Basita Gives Birth
Somehow, I don’t think “Pregnancy” and “122°F” were intended to be companions. Nevertheless, today was a wonderful day. Evangeline and I took a rickshaw to visit Fatuuma (our house helper) and her neighbor, Basita, who recently gave birth. We really enjoyed our time there. There are a number of girls there and the women love Evangeline (we have visited there a few times). I really enjoyed hearing about Basita’s birth story. She was in labor for two hours and her mother delivered the baby in their home. The baby was nursing well and healthy. I was able to learn about some of the customs Chadians have for newborns. Tomorrow, they will name the baby at the Samaaya.
Here, Evangeline cradles the newborn:
Basita and I enjoyed talking about babies and deliveries:
Evangeline poses with Yakhuuta’s daughter (Yakhuuta is Fatuuma’s sister):
What is the Samaaya?
The Samaaya is an event shortly after the baby’s birth, where they name the baby.
Wow, 2 hour labor! :)
Sonja, it must have been interesting for you to hear about birth and newborn care from a local woman. How are you feeling about your upcoming delivery?