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Written by Administrator
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When I was four months pregnant, my husband and I moved to Tunisia. We had planned for our child to be born here because we had heard that medical care was good (and inexpensive) here. Many of the doctors study in France as had ours. We were able to communicate with her in our broken Arabic while she spoke in French and broken English.
When I was four months pregnant, my husband and I moved to Tunisia. We had planned for our child to be born here because we had heard that medical care was good (and inexpensive) here. Many of the doctors study in France as had ours. We were able to communicate with her in our broken Arabic while she spoke in French and broken English. Each month she did an ultrasound in her office to check on the health of the baby. As a pregnant woman I was treated with extra care and Tunisians freely gave me advice.
We went to a private clinic for the birth (most Americans would probably not feel comfortable in the public hospital). Our care was comparable to the States. Doctors are not typically accustomed to patients asking questions but are willing to discuss your concerns. Fathers are not usually present for the birth but we discussed this with our doctor beforehand and she agreed to let my husband be in the room with me. Our pediatrician spoke English and had studied in the States.
Each country has its own folk remedies and advice for new mothers. For example, I was surprised to learn that many Tunisians believe that a baby should wear socks to prevent gas.
I now have had two children in Tunisia. I have been delighted to see the Tunisians with my babies. Wherever we go, strangers stop us and kiss and wish blessings on our little ones. Because of this, our oldest has never been afraid of strangers and accepts all people easily because he is accustomed to the love everyone shows him.
I hope that my children will have several advantages growing up here. Learning many languages is important to Tunisians. Elementary children learn Classical Arabic, French, and English and high school students choose an additional language to learn. They will grow up exposed to both Western and Arabic culture, thus having a better understanding of the world. |
