PREGNANCY AND DELIVERY: CHINESE CUSTOMS

In ancient times, if a woman had a baby, it was called "You Xi " which meant happiness for everyone. It was a time for celebration for family and friends but unfortunately not so for the expectant mother. She was confined to the home and had to follow strict rules of 'dos'and 'dont's' regarding foods and activities. Fortunately times have changed and the fact that women make up half the workforce ensures they are not confined at home. However generally expectant mothers begin their leave from work a month before they are expected to give birth.

Some things have not changed though and it seems given the 'one child' policy, parents (of expectant couples) are still anxious that their grandchild is a boy. Although that trend is gradually changing, and girls are also seen as being able to provide for parents, it is a slow process to change centuries-old attitudes.

Expectant mothers are encouraged to eat certain foods while avoiding others. For example they are urged to eat duck, raw ginger and crabs. Expectant mothers are also encouraged to look at pictures of beautiful babies in the hope that their baby will have similar good-looking features. A visit to their houses will reveal posters of cute, good-looking babies plastered all around the home.

A tradition that has survived ancient time is the custom of barring husbands from the delivery rooms. Once the baby is born, he or her footprint is stamped on a 'baby book' which is then given to the parents. Sometimes the parents cut a little of the newborn's hair as a momento.

Usually a small celebration is held when the baby is 30 days old (Man Yue ) or 100 days£¨Bai Sui £©old.

Asian customs

Millions of expectant Asian women every year have heard, followed or even ignored numerous ``dos and don'ts'' given to them during their pregnancy.

These customs or traditions are very varied and different depending on the country these women reside in.

In Malaysia, Malay, Chinese and Indian women have to follow certain ``pantang'' (Malay word meaning `not allowed') depending on their cultures and ethnic background. There are certain foods that are recommended and certain foods which the expectant mothers are not allowed to consume for fear of passing on untoward attributes unto their unborn child.

Usually the mother is encouraged to eat "cooling foods'' and cut down on spice or chilli. For example, Malaysian Chinese women are encouraged to eat Lotus root by making soups with it. Most women nowadays are highly educated and do not follow all the customs, especially as many have no medical basis. However all expectant mothers do follow one or two customs or sayings as they would like to ensure the best possible effect for their baby and also perhaps to keep their family and in-laws happy. There are also customs to follow once the baby is born. For example Hindu mothers put a black "puttu'' (a black spot, made from paste) on their child's forehead as it is believed to ward off evil spirits who would want to disturb the newborn.

For Malay women, a custom that used to be followed very strictly was one which barred the mother from leaving the house 40 days after the birth of her child.