wawancara mengenai perawatan bayi baru lahir masyarakat melayu sambas

Summary

In this insightful interview, Kirena Sudindar, a student from Akademi Keban Singkawang, speaks with Ibu Vina, a mother of three daughters, about traditional Malay practices surrounding childbirth and infant care. Ibu Vina shares her experiences on topics such as placenta care, bathing newborns, using traditional remedies for umbilical cord healing, and the cultural significance of rituals like the tepung tawar and akikah ceremonies. She also discusses common taboos and practices in the Malay community, offering a rich perspective on the customs passed down through generations.

Takeaways

• 😀 The interviewee, Ibu Vina, is a 42-year-old mother who has given birth to three daughters.
• 😀 Ibu Vina shared her traditional Malay practices regarding placenta care, which involves cleaning it with vinegar and storing it with salt in a special container.
• 😀 The vinegar and salt are used to prevent the placenta from decaying and help it stay fresh for a long time.
• 😀 The Malay tradition involves using a special funnel (corong) to store the placenta, believed to control the baby’s appetite based on the size of the funnel.
• 😀 For bathing a newborn, Ibu Vina describes washing the baby with a damp cloth during the first seven days after birth, followed by warm water and mild soap.
• 😀 She mentions that the baby should be bathed early in the morning or in the late afternoon, and after bathing, the baby is massaged with baby oil and powder.
• 😀 Ibu Vina only used a traditional baby garment (gurita) for her first child, as it was not recommended for subsequent children due to its potential to slow development.
• 😀 For umbilical cord care, Ibu Vina used a traditional turmeric-based remedy for her first child but switched to hospital-recommended alcohol for her second and third children.
• 😀 The umbilical cord of Ibu Vina’s third child took three months to fully detach, despite using hospital treatments and regular cleaning.
• 😀 Ibu Vina explained the cultural practice of 'tepung tawar,' a traditional Malay ceremony performed after 40 days, which includes offerings and hair cutting for the newborn, symbolizing purification.

Q & A

What is the traditional practice for handling the placenta after birth in the Malay community?

In the Malay community, after giving birth at the hospital, the placenta is taken home. It is cleaned by a local midwife using water and vinegar. Once cleaned, it is stored in a container, often a tube purchased from the market, and filled with salt. A funnel is placed on top to allow the placenta to 'breathe' and prevent it from rotting.

Why is vinegar used in the cleaning of the placenta?

Vinegar and salt are used to preserve the placenta. The vinegar helps prevent it from rotting and ensures that it stays fresh for a longer period of time.

What does the funnel symbolize in the preservation of the placenta in Malay culture?

The funnel is believed to symbolize the ability for the placenta to 'breathe.' It is said that a smaller funnel will prevent a strong appetite, while a larger funnel signifies a larger appetite. It is part of the traditional belief that the funnel has an effect on the newborn's future eating habits.

What is the typical process of bathing a newborn in the Malay community?

For the first seven days, the newborn is not fully bathed but wiped with a wet cloth. After the seventh day, the baby is bathed with warm water and mild soap. The bathing is often done in the morning, around 6:30 AM, and in the late afternoon. Afterward, the baby is massaged with baby oil and powdered to keep the baby smelling fresh.

Is it safe to bathe a newborn before the umbilical cord falls off?

It is safe to bathe a newborn even before the umbilical cord falls off, as long as the baby’s temperature is stable. However, some parents prefer to only wipe the baby down with a cloth to avoid infection or irritation at the umbilical site.

What is the role of traditional herbs in caring for the umbilical cord in the Malay culture?

In the past, some families in the Malay community applied traditional herbal remedies, like turmeric, to the umbilical cord to help it heal. However, the practice has changed in modern times, and now it is recommended to use alcohol to clean the area instead of using herbs or other home remedies.

What are the challenges faced when using traditional remedies for the umbilical cord?

One challenge with using traditional remedies, such as turmeric, is that they might not be as effective as medical methods. In one case, the umbilical cord did not fall off for an extended period. Switching to medical advice, such as cleaning with alcohol, helped resolve the issue.

At what age do babies typically undergo a hair-cutting ceremony in Malay culture?

The hair-cutting ceremony, called 'tepung tawar,' typically takes place when the baby is 40 days old. This ceremony involves a symbolic cutting of the hair and is an important tradition for many Malay families.

What are the cultural practices surrounding the hair-cutting ceremony for newborns?

During the hair-cutting ceremony, the baby’s hair is cut using scissors, often in the presence of family members. The ceremony is part of a larger event that may include blessings and the offering of small gifts, such as soap, eggs, or money. The family may also engage in prayers for the child's well-being.

What are some common taboos or restrictions for newborns in the Malay community?

One common taboo is that newborns should not be taken outside, especially in the evening. It is believed that exposing the baby to the outside world too early can cause them to become restless or cry excessively. Similarly, mothers are also expected to rest for 40 days and not engage in heavy housework during this period.