Pregnancy and childbirth are socio-cultural events that carry varying meanings across different societies and cultures. These are often translated into social expectations of what a particular society expects women to do (or not) during pregnancy, birth and/or the postnatal period. 

Scientifically, human newborn babies are so underdeveloped that paediatricians such as Harvey Karp refer to the first three months as the "fourth trimester". The weeks of rest while the mother heals also protect the infant as it adjusts to the world, and both learn the skills of breastfeeding.

However, every society has cultural practices, beliefs, superstitions or taboos concerning pregnancy and childbirth. These can translate into restrictions governed by the family, for instance, the probation period where mom and newborn baby are confined in the house for a specific time frame per the family's traditions.

In this episode, I chat to Tafadzwa Sithole, also known as Gogo Taz, about the African Probation Period, its significance and why it is crucial for both mom and baby.

Follow Tafadzwa:
https://www.instagram.com/ramo_and_me/

I am looking forward to hearing from you. Follow on:

- Facebook: Motherhood The Podcast
- Instagram: @motherhoodthepodcast
- Email: nompumelelo.simango@gmail.com

Follow me:

- https://www.facebook.com/Mimpuma/
- https://www.instagram.com/lelo_nompu/