I have seen a lot of babies born to friends and family. I have also watched shows in regards to complicated pregnancies and deliveries. The birthing experience I would like to reflect on is my sister. She called me to tell me it was time for my niece to be born, so I coated up and headed out. When I arrived I was surprised and in awe at the calmness of the room. It was only she and her husband when I came in, no TV on, no nurses.. the room was silent except for the sound of the babies heart beat. My sister was so calm and was dozing in and out of sleep. Suddenly the doctor came and said "let's have this baby." My sister said, "huh, already, Ok?" Fifteen minutes later, or pops my niece! Typically, the child births I have witnessed were noisy, busy with nurses coming and going along with a miserable mom. I was pleasantly surprised to find the opposite this time.
I decided to research someplace uncommon so I chose the Eskimos. There are several interesting findings, including cultural practices and myths including the belief that squatting and kneeling were the preferred delivery positions. Also, they were not allowed to make noise or have pain meds during the birthing process. Now it is acceptable. 

Here are some interesting myths that are still practiced:

• Many Native Alaskan women believe that certain foods such as moose, seal and caribou are beneficial during pregnancy.
• A common belief is that women should not wear necklaces, rings or braids in their hair throughout their pregnancy as this may cause the neonate to be born with the umbilical cord wrapped around their neck.
• A pregnant woman will often interpret her dreams as having significance. For example, she may receive a message indicating what the sex of her child will be.
• Many Native Alaskan women claim to know they are pregnant before a medical test confirms it. They are often told by their family members or they have a feeling inside that tells them they are pregnant.
• A common belief is that if a woman walks through a door backwards while pregnant, she will have a breech delivery.
• Another belief is that if a pregnant woman sleeps at irregular times throughout the day, she will give birth to a lazy baby.
• Women are discouraged from blowing bubbles with chewing gum or blowing up balloons for fear that their membranes will not rupture.
• Pregnant women should not leave projects unfinished as this may prolong labor.

Reference

http://www.hawaii.hawaii.edu/nursing/RNAlaskan10.html