having a baby in china. not sure what i think yet. part 1

there are many thoughts that go through my head when i think about having a baby in china with type one diabetes.  i am not going to list them because i am sure they are false, just thoughts that fill my brain because i only want the best for the birth.  and i am afraid my expectations won't met.  however when the doctor asked if i could meet him for coffee sometime so i could teach him more about having diabetes while pregnant, it didn't boost my confidence in my care.  we'll see.  i will let you know in about five months.

a friend of mine told me of a website full of information about having a baby in china.  one tab has cultural information about pregnancy, delivery and after the birth in china.  today i will just share about the pregnancy info.  and just remember that china is super diverse and that some of these old wives' tales are not followed everywhere in the country.

PREGNANCY

hammering or the use of scissors are forbidden in the home or near a pregnant woman for fear that it will cause deformities to the baby.

using glue while pregnant is believed to cause birthing complications.

no physical work, lots of naps and you are discouraged from picking up anything that looks heavy.

an expectant mother should never attend funerals.

it is thought that if an expectant mother touches a baby she will be more susceptible to illnesses during the rest of her life.

it is discouraged to rub the pregnant belly too much because it is thought the baby will be spoiled.

you should never be near a tv, us a cell phone or work on a computer for fear of the radiation each item gives off.

no bike riding.

some areas have traditional foods that a pregnant woman is supposed to, or not allowed to eat during pregnancy.

if a pregnant woman eats food not properly cut, the child may grow up to have a careless disposition.

if light colored foods are eaten, the child will have fair skin.

that's all for today.