Cultural Baby Differences

There are lots of differences in how people here view pregnancy. On one hand they have a million pieces of advice on what you should and shouldn't eat, should and shouldn't do, etc.

• Do eat eggs, fish, apples, pigeon soup, and eat often - never be hungry
• Don't eat spicy food or drink coffee or cold water
• Do rest, walk, and rest
• Don't paint your nails, wear make-up, watch tv, use your cell phone, use your computer, use the microwave, or shower for a month after giving birth

This gets old. But on the other hand pregnant women are spoiled! They are told to take it easy, rest, relax. They always get a seat on the bus, don't have to carry heavy things, aren't expected to do as much work, and are really quite pampered. (Eric is constantly being asked if he helps more at home, makes me dinner, helps buy groceries, etc.)

Now after you have the baby, a common bathing option is baby bathing rooms usually located upstairs in a baby store. For about $1-$2 a time, you get hot water, a warm room, shampoo, body wash, and a large sink all to wash your baby. We went with a friend today to bathe her son. Interesting. It does make sense here though when some homes don't have hot water, homes in the south don't have central heating, and after the bath, there is no mess to clean up. Some even offer larger sinks where your baby can "go swimming"! Here's a picture outside the steamy room where we went today. (note the floaties on the wall)

A package in the store downstairs.

Women and Children's Hospital II

Back in October I posted a few pictures of the clinic (connected to the hospital) where we have our prenatal appointments. Here are a few more.

When you come into the hospital you have to "register" or basically pay to see the doctor. Today we payed 18 Y ~ $2.50. In the morning the whole area is usually full, and you have to wait a while. Today we went in the afternoon. Much better.

Then we went upstairs to see the specialist that I'll see for the rest of the pregnancy. Eric had to wait outside while the nurse weighed me, took my blood pressure, and then listened to the heart beat.

Today was the day for the detailed ultrasound, so she wrote me a "prescription." We went and paid for it. 280 Y ~ $43.00. Usually it's only about $20, but this one was special, so it was more.

Again Eric had to wait outside while they spent about 10-15 minutes looking at the baby's head, body, and organs such as the heart, liver, etc. They also confirmed that he IS a boy. I got to see a few pictures that really didn't look like much, but they assured me everything looked good. They then printed one picture for me to take back to the doctor.

We went back to the doctor who looked at the ultrasound picture. She said everything looked fine. He's still a little small, but now it's only by about one week.

After that we went and bought the sugar that I'll mix with water and drink for my glucose test next month. 12 Y ~ $1.75. Here's a picture of where they do the urine and blood tests. You wait at one window for a cup to pee in or another to have blood drawn.

Then it was time to head home thankful that everything went well (meaning no running around or mafan) and that our little baby boy is healthy!

Differences...

The longer we're here, the more normal things become. A few things that now seem normal are:

Buildings are lit up all around the city with colorful lights - year round.

Cup lids are often sealed onto the cup.

This meal was unusual because it included raw vegetables - here they are almost always cooked.

Sidewalks and paths are swept with brooms made of branches.

Scaffolding and ladders are made of bamboo.

A Little Washing

We are blessed with a great washing machine in a little room just off the kitchen. It's new, has some English on it, and has never given us any problems. This morning I threw in a really small load, added less soap than usual, and set it for a quick cycle. What I didn't take into consideration was that soap sloshing around in a big almost empty washer makes a lot of suds. A lot. I ended up having to add a rinse cycle and still had suds left. So much for of a quick cycle! At least the clothes are really clean, right?

Bus Ride Home

Last night a great and wonderful thing happened: I was given a seat on the busy bus for the first time because I'm pregnant! A friend and I were on our way back from the grocery store on a bus with standing room only. Two girls next to us started whispering and then asked my friend if I was pregnant. When she said yes, the girl who was sitting quickly got up and insisted I take her seat. I did a little polite resisting but then gladly accepted. What a blessing. The two girls ended up getting off at the same stop as me, so I asked if we could take a photo together.

I really appreciate how they give up seats to people here. When I think about how hard people work and how much physical labor and walking they do daily, a seat on public transportation is a precious thing. Yet if you're elderly, pregnant, or have a small child with you they quickly stand up and insist you take their seat. It's really cool.