There are many cultural things that go along with raising
children. Isaac and I had no idea the depth of these things and how much they
would affect/stress our lives.
Socks! If I haven’t heard this a million times. Lucky for me
most of the “suggestions” on how to take care of my babies is in a language I
don’t understand. But socks is translatable so I’m getting my share of
listening to people complain that I haven’t put socks on my babies feet. One
woman, with much attitude, put it “over here we put socks on our babies”. Oh
the advice it goes on.
 |
| Ezra holding up his gift money (1,000 shillings, about 30cents) |
Women here in Kampala tend to over wrap their babies. They
are holding a bundle that looks like a 5 gallon bucket in their arms. But not
it’s just a baby, in a onesie, snow suit, winter hat, mittens, socks, a swaddle
blanket and yes a thick winter blanket that is designed for a twin bed. The
baby’s forehead is dripping with sweat. No wonder people think I’m doing a
terrible thing letting my babies go without socks. While we were at the hospital
getting the boys checked up I watched many women unwrap their babies to get
weighed. Oh the heat rash that was on those babies bodies!
Another cultural thing is breast feeding. Women do it all
the time. At the smallest fuss of the baby everyone says that the baby is
crying. Then the mother pulls her breast out the top of her shirt and proceeds
to let the baby drink for about 2minutes and then when the baby is calm all
goes back to normal. I on the other hand nurse a good 20minutes or so every 3
hours at this point. The boys get a good fill of milk and then are good. They
play and sleep before they need more food. Well because of this culture of
always feeding in small doses I get told all the time that baby is hungry. A
childish way to say nursing is, choo choo. This phrase comes at me all the
time, “Muzungu, choo choo!” With a look of confusion when I take my baby,
bounce him and he calms down. Oh cultural differences.
Another difference is the gifts given to babies. In my culture
we have a baby shower and gifts are given, or someone coming to visit will
bring something. Here in Kampala (not sure if it is other tribes within Uganda or
just the Buganda) when a baby is visited you slip a bill of money to the child.
This can be sticking out of their diaper, between their toes or my favorite in
their hand. I say this is my favorite because as soon as the dirty money enters
the hand of my baby then it goes to the mouth. Or after the money falls to the
ground the baby puts their hand in their mouth. GROSS!!! So I’ve spent much
time washing my children’s hands after visitors go.
We are taking these cultural differences in stride and making sure to remind ourselves that people in all cultures like to give advice that isn't always helpful. ;)
