Ubuntu No List

When you hear or know of an African woman being pregnant or has a baby it is the best thing not to do the following:

• Ask her who is the father of the child.
• Ask her when is she due to deliver the baby.
• Ask her if she knows the sex of the baby.
• Initiate a discussion of the pregnancy with the father of the child if you don’t know him.
• Ask the pregnant mother to feel the movement of the baby. This is a BIG NO.
• Visit without the knowledge of the family that you are coming.
• Insist on a visit to come and see the child.
• When allowed to visit, do allow the child and mother space and provide help where it is needed.

A BIG NO:

• If you happen to see the child and mother at a mall or public place, DO NOT touch the baby unless offered. As a parent I have been extremely disgusted by the move to touch my child’s cheek. I know it is a nice gesture in other cultures, it is not in African culture. Yes even touching the baby’s hand is a BIG NO, unless you are offered to hold the baby. Of-course in case of emergency then one can help and even support the baby.