Science has already established that a mother's actions, attitude and mood
during pregnancy have a profound affect on the development of her baby. From
the Talmud we learn that this applies to spiritual matters as well.
It is thus vital that
during pregnancy the mother increase her observance of Torah and Mitzvot,
especially increasing in good deeds such
as giving charity, saying Psalms and infusing her environment with a genuine
Jewish spirit. This can also include improving upon the Mitzvot she
already observes.
It has been traditionally
accepted that one should not publicize a pregnancy until the beginning of
the fifth month. (This does not apply to very close relatives, and with
proper discretion). Likewise, some who have the custom to request a blessing
of a Sage or Tzaddik, such as a Rebbe, customarily wait until the end of the
first trimester before mentioning the pregnancy.
Special
Mitzvot
While nature takes its course in the
development of the newborn, we
do our part by praying to God for a healthy, easy pregnancy and delivery. There are traditionally three mitzvot that Jewish women emphasize during pregnancy:
Charity:
It is customary for
the expectant mother to place a few extra
coins in a Tzedakah box (charity box) each morning (except on Shabbat
and Jewish Holidays). It is also customary to give charity prior
to lighting the Shabbat and Holiday candles.
Mezuzah: Having
the mezuzah of the home inspected by a certified Scribe to ensure that they are kosher. (The ink
on the parchment
tends to fade with time, rendering the mezuzah unfit.)
Saving Psalms: In
addition to daily prayers, Jewish women (and their husbands) recite additional Psalms each day during
the pregnancy,
especially chapter 20.
Shir
Ha-Maalot - Psalm
121
According
to Kabbalah, it is customary to have a copy of Psalm
121
in the delivery room
during labor and at the
time of birth. These holy passages arouse God's mercy for an easy birth
and delivery.
Another
reason given for this custom is that in this way a child's Jewish education begins at birth. The
first images the child is surrounded with are Jewish holy objects. Later, these holy
verses are placed within the baby's crib (in a safe manner), on the doorway to
the
baby's bedroom, and on the front door of the home.
Beautiful
posters and artwork incorporating Jewish themes are available at Judaic stores or online. One can
keep this in mind when decorating the nursery.
During
Delivery
It
is customary for the husband to recite the following chapters of Psalms
during the delivery, as they are especially propitious for this occasion. 1, 2, 3, 4, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 33,
47, 72, 86, 90, 91, 92, 93, 104, 112, and 113-150.
A
Solid Beginning
The
first moments, hours, and days of the baby's life are likened to that of a newly planted tree, where
the initial care sets the tone for its future growth and well-being. Thus,
the holy environment that the child enters into establishes a solid spiritual beginning,
which serves as a firm foundation throughout his or her life.
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