Cultural difference around childbirth | A Gallery from Here Now | RNZ National

From Voices 5 October 2015

For babies born into the Islamic faith, azaan is the prayer whispered into baby's ears by the father just after birth. Lynda Chanwai-Earle is in Hawkes Bay following Rizwanna Latiff on the job, a midwife from South Africa with a unique insight into cultural differences around childbirth.

Chanelle Onverwacht baby Jamaica and Midwife Rizwanna Latiff

Rizwanna'sQu'ran at home a practicing Muslim

Rizwanna and husband Greg at home in Hawkes Bay

Rizwanna and her two South African born sons

Rizwanna's memories of Apartheid in her country of origin South Africa

Delight new mum Chanelle with baby Jamaica

Rizwanna at the home of new mum Chanelle and 2 week old baby Jamaica

Loads of questions as a new mum Chanelle and baby Jamaica

Measuring baby Jamaica

Baby Jamaica the centre of attention

Reassuring Chanelle with tips for new parents

Chatting to baby Jamaica

Measuring wee treasures part of the joy of midwifery

Weighing baby Jamaica

Experienced hand at comforting baby

Not happy want mummy back

Midwifery a labour of love

Comfortable breast feeding technique

Keeping great records of baby's growth

Chatting to mummy and Rizwanna

Generational love baby Jamaica with Omah (Afrikaans for paternal grandmother)

The images in this gallery are used with permission and are subject to copyright conditions.