When people in town hear that we are not returning to the States for the birth of our baby, they almost invariably comment that it will be “Luqueño” in addition to American. It’s interesting that they attach belonging to being of San Lucas, but no one has ever said anything about the baby being “Guatemalteco” or Guatemalan.
Regardless, we have been fortunate to receive lots of assistance and advice in preparing for the baby’s arrival from the parish and from local moms. We have a huge stack of baby clothes, a crib from the parish cook, and have heard lots of labor and delivery recommendations. Almost everyone has an opinion on the baby’s gender…more guess boy than girl, but I think that may be more related to the greater desirability of a firstborn being a boy in this culture than to any characteristics on which they may be basing their opinion.
This week I had a lesson from a local mom on diapering, bathing, and general care of newborns. Diapers are complicated! First, there is the “umbliguero,” a small triangle of fabric folded and tied around the waist to cover the umbilical cord until it falls off, so that the diaper doesn’t irritate it. Next comes the diaper cloth itself, folded and tied on with a “fahuello,” a piece of fabric with ties on either side. Cover it all with plastic pants, and you’re good to go….until the baby goes, then it’s on to the laundry lesson. J
I was grateful to have a chance to ask questions about some of the local customs, as well as the logistics of baby care here. Bit by bit, we are feeling more settled and anxiously awaiting the arrival of our new little one. Stay tuned! We’ll be sure to put up an announcement when the time comes.
Regardless, we have been fortunate to receive lots of assistance and advice in preparing for the baby’s arrival from the parish and from local moms. We have a huge stack of baby clothes, a crib from the parish cook, and have heard lots of labor and delivery recommendations. Almost everyone has an opinion on the baby’s gender…more guess boy than girl, but I think that may be more related to the greater desirability of a firstborn being a boy in this culture than to any characteristics on which they may be basing their opinion.
This week I had a lesson from a local mom on diapering, bathing, and general care of newborns. Diapers are complicated! First, there is the “umbliguero,” a small triangle of fabric folded and tied around the waist to cover the umbilical cord until it falls off, so that the diaper doesn’t irritate it. Next comes the diaper cloth itself, folded and tied on with a “fahuello,” a piece of fabric with ties on either side. Cover it all with plastic pants, and you’re good to go….until the baby goes, then it’s on to the laundry lesson. J
I was grateful to have a chance to ask questions about some of the local customs, as well as the logistics of baby care here. Bit by bit, we are feeling more settled and anxiously awaiting the arrival of our new little one. Stay tuned! We’ll be sure to put up an announcement when the time comes.
1 comment:
We're ready if you're ready! The midwives must be in San Lucas by now; I believe that was your "green light." Can't wait to hear the news!!
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