Traditional Common Practices to the Newborn Baby in Indonesia

Once the baby was delivered, the baby was bathed by the TBA and then the TBA wrapped the baby with a big napkin. It is common called as ‘dibedong’. At first, the TBA will clean the umbilicus cord with alcohol and wrap it in a cotton. Next, the baby stomach was wrapped with a cloth called ‘gurita’ (see picture) or a cloth having 5 strip as if legs of squid. People belief that by doing this, the umbilical will be in better shape and not push out or ‘udel bodong’. The gurita also keeps the baby’s stomach warm. After that another cloth called ‘popok’ (see picture) or baby’s pant was put on the baby with the small baby’s shirt. The last one to put is ‘bedong’. While ‘bedong’ will keep the baby’s leg and hands warm. Many elderly people also belief that ‘bedong’ (see picture) keep the baby’s legs in good shapes and bone development. The TBA will come everyday to change the cotton and take care the umbilical cords until it cured and dry completely. She also massages the mother and the baby to improve baby and mothers’ fitness. Lately, in some subvillages near the capital of the subdistrict, these practices have been reduced since many deliveries have been assisted by the professional midwife and many old skilled TBAs have passed away.