There are many Lakota traditions related to pregnancy. In the book Oglala Women, Marla N. Powers gives examples of traditional ways that expectant mothers would prepare for the coming of their babies (pp. 54-57).

Before the child's birth...

• Women were not to travel far from home while pregnant.
• Women should not be lazy or the child would become fat.
  
• Women should keep themselves clean.

To pass the time…

• Women made clothing and a cradleboard.
• Women beaded baby moccasins or made them out of quillwork.
• Grandmothers could make star quilts or bead the turtle or lizard cord pouches.

At birth…

• Women gave birth in a special tipi.
• There would be a woman of great character to assist the mother through the birthing.
• This woman displayed all of the positive aspects of character and would clean the baby’s mouth and cut the umbilical cord at birth.
• This woman became like a “hunka mother” and would influence the baby’s life.

After birth...

• Babies' diapers were make of fawnskin with a cattail lining.
• Babies were kept safe in cradleboards while their mothers did chores nearby.
• The cord pouch would be tied to the cradleboard. People believed that the cord should be kept near the child, or else he/she would become too curious - always looking for the cord.
• The people had herbal remedies for many childhood illnesses.

As you await the birth of your baby, you can learn more about Lakota traditions. They may help you as you prepare to give your baby a strong, healthy start!