By Patty M. Vanegas Updated: April 2, 2025
*Update: Repost with edits due to a new arrival to our family. Now, baby has a baby brother!! Whoo hoo!
I had experienced the birth of babies vicariously through friends throughout the years in the U.S. However, recently our family welcomed the birth of a baby in Mexico. My great nephew was born! I am now a great aunt!! So, of course, as I do, I observed the whole thing and asked questions to anyone willing to answer. As baby photos began to pour in, I learned quite a few things go down differently in Mexico than stateside.
First, the papa (dad), my nephew, was in the delivery room with his wife as she was giving birth. Apparently, this happens whether it is for scheduled induced labors or c-sections.
Next, the baby, my great nephew, was given to his mama (mom) right away just after she gave birth. Then, he was cleaned up and placed in his bassinet right next to his mama. He stayed in the same room with his mama! He was not whisked away to a large strange room full of babies. He was right there in the comfort of his mom’s watchful gaze. He can continue to hear her voice, his papa’s voice, and now even look back at them. What a wonderful way for baby and parents to continue to bond with each other!
Mama and baby stayed until they felt ready to go home. Papa was there too, thanks to paternity leave.
My great nephew met the doctor again in a month after his birth for his follow up visit. During this visit he received the joy of vaccines that will help protect him from getting sick. They measured and weighed him as well. This will be the lightest he will ever weigh in his life!
Mama and papa needed to take him to a government office soon after leaving the hospital in order to register his birth. There they gave an official name for the baby. So, no worries if your baby arrives and you still can’t choose between the last three to twelve names you really like. Parents have until they go to the government office to settle on the name. While baby was at the government office, officials took his thumb print. This goes on to the baby’s birth registry along with their name, name of mama and papa, location of birth, and other details.
He is a healthy hungry baby! He loves to eat alot just like his great uncle, my husband, did as a baby. Next up is the baptism where he will be splashed with water and his life blessed with his family in attendence!! This is, also, the time the parents name the padrinos or godparents. However, we will all care for him as we already do for each other. Life is truly a gift. I am so happy to be an aunt yet again! This time a great aunt.
Now, I am a twice over great aunt. Both boys were healthy hungry babies. The oldest is now an awesome big brother. He loves his baby brother.
A video for those who read to the end.
USMexpats Discoveries 