Book Review
Asian mothers, Australian birth. Pregnancy, childbirth and childrearing: the Asian experience in an English-speaking country
Pranee Liamputtong Rice
ISBN: 978-0646195520; 1994; 232 pages; Ausmed Publications Melbourne;
Pauline Glover
Senior Lecturer, School of Nursing, Flinders University of South Australia, SA
The title of this edited publication gives a broad description of its contents. The book has a number of contributors and the reader can gain an insight into the personal and professional backgrounds and expertise of these writers in the special notes section at the beginning. The book is divided into 4 parts. Part 1 sets the scene and provides obstetric profiles of women born in Asia. A weakness of this chapter is that the research data presented is specific to Victoria. Part 2 describes pregnancy, childbirth and childrearing and the traditional beliefs and practices that impact on these events. Cambodian, Vietnamese and Chinese Women are the focus of the four chapters in this part.
Part 3 has two chapters on pregnancy and childbirth in the Australian setting. Both chapters are based on research conducted in Victoria. The highlights of this part of the book are personal exemplars cited from the research findings. They are both frank and poignant and give the reader some insight into how Asian women feel. Part 4 looks specifically at childrearing and infant care in the Australian setting. Breast-feeding, SIDS, and poverty are three issues which are well described. In general the book is based on research and personal experience. The richness of cultural traditions, myths and practices is evident in the presentation style with tables clearly presented.
The two column format makes for easy reading. An extensive bibliography is provided which contains some excellent resources for those wishing to read further. The index enables easy access to the information. This is a valuable publication for health care providers working with migrant (Asian) women. The reader will have a better understanding of cultural beliefs which will enhance communication with this group of Asian women and hopefully lead to culturally appropriate care provision.
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