World Politics - Confinement...

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Confinement...

Printed From: IslamiCity.org
Category: Politics
Forum Name: World Politics
Forum Description: World Politics
URL: https://www.islamicity.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=7526
Printed Date: 24 November 2024 at 7:19pm
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Topic: Confinement...

Posted By: ysimjee
Subject: Confinement...
Date Posted: 08 November 2006 at 5:04am

Slm to all
The following has been on my mind for some time.
It has come to my attention that most indian girls go for "confinement" a month before they give birth and stay 40 days after they have given birth.
Now, where did this "tradition" come from and why is it when the girls hear they expecting, they already plan there trip home to there parents house.
Then, what about converts? a friend of mine is from a christian/tamel home. Her parents are totally agenst islam. But she already planned her "confinement" trip.
So now the baby will be born, taken to this house, and no islamic practise will be carried out!!
What should be done in these cases?

Please help me with some answers.
Jazakallah

Replies:

Posted By: Duende
Date Posted: 08 November 2006 at 10:46am

I don't know what cultural/religious reasons there may be about
'confinement' but like so many religious/cultural practises, it's based
pretty much on common sense. By the time you get to the last month
of pregnancy, so-called confinenent is simply a sensible idea since
there's no telling when your baby will decide to come into the light,
and being home alone at that moment, is not a good idea!

Besides, the fact is that by that time you feel like the size of a cow
and about as mobile and elegant, so you're pretty limited in how
much you can get around, up and down stairs, carrying heavy
packages etc. which all place a tremendous strain on your system at
this late stage.

Emotionally you also feel the need for a stable and emotionally
supportive environment: something traditionally your parents (mostly
mother) can offer you. Likewise, post partum, you need as much help
as you can get, traditionally provided by the grandmother, sisters,
aunts, etc.

These days, of course, as pre and post natal care in the so-called
developed world has advanced so much, there's no real reason to
confine yourself to home in case of medical emergency. But in many
rural areas and ancient cultures, the custom is still practised, and I
believe provides a far more worthwhile and enriching experience
than many modern 'advances'.

Posted By: ysimjee
Date Posted: 09 November 2006 at 1:13am

Thanks for the reply.

It gives a little light at the end of the tunnel...