Sabitra Kaphle is a Lecturer of Public Health at Central Queensland University, Australia. Her research focuses on health and social issues in South Asia and Sub Saharan countries.

• 1. Introduction: Socio-cultural insights into childbirth in South Asia 2. Socio-cultural perspective of childbirth 3. Childbirth in complex social settings: Methodological reflections 4. Tradition, culture and spirituality: God inside 5. Women, family members and significant others: Paradox of power 6. A complex array of factors: Too far and too hard 7. Insights for policy and practice: the WCEC model of childbirth 8. Conclusion: Possibilities for positive childbirth experiences

Sabitra Kaphle is a Lecturer of Public Health at Central Queensland University, Australia. Her research focuses on health and social issues in South Asia and Sub Saharan countries.

• 1. Introduction: Socio-cultural insights into childbirth in South Asia 2. Socio-cultural perspective of childbirth 3. Childbirth in complex social settings: Methodological reflections 4. Tradition, culture and spirituality: God inside 5. Women, family members and significant others: Paradox of power 6. A complex array of factors: Too far and too hard 7. Insights for policy and practice: the WCEC model of childbirth 8. Conclusion: Possibilities for positive childbirth experiences

Sabitra Kaphle is a Lecturer of Public Health at Central Queensland University, Australia. Her research focuses on health and social issues in South Asia and Sub Saharan countries.

• 1. Introduction: Socio-cultural insights into childbirth in South Asia 2. Socio-cultural perspective of childbirth 3. Childbirth in complex social settings: Methodological reflections 4. Tradition, culture and spirituality: God inside 5. Women, family members and significant others: Paradox of power 6. A complex array of factors: Too far and too hard 7. Insights for policy and practice: the WCEC model of childbirth 8. Conclusion: Possibilities for positive childbirth experiences