Suktu Pregnancy & Childbirth
In the years since the Age of Balance began, the Suktu have developed a series of traditions meant to comfort those who undergo the vulnerable and intensely-emotional processes of pregnancy and childbirth. The main focal points of these traditions are the pregnant Suktu's continued inclusion in and the babies' addition to their community. The birth of new Suktu children is doubly exciting because they are usually born in pairs and the second twin is often adopted by a couple who cannot bear children on their own. This is a near-ubiquitous ritual among a majority of Suktu communities despite where they live within the Middle Realm.
Components and tools
As with many other life events, tea often plays an important role in Suktu pregnancies. Depending on where a person lives, various regional herbs are brewed into tea and consumed during pregnancy to ward off morning sickness, aid the health of both parent and unborn children, and grant the pregnant person a bit of cheer.
In the weeks approaching someone's due date, their friends and family will often begin to gather supplies like baby blankets or clothing, which they will gift to both the adopting parents and the biological parents after the children arrive.
Bitterbranch may be administered during delivery to alleviate labor pains.
Participants
The primary participant is, of course, the pregnant individual. Their partner also plays a significant supportive role during both pregnancy and delivery, as does their closest family members. The couple who will be entrusted with the second-born twin are also closely involved during the process. A midwife or healer will often be present from the beginning of the pregnancy to ensure that the entire process goes smoothly.
Because the Suktu are more likely to be born male, the position of midwife is evenly divided among men and women. While this might be surprising to other races, who assume that midwives would ordinarily be women, the Suktu see it as normal.
Observance
As soon as someone discovers that they're pregnant, they typically begin seeking out midwives or healers in order to find one they'll feel comfortable with for the duration of their pregnancy and, ultimately, the birth of the children. Finding one they can bond with is seen as important because of the intimacy of the proceedings to come. The process of deciding who will adopt the second born twin begins immediately as well. That way, the adopting parents can be there during as much of the pregnancy as possible.
An expecting Suktu individual may be required (or may choose) to work and remain active during the first few months of their pregnancy, but once physical endeavors start to become more difficult for them, their loved ones usually insist that they remain home and avoid exerting themselves. Other members of their community take over their responsiblities for them. Needing to give up their regular daily activities may frustrate the pregnant Suktu, but it's viewed as necessary because their race bears children in sets of twins, which can make moving around more difficult in the later stages of gestation.
In order to prevent loneliness while a pregnant person is supposed to be at home resting, it's common for family and friends to pay them regular visits. The soon-to-be parents who intend to adopt the second-born twin will usually be among those who spend the most time with the expecting individual. The brewing and consumption of tea is often a focal point during these visits, both because the Suktu generally enjoy making and drinking tea and because many herbs are believed to have health benefits for parent and babies alike.
The pregnant Suktu is generally surrounded by the ones they're closest to, including the adoptive parents, during the final few weeks before they're due to give birth. Visits from the pregnant person's chosen healer or midwife become more frequent during this time. The expecting individual will ultimately give birth within their home, usually in the company of a parent, their partner, their midwife, and sometimes the couple who will adopt the second twin. Nobody else is allowed in the room during the births in order to keep the environment as peaceful as possible.
Intimate celebrations among the immediate family of the newborn children are common during the first week of the babies' lives. These celebrations typically involve food and gifts being presented to both sets of new parents. They culminate with the children being given their first names.
Primary Related Location
Remove these ads. Join the Worldbuilders Guild
