Cultural traditions can dictate special protocols for the postnatal woman and determine how much blood is “normal.” Author Michele Klein examines cultural ideas about postnatal blood in Asia, the Middle East and on the Internet.
“Due to some pregnancy difficulty, the birth will be induced today. Fingers crossed, prayers and thoughts for the baby’s health (and the mother’s) will be accepted.” This was the text of an e-mail that I received a few weeks ago from a very worried Israeli father.