This archive report was first published on 6 December 2019.
December 6, 2019, marked a significant moment for Somali women, as they embarked on a journey of motherhood. In their culture, pregnancy is a revered period, and women are expected to adhere to certain customs to ensure their safety and the well-being of their unborn babies.
Abdia Mohammed, a Somali midwife in Kawangware, highlights the importance of these customs, which have been passed down through generations. 'When a woman is pregnant, she is considered the weakest in the community, and it's essential to provide her with all the support she needs,' Abdia explains.
One of the customs is the avoidance of milk consumption, particularly in the last trimester. Abdia attributes this to the belief that milk can cause complications during childbirth. 'Milk is not allowed as from 6 months, milk makes the child to grow big and this may affect the mother during child birth,' she says.
Another custom is the avoidance of women who have recently experienced miscarriages. This is rooted in superstition, with the belief that the 'bad omen' may visit the pregnant woman as well. 'If you are pregnant, you don't want to interact with a woman who has lost her pregnancy, because her 'eye' may reach you, and you may end up losing your child as well,' Abdia elaborates.
Physical or verbal conflict is also discouraged during pregnancy. Mama Khadija Hassan, a mother of eight from Syokimau, emphasizes the importance of maintaining peaceful relationships during this period. 'When you are pregnant, you need all the support you can get. You are the weakest in the community and you can't risk to be in bad terms with people,' she says.
Additionally, pregnant Somali women are advised to avoid certain herbs, such as 'Ergems' or 'Aldeed,' which are believed to cause pregnancy complications. Abdia explains that if a woman comes into contact with these herbs, she must wear them on her wrist, waist, or neck to prevent losing her pregnancy.
Another custom is the avoidance of plaiting hair during pregnancy. Mama Khadija explains that this is because a pregnant woman stands between life and death, and her hair should remain unplaited, just like she is buried when she dies.
Finally, giving charity is encouraged during pregnancy, as it is believed to cast away evil eye and prevent bad decree. Abdia highlights the importance of charity in Somali culture, saying, 'She gives a lot of charity in her community, asking for forgiveness from all and praying to the Almighty for a safe delivery, because we believe pregnancy is a stage between life and death.'
