Jewish religious practices related to childbearing

Abstract

Practices related to childbearing and the postpartum period are influenced by religious beliefs and traditional customs. Among the Jewish people, these practices vary in accordance with the identification of the Jew with either an Orthodox, Conservative, or Reform group. The nurse-midwife must be familiar with the of her clients. The Jewish religion has a profound influence on the total life of the individual Jew. Specific laws govern the dietary habits, the important days of the calendar, marriage, and childbearing. Most of these religious laws are derived from statements in the Bible and the commentaries of the rabbis of old. Circumcision, one of the fundamental religious rites and ceremonies of Judaism, must be observed in a ritual manner on the eighth day after birth. At this time a Hebrew name is bestowed on the male child. A female child is named in the synagoque soon after birth. Members of the Jewish faith adhere to many different customs. It behooves the nurse-midwife to be familiar with some of the major concepts of the Jewish religion in order to better care for her Jewish clients and their families.