essay
From Ma'ULI to motivator: transformations in reproductive health care in Tonga
birthing the pacific: beyond tradition and modernity • Honolulu • Published In 2002 • Pages: 31-55
By: Lee, Helen Morton.
Abstract
In this article, Lee examines the different models of pregnancy and birth in Tonga. She first discusses traditional birthing practices and the role of the Mā'ULI, the traditional midwife. Tongans place a high value on children and have a relatively high fertility rate. In 1938 the Tongan government began to build a modern public health system with clinics and nursing schools. The use of Mā'ULI has decreased from 78 percent of births in 1954 to under seven percent in 1987. Lee discusses the Tongan use of, and attitudes towards, the Western model of modern birthing practice. According to Lee, both models have their pros and cons. This document includes 29 pages of references from the annotated volume 'Birthing in the Pacific: Beyond Tradition and Modernity?' in which the article originally appeared.
- HRAF PubDate
- 2006
- Region
- Oceania
- Sub Region
- Polynesia
- Document Type
- essay
- Evaluation
- Creator Type
- Ethnologist
- Document Rating
- 5: Excellent Primary Data
- Analyst
- Ian Skoggard; 2004
- Field Date
- 1988-1989
- Coverage Date
- 1938-1996
- Coverage Place
- Tonga
- Notes
- Helen Morton
- Includes bibliographical references (p. 203-231)
- LCCN
- 2001043461
- LCSH
- Tongans