Becoming a New Mother in the 80s
A Perspective of Tradition and Support
In the era of the 1980s, when I embarked on the journey of motherhood, it was a time of customs and traditions that held deep significance in our lives. The arrival of my first child was not just a personal milestone but a grand celebration, especially for my parents, as she marked their first grandchild. Little did I know that this joyful occasion would be entwined with customs that reflected the values of our culture.
In our customs, there was a unique tradition surrounding the first child's birth – it should take place at the girl's parents' house. On the contrary, in my husband's family, our daughter was the seventh grandchild. For them, the arrival of a new baby was nothing new, and the excitement was relatively subdued. However, my spouse, becoming a father for the first time, was the exception. He had grown up surrounded by a crowd of nephews and nieces and had mastered the art of pampering and spoiling them. To him, parenting was synonymous with playfulness and indulgence.
I had always wondered about the logic behind this custom of delivering the first baby at the girl's parents' house. The answer remained elusive, but as a new mother, I began to appreciate the wisdom behind it. It dawned on me that this tradition was a hidden blessing, especially for first-time mothers like me. It provided a supportive and nurturing environment, free from judgment and pressure.
The value of this support became apparent as I navigated the uncharted waters of motherhood. The lessons I learned from my mother were invaluable, as they offered guidance and reassurance during those uncertain days. When the newborn cried in the middle of the night and exhaustion threatened to consume me, my mother's unwavering support was my pillar of strength. My body, still weakened from childbirth, found solace in her presence.
Postpartum care was not a well-discussed topic at those times. Looking back now, I realize that our ancestors had a profound understanding of the needs of first-time mothers. They crafted this custom to ensure that these new mothers had an emotional haven, shielded from motherhood's overwhelming pressures and responsibilities.
In the 80s, as a new mother, I experienced the beauty of tradition and the comfort of familial support. Our customs not only celebrated the birth of a child but also cherished the mother's well-being. The world may have changed since then, but the wisdom of the past continues to resonate, reminding us of the importance of nurturing and supporting new mothers as they embark on their remarkable journey of motherhood.
