Читать книгу The Gentle Birth Method: The Month-by-Month Jeyarani Way Programme - Karen MacLeod Swan - Страница 8

In South Indian and Sri-Lankan culture – which I was brought up in – it is customary for close relatives on both sides of the family to visit a pregnant mother regularly and take her some prepared food. Feeding a pregnant mother is considered to be one of the most meritorious acts in the Hindu religion and women within the extended family take pride in sending food to the pregnant mother. This time-honoured tradition gives practical support to the mother and enables her to rest, giving her a break from cooking. It also acknowledges the pregnancy and shows that the extended family has already begun to care for the unborn baby.

I tell all my mothers that you don’t need to be Indian to follow this tradition. If your mother, mother-in-law, sister or best friend lives nearby, perhaps they could each cook you one meal a week. It can free up a valuable few hours for you in the evenings, particularly if you are still working. Just subtly give them your diet guidelines first – you don’t want them turning up with a meal that has taken hours to prepare but is unsuitable for you.