THE LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Participants will: Understand the types and prevalence of modern maternal rituals in Turkey. Recognize the influence of digital culture and social expectations on childbirth practices. Gain insight into the cultural transformation of maternal identity in the digital era. Reflect on how midwives can provide culturally sensitive care within evolving birth traditions.

THE PROCESS/ACTIVITIES:
This presentation will share the preliminary results of an ongoing descriptive cross-sectional study involving women in Turkey who experienced childbirth within the last ten years. Data were collected through an online questionnaire distributed via social media and parenting platforms. The study explores the frequency, motivations, and sociocultural determinants of digitalized maternal rituals, including baby showers, gender reveal parties, and birth-related social media practices.

AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION:
The audience will be encouraged to engage in an interactive discussion regarding: The implications of modern birth rituals for midwifery practice. Cross-cultural comparisons of similar trends in their own countries. Strategies for supporting women in navigating social expectations and digital influences surrounding childbirth.

REFERENCES:
Mary, S. M., Duschinsky, R., Davis, L., Dunnett, S., & Coughlan, B. (2025). Representations of motherhood in the media: A systematic literature review. Information, Communication & Society, 28(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/1369118X.2024.2348020 Özkan, G. B. (2022). "Baby Shower" ritual in the context of globalization and cultural fluidity: The case of Istanbul. Kesit Akademik, 8(32), 560–591. Ohaja, M., & Anyim, C. (2021). Rituals and embodied cultural practices at the beginning of life: African perspectives. Religions, 12(11), 1024. https://doi.org/10.3390/rel12111024 Maximum number of participants (for the study): Approximately 385 participants are planned, based on sample size calculation for an unknown population using a 95% confidence interval. No participant limit for the presentation. The session is suitable for large audiences interested in maternity care, cultural practices, and digital influences on childbirth. Name of any sponsor This study is self-funded by the research team. No external sponsors. Poster session 2 (Group A)