Childbirth around the world

CHINA

According to Chinese custom, a husband should carry his bride over a pan of burning coals when entering his home for the first time to ensure she will pass through labor successfully.  Once pregnant, a woman guards her thoughts. It is believed everything she does and sees will influence her unborn child and sex is absolutely forbidden during pregnancy.

During my pregnancy, I was told not to raise my arms over my head, because it could result in the umbilical cord wrapping around the baby’s neck.  I was also warned not to buy anything for the baby, until after the seventh month, because it would bring bad luck.  Although, now I think the latter warning was meant to ease heartache in case the child was born prematurely and died, leaving the mother with things for the baby and reminding her of her loss.  Even in China many believe it is unlucky to throw a baby shower for an unborn baby and the parties come after the little one arrives.

Chinese women will often drink a strong herbal potion to ease the strain of labor. I was advised that drinking mineral oil would hasten delivery, as well as driving down a bumpy road. 

After delivery, Chinese women "sit the month." The first month is considered an intense healing time for new mother. She is freed from household duties and sits in her bed alone to look after her new infant. In strict households, even the husband stays away. I was given six weeks off and now even fathers have time off from their job to help out at home with the newborn. 

Although there are differences, as well as similarities, it does not seem to matter how far apart mothers are in miles and/or traditions, they all possess the same goal: to be the best parent possible.

Reference:

Birth and baby in China. (2012). Retrieved from http://www.4panda.com/chinatips/culture/baby.htm