Posted
on January 21, 2014
Old
Midwife's Day in Bulgaria is January 8, according to the Julian
calendar—but it is today, January 21, on the Gregorian calendar!
Also called Babin Den, or Granny's Day, all the babies and women who
had used services of the village's midwife that year would visit the
baba
(the midwife, who is lovingly honored with the title grandmother)
with gifts of flowers, food, and/or clothing. There was, in some
places and times, a ceremonial washing of the baba at the well or
river; and the baba, wearing a necklace made of red chile peppers,
does a ceremonial washing of all the babies she has delivered that
year.
That's
a nice tradition!
What
is a midwife?
For
many centuries, midwives have helped deliver babies using the
accumulated knowledge from countless midwives and countless years' of
experience. Of course, some of that “knowledge” was really just
superstitions that were passed down from generation to generation.
For example, two things that Bulgarian babas
usually did to ensure an easy delivery was to make the sign of the
cross three times and to bless the house with incense. Such customs
can help people psychologically—a sort of placebo effect—but do
not actually do anything to ensure a safe or easy childbirth.
Modern
midwives in developed nations might have soothing customs that are
well known to help delivering moms focus or relax, but they also have
professional training and medical knowledge. They are experts at
normal childbirth—whether it occurs in the parents' home or in a
childbirth center or in a hospital. They know when things aren't
“normal” and more extensive medical help is needed. Many midwives
are able to offer help after a baby is born, as well, advising moms
about breastfeeding and newborn care.
Also
on this date:
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