Around the World Series | Traditional Egypt's postpartum practices
This month, we embark on a journey to uncover the rich tapestry of postpartum traditions and practices deeply ingrained in the heart of Egypt. In doing so, we illuminate the significance of embracing diverse cultural customs that provide crucial support to mothers during their postpartum period. Join us as we explore the age-old rituals and modern adaptations that shape the Egyptian postpartum experience, fostering a sense of unity, care, and love within families and communities.
In Egypt, postpartum traditions and practices are deeply rooted in cultural and Islamic customs, aimed at supporting new mothers and celebrating the arrival of a new family member.
Nifass (40-Day Period)
In Egypt, postpartum traditions revolve around a 40-day quarantine period, during which new mothers rest and recover. Visitors are limited to close relatives who offer support, gifts, or financial assistance.
This period, also known as Nifass and observed by most Muslims, imposes restrictions on the mother's sexual relations while permitting other activities. Physical prayers and fasting are exempted as long as postpartum bleeding continues, with a return to normalcy once the bleeding ceases. These customs reflect the cultural and religious significance of supporting mothers during this crucial period.
During the postpartum period in Egypt, traditional maternal dietary practices play a crucial role in nurturing new mothers. Maternal elders prepare a special diet that includes nourishing dishes such as chicken or beef soup, various carbohydrates, rice, and ample liquids. Breakfast staples typically consist of eggs, dairy products, and refreshing juices, while "Moghat," a traditional beverage, is also a common part of the diet. While dietary practices vary, some families choose to avoid foods like garlic, onions, or dairy products to prevent colic in infants, although the majority do not adhere to these restrictions but may curtail dairy and milk consumption to minimize potential bloating.
Additionally, warm beverages are favored over cold ones, and salads, although raw foods are generally avoided, are deemed acceptable during this special postpartum period.
Traditionally, new mothers would go to their mother's house, but nowadays, their mother visits them to offer support and care for both the mother and the baby.
The grandmother plays a crucial role in comforting the mother, performing household chores, maintaining a clean house, and caring for the baby. Bathing the new mother is a common act of love.
Keeping Warm
Keeping Warm
It's important to keep the mother's body warm at all times, avoiding soft clothing to ensure both the mother and the baby are kept warm.
Islamic Traditions for the Newborn
In Egypt, various Islamic traditions are observed for newborns, including the Adhan and Iqama. The Adhan, softly recited into the right ear, emphasizes the importance of faith, while the Iqama, recited into the left ear, signifies the significance of prayer.
Additionally, the practice of Tahneek, involving a small piece of date or honey on the baby's palate, symbolizes faith's sweetness and nourishment. Furthermore, parents have the option of breastfeeding or wet nursing for up to 2 years, ensuring a strong connection to Islamic traditions from the child's earliest days.
Additionally, the practice of Tahneek, involving a small piece of date or honey on the baby's palate, symbolizes faith's sweetness and nourishment. Furthermore, parents have the option of breastfeeding or wet nursing for up to 2 years, ensuring a strong connection to Islamic traditions from the child's earliest days.
Aqiqah/Sebou' Party (7th Day)
On the 7th day after birth, parents celebrate with an Aqiqah/Sebou' party. They sacrifice 1-2 sheep to share their happiness with the community and feed the poor. The baby's hair is shaved, and the equivalent amount in gold or silver is donated to the poor.
Naming the Child
Naming the Child
Naming the child is a significant postpartum ritual. Parents carefully choose a name with a positive meaning in Arabic or Islamic tradition, often announcing it during the Aqiqah.
These postpartum traditions not only support the mother and the newborn but also bring the family and community together, fostering a sense of sharing, helping, caring, and love during this special time.
These postpartum traditions not only support the mother and the newborn but also bring the family and community together, fostering a sense of sharing, helping, caring, and love during this special time.
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