Iluta Engambi

Natural prenatal education, based largely on the know-how and interpersonal skills of traditional society, has existed in all human communities, particularly in the African communities of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Although recent scientific and psychotherapeutic work is in line with the traditional teachings on the child in utero that have long been practised, particularly in Congolese society, through the recommendations laid down for future parents, the family and the community, these teachings need to be examined in depth in view of the shortcomings of our societies in terms of prenatal education. Today, the World Organisation of Associations for Prenatal Education has joined traditional African knowledge in making natural prenatal education its special field of investigation. A close relationship has been established between the socio-economic environment and the mother of the child she carries during pregnancy. We need to fill the gaps in our current societies by creating a collective awareness of the 9-month period during which the future person is built.