Mama's Warm Back

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I wonder what it is called in Chinese.

I don’t understand these ‘people.’ Well! Babies are a work-in-progress, towards being people, who don’t scream when they want something, or when they are wet. That’s why early potty training eliminates that stress for both the mother and the baby. It also saves money and the environment. No more diapers.


Babies think they are slick. You can change and feed them but they still cry. You put them on your back and take them for a walk through the park or to your sister’s house on the other side of the hill. Not a sound. Baby is asleep. Devious little mites! They just wanted some fresh air, although fresh air is a thing of the past. Some babies are born in squatter camps, near rivers with a particular stench, near factories or dumpsites.

They fall asleep because the mother’s back is warm, not as soft as the womb, but warm nonetheless. We forget that we are warm-blooded animals, babies do not. They love mummy’s back. I shouldn’t say that because older sisters take care of younger brothers and sisters, including giving them a ride on their backs.

If the mother is visiting her sister, people who live there rush for the baby. “Oooh! He’s asleep!” They help her untie the wrapper or blanket (imbeleko in Zulu) and find a bed to put the sleeping jewel. Chit chat revolves around the baby and the mother reports that he slept all the way.

He was cocooned on her back, which makes me feel guilty about eating leeches, removing them from their rough cocoon. How about pineapples? I’m scared of them. They hurt my tongue no matter how much I peel them.

Nonqaba waka Msimang

Executive Blogger

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