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Hawaiian Birthing Practices

Ka Hua o ka Pu’ao

The Fruit in the Womb

In the Hawaiian culture, many years ago, people believed that through their Gods came their life force.  Today, it might be seen as superstition, but to the Hawaiians, it was their way of life.  Some ideas however, about pregnancy and labor, are still put in practice today although many have been lost through cultural assimilation.

Some traditional ways that are no longer or are rarely practiced are as follows:

  A family member, usually the father of the unborn child, was trained by the elders in obstetrics.

  Certain foods were avoided because they were thought to cause birth defects.

  Women bathed in the ocean prior to delivery, moving her abdomen gently back and forth in the water.  This was believed to loosen the baby so that labor would be faster and easier.

  Showing emotion during labor was looked upon as disgraceful.

Some Hawaiian traditions that are still widely practiced in modern times are:

  Pregnant women are forbidden to wear leis because it is believed that if they wear one, the umbilical cord will wrap around the fetus’ neck.

  Hawaiian names are often given by a family member who has had a dream about the baby.

  When the umbilical cord falls off, it is often buried, placed under a chosen rock,, or dropped under the ocean to prevent harm and promote health and longevity to the baby.

  With some Hawaiian women, it is considered embarrassing to vocalize pain while in the throes of labor.

The women interviewed are of Hawaiian descent living in a modernized Hawaii. These women have had their own unique experiences, yet they share many similarities..

  All women sought and knew the importance of prenatal care.

  All gave birth in a hospital with many family members in attendance.

  All chose to endure labor pain silently.

  All believed that at least five children make up an ideal family size.

  All believed in burying the umbilical cord in a special place.

Through this project, we have learned that not only has the previous generations lost a lot of traditions due to a multi-diverse state, but that the younger generations are striving to revive these traditions with the intent of perpetuating the Hawaiian Culture and Legacy.

Mahalo Nui Loa to all of those who participated in this project.

We appreciate your feedback! Please email us your comments.

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Posted October 27, 2006