The post below this one will talk about how we are handling some of the emotional aspects of how the Balinese culture views baby care and, by extension, our shortcomings in that area. We wanted to start out with giving a list of the things we have learned not to do when around our friends here, and an explanation of each one. People here are quick to give you advice (a command) about how to take care of Kenan, when things are not being done right.
These things are forbidden:
1. Holding the baby over your shoulder (like in the picture). His bones are soft and are not ready to handle this until he's at least a month old. Imagine your reaction if you saw a mother swinging a newborn around by the ankles... That's about the reaction we're getting.
2. Allowing the baby to get out of his blankets and/or hat. Baby must stay wrapped up at all times. Even though it is usually about 85 degrees and 75% humidity, people are always saying that Kenan is suffering from cold.
3. Allowing the baby to make a noise. If baby does make noise, get ready for everyone within audible range to tell you that he needs to eat and/or is cold.
4. Letting baby sleep on his side. Be prepared for silent and ongoing battle with vigilant hospital nurses who change him to the correct position every time they enter.
5. (This one is actually not forbidden, just not a good idea) Leaving the house with newborn baby. The baby is very vulnerable to evil spirits and those with a jealous heart. His life can be sucked out of him during the first months of life.
I'm sure we will learn more as time goes on, and I hope that we get better at adapting to the "rules".
