Childbearing Traditions of American Samoan Women    Samoan woman & child



This web page has been put together based on one-on-one interviews with American Samoan women.  The contents contained within this page should not be used for self-care or treatments of any type.  It is strictly for informational purposes only.  If you are pregnant, please seek medical attention from a professional health care provider.



Prenatal Care

tan bullet  Prenatal care and sonograms are done by the doctor.  Most women have regular checkups and take prenatal vitamins regularly.

tan bullet   Elder women relatives offer guidance to the pregnant woman throughout             pregnancy.

tan bullet   The pregnant woman's mother plays a big part in teaching her about                         customs, taboos and traditions.

tan bullet   The pregnant woman is told to eat a lot of fish & meat, and to drink a lot of             coconut milk and hot cocoa.  It is believed that the hot cocoa helps produce adequate breast milk.

tan bullet   If the pregnant woman craves salty food, it is believed she will have a girl; if she craves sweet foods, then she will have a boy.

tan bullet   If the pregnant woman rubs coconut oil on her stomach, the baby will be very healthy.

tan bullet   A pregnant woman cannot wear a necklace or lei (flower garland) around her neck.  It is believed that this will cause the umbilical cord to become wrapped around baby's neck.

tan bullet   Pregnant women who live with their moms are not supposed to work hard.    If they live with their significant other's family, they have to work hard, otherwise they are considered "lazy".
Labor & Delivery

tan bullet   Women give birth at the hospital with only  female family members present during labor and delivery.  Men do not participate in childbirth.

tan bullet   During labor, the Samoan woman is not supposed to yell or show that she has pain.  Pain medication is not allowed (culturally), although epidurals are available in American Samoan hospitals.

tan bullet   It is said that if the baby is big, it is a strong and healthy baby.

tan bullet   Male babies are preferred more than females because it is said they will be able to provide better for the household when they are older.
After Birth
tan bullet   The placenta of the baby is buried next to or under a fruit tree.  It is believed that if the tree grows large, it will provide nutrition for the baby and the baby will continue to be healthy.   If the tree is not thriving or dies, the baby will be sickly.

tan bullet   Traditionally, if the baby is the first born, the husband's family will name the baby after an elder in the family.  The elder may be deceased or still living. Nowadays, more families take turns naming the baby.

tan bullet   Samoan women are encouraged to eat fish and soup to promote healthy breast milk.

tan bullet   When the mom comes home from the hospital, the family has a party  called         Alalafaga.  This is a gathering to welcome home mom and baby and usually lasts the whole day.

tan bullet   The child is raised with the help of the female elders and the extended family.

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Posted November 24, 2006