Membangun model gentle birth yang adaptif untuk persalinan (dari hutan ke rumah bersalin) di Papua

Background: Maternal and infant mortality rates in Papua remain high, partly due to low utilization of health facilities and the persistence of traditional birthing practices. The gentle birth approach is considered a more comfortable, safe, and culturally appropriate alternative for childbirth, but its application in Papua has not been widely studied. Purpose: To develop a culture-based gentle birth model through exploring the experiences of mothers, health workers, and local cultural elements in the birthing process. Method: A mixed-methods design with a sequential explanatory approach was used. Quantitative data were obtained through questionnaires from mothers in labor regarding their experiences and comfort with childbirth, while qualitative data were collected through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs) with midwives, traditional birth attendants, and traditional leaders. Analysis was conducted descriptively and thematically. Results: Most respondents gave birth in health facilities, but still felt anxious and uncomfortable. Qualitative results indicated that cultural practices such as free birthing positions, traditional songs, family touch, and traditional prayers had a calming effect. Collaboration between midwives and cultural leaders was deemed effective in increasing the sense of safety, trust, and community acceptance of modern maternity services. Conclusion: Papuan culture-based gentle birth has the potential to be a humane, safe, and socially acceptable approach to childbirth. Integrating local cultural values ​​into healthcare services could be a crucial strategy for reducing maternal and infant mortality rates in Papua. Keywords: Adaptive; Childbirth; Gentle Birth Model. Pendahuluan: Angka kematian ibu dan bayi di Papua masih tergolong tinggi, salah satunya dipengaruhi rendahnya pemanfaatan fasilitas kesehatan dan masih kuatnya praktik persalinan tradisional. Pendekatan gentle birth dipandang mampu menjadi alternatif persalinan yang lebih nyaman, aman, dan selaras dengan nilai budaya lokal, namun belum banyak dikaji penerapannya di Papua. Tujuan: Untuk mengembangkan model gentle birth berbasis budaya melalui eksplorasi pengalaman ibu, tenaga kesehatan, dan unsur budaya lokal dalam proses persalinan. Metode: Design mixed method dengan pendekatan sequential explanatory. Data kuantitatif diperoleh melalui kuesioner pada ibu bersalin mengenai pengalaman dan kenyamanan persalinan, sedangkan data kualitatif dikumpulkan melalui wawancara mendalam dan FGD dengan bidan, dukun, dan tokoh adat. Analisis dilakukan secara deskriptif dan tematik. Hasil: Sebagian besar responden melahirkan di fasilitas kesehatan, namun masih merasa cemas dan kurang nyaman. Hasil kualitatif menunjukkan bahwa praktik budaya seperti posisi melahirkan bebas, nyanyian adat, sentuhan keluarga, dan doa tradisional memiliki nilai menenangkan. Kolaborasi antara bidan dan tokoh budaya dinilai efektif dalam meningkatkan rasa aman, kepercayaan, dan penerimaan masyarakat terhadap layanan persalinan modern. Simpulan: Gentle birth berbasis budaya Papua berpotensi menjadi pendekatan persalinan yang humanis, aman, dan diterima masyarakat. Integrasi nilai budaya lokal dalam pelayanan kesehatan dapat menjadi strategi penting dalam menurunkan angka kematian ibu dan bayi di Papua. Kata Kunci: Adaptif; Model Gentle Birth; Persalinan.