Muslims prefer to bury the body on the day death occurs. Most Arabs consider childbirth to be a female issue only. A woman in labor is usually surrounded by female relatives and friends. Fathers are not admitted to the labor room. Midwives play an important role in prenatal care, delivery and post-delivery consultation and are held in high regard in society and in the medical profession.
Arab women prefer to breast-feed their newborns.
Arabs in general do not approve having an abortion. It is an Arab tradition to circumcise newborn boys. An Arab patient seeing a doctor expects relief from pain and to receive a medication on the first visit. Patients like doctors to explain the reasons for not getting medications and for all laboratory testing. Nurses are perceived as helpers, not health care professionals, and their suggestions and advice are not taken seriously.