A Child Is Born
-Germaine Greer
Germaine Greer is a feminist writer and lecturer, born in Australia. In this essay, the writer compares the role of children in traditional agricultural societies with that of children in western, industrialized countries regarding pregnancy, childbirth and child-rearing and bearing. In matters of pregnancy, in traditional societies, a woman has to follow customs, traditions and rituals. Although there are possibilities of danger in childbirth, the traditional behaviours make the pregnant woman forgot her worry. She is supported by her husband, relatives and her community. She feels quite safe and doesn't have any mental problems. But, there is not such kind of management in highly advanced modern societies. In western societies, pregnant women have to manage all the preparation for pregnancy.
In traditional eastern societies, infant and mother mortality rates are higher. In such societies, childbirth is possible with the help of midwives and other trained women. In traditional societies, the child relationship with extended family is considered more important. Pregnant women are loved, cared and supported by their husbands, family members and all their relatives. After childbirth, the women are respected and praised much for their coverage. People organised different parties to celebrate the birth ceremony. There is feasting, singing and dancing. The whole family helps her to rear the child. The mother gets permission to go to her mother's house for few months. But, there is not such kind of management in modern Western society. There is no one at home to welcome the child and to praise the courage of the mother. In modern societies, delivery conducts at hospitals. The nurses are so careless that they do not give time for the newly born baby and pregnant women till the critical situation of the mother. She has to face different kinds of mental and physical hazards. There is no one to encourage and support her. No one is emotionally attached to the mother as well as the baby. So, childbirth in traditional societies is far better than in modern societies.
