Mennonite birth practices are private and women learn from their mothers, doctors, and books. There is diversity within Mennonite communities, from traditional groups that wear plain dress to more modern liberal groups. Midwives should be sensitive to their religious beliefs that value life as sacred and children as gifts from God, avoid contraception, and keep birth a private matter. Support focuses on women's spiritual and privacy needs within their faith's emphasis on separation from the world.

1. Mennonite birth practices A presentation by Kelsey Hanrahan

2. A Little About Mennonites Religious/cultural community Diversity within community Traditional/Old Colony Mennonites Women wearing dresses, black or white scarves or caps Modern/”Liberal” In “normal society” Look like everyone else Located Canada, US, Mexico & worldwide

3. Religious Beliefs-Basics Christian Anabaptist Adult baptism Peaceful/nonviolent Life is sacred, children a gift from God Separation from the world/non conformity Separation of church and state Not involved in gov’t affairs, voting

4. Now about babies!

5. Or not… Mennonites often very private Won’t share news of pregnancy, even to own children Not much literature Childbearing practices in Kanadier Mennonite women. Says birth is private, women learn from mothers, doctors, and books Towards a complete North American Anabaptist Genealogy II: analysis of inbreeding Cystic fibrosis more common in this community

6. From the ‘Net Photo at left from Reddit.com this is all you can find with “Mennonite and baby” Blogs ProjectM The Mennonoite Diva Young Anabaptist Radicals Mennonite Girls Can Coook

7. Special Concerns for Midwives Life is precious Likely not use contraception Desire to have as many children as possible Won’t terminate, likely no reason for genetic testing Birth is private Might not tell family/community Special sensitivity about history (especially about conception/LMP) May defer to church authority for moral decisions

8. Cont’d Supporting the whole woman Spiritual support-spirituality is generally a very private concern in Mennonites. They will generally not appreciate someone who isn’t of their faith praying with them. In general-likely best to give couple space and as much privacy as possible

9. Thanks!