Culture and traditions around pregnancy, birth and baby

[Hopeosh]

My mum has been telling me some interesting things that my paternal grandmother would make her do (she's Italian). They're probably not as in depth as what you have described but the one I liked was that after you have the baby, you're not allowed to get your hands wet for three weeks.

I think this was in reference to washing up and housework (not showering or washing hands!) so for each of my mother's three children, my grandmother would come and stay with my mum for the first three weeks and help with all the cooking, cleaning, washing etc. As much as some people might not like their space invaded, I can see the value in having an extra pair of hands to help for the first three weeks at home with a new baby!

My grandmother also lived 3 hours away so it was probably nice for her to spend time with her new grandchild too.

[Bumperstump Cummerbund]

What a great thread!

I'm an Australian Jehovah's Witness, so there's nothing special that we do. But I'm very interested in reading about other traditions!

[Lulu]

My MCHN told me that Cambodian women stay in bed for 30 days after the birth. The MIL is to come and take care of her and mums feet aren't supposed to touch the floor for this time. (Except toilet) She is also fed good nutritious, warming foods to aid recovery.

Needless to say I am Cambodian after my kids are born....then back to good old traditionless Aussie after that.

[feeb]

Vietnamesse woman lie in for 40 days and the extended family and husband do everythinbg all they do is feed the baby.

A lot of them dont BF till after milk comes in as they believe that colostrum is witches milk.
This thread is great i love reading about cultures.

[Lulu]

Maybe it was vietnamese?? I get confused - we have the most lovely cambodian neighbour who tell us all sorts of cryptic things about children growing like blades of grass....I love him.

[feeb]

yeah all the vietnamese, cambodian, burmese people are so sweet caring and friendly they r the most lovely and thankful people to care for.

[Tracey]

My husband is Balinese & traditions vary from village to village. But we are also Hindu, during the pregnancy we shouldnt judge others or say nasty things as the things we say will be bestowed on our unborn child... Also the husband isnt to cut his hair as it is to show other women he is married with a pregnant wife & make him unattractive to others...
The woman is supposed to eat whatever she desires or the baby will be a heavy dribbler..
Once born the mother is deemed dirty/unclean until she stops bleeding & the baby is not to touch the ground for the first 100 days approx...
The father & family do everything to care for the baby & the Mother eats lots of nutrtious foods to make good strong milk so she only rests & feeds baby...
Then every 3 months or so various ceremonies are performed...