The Amish Research Paper

The religious and cultural beliefs of the Amish, have led to variations in health

care practices that are different from main stream American culture. The Amish believe

in simple lifestyles and being "separate from the world," this is hallmark for the Amish.

They don't use modern conveniences that we do, such as electricity, computers, cars, and

phones. They travel by horse and buggy, and grow their own gardens and raise their own

cattle for food/milk. Their days are filled with hard work and simple pleasures.

Babies are a welcomed gift in the Amish culture and are viewed as a blessing

from God. They believe the # of children they have should be left in God's hands, this is

why it's forbidden to use birth control,
When a woman gets pregnant; therapeutic

abortions, amniocentesis, and other invasive prenatal diagnostic testing (that some of us

may use) is not acceptable. They are happy "to take what God gives them." The Amish

usually have homebirths or give birth at birthing centers with a midwife. The only time

they do hospital births, is when there is risk to the mother or the child. At the hospitals,

routine interventions of labor and delivery are not used. IVs are available, but optional.

Fetal heart rate monitoring is done intermittently by doppler. Amish women usually labor

quietly while husbands support them by rubbing their backs, cooling them with hand fans,

and holding their hands. Labor tends to be shorter than average and happen peacefully

with controlled pushing. Most mothers breastfeed and are anxious to feed the baby after

delivery, but some produce no breastmilk at first, because of the huge workload and stress

of a large family, and can't feed the baby until the next day. So in the mean time, they

give the baby things like jello water or watermelon seed tea, which is supposed to
During labor it eases smooth

muscle contractions and gives a general sedative effect. 5. Squaw Vine Root: Used to

prepare the uterus for childbirth and speed up delivery and encourage regular

contractions. It has an antispasmodic action. (This is about the only pain relief/

medications that they use to help with pregnancy/delivery, besides maybe Tylenol.)

A person's life philosophy and religious views profoundly impact the

childbirth and parenting experience. Having a positive attitude toward the birthing

process, a healthy lifestyle, and adequate support makes childbirth a better experience for

the patient. Some nursing interventions that could be used; since varicose veins are the

greatest complication for pregnant Amish women (from all of their house work and

laundry they do), I would remind her that she should take frequent rest periods from

standing and elevate her legs. Maybe if she has older children, they could do some of the

house work while mom rests. I would remind her that medication is available for pain

relief if she chooses to accept it. I would provide her and her family a warm