A new addition to the family is a milestone to be celebrated. In Paraguay, there are many heartfelt traditions around pregnancy and welcoming a baby, shaped by a strong sense of family closeness, community, and love. Between announcements, celebrations, preparations, and adjustments, families welcoming a new baby experience a complete transformation in their daily lives.
It is quite normal for certain traditions, such as announcements or baby showers, to take place more than once. In Paraguayan culture, it is very common to seize every opportunity to give prominence to the mother, share in her excitement, offer support during moments of nervousness, and make the entire process meaningful and memorable.
Announcing the pregnancy
Announcing a pregnancy can look different for every family. It is customary to share the news first with close relatives and then with friends. Most announcements take place privately, which means they may be repeated several times with different groups of people.
Some couples choose to reveal the news in simple yet emotional ways, such as showing an ultrasound photograph during a family meal or gifting a small baby item that hints at the surprise. Nowadays, it has become extremely popular to film these moments to capture the reactions of loved ones.
Social media announcements have also become widespread, allowing couples to share officially that they are expecting a baby. When someone posts a pregnancy announcement, people customarily congratulate the couple and wish them a healthy and joyful journey.
However, some couples choose to keep the news private for a while. Following a more traditional approach, many prefer to wait until after the first trimester, as it is believed to be a safer moment to share the news.
Gender reveals
Gender reveals have become increasingly popular in recent years, even though they are not traditionally Paraguayan. Couples who decide to host one often celebrate with balloons, confetti, or a cake that reveals the baby’s gender. Some families turn the occasion into a large celebration filled with anticipation, while others prefer a more intimate moment shared only between the couple.
On the other hand, some parents choose to wait until the moment of birth, embracing the joy and surprise of discovering the baby’s gender on that special day.
The baby shower culture
Paraguayans treat baby showers, unlike gender reveals, as deeply rooted cultural traditions that hold significant meaning, particularly for expectant mothers. These celebrations often occur more than once during the pregnancy, usually organised by different groups of relatives or close friends. It is not unusual for a mother-to-be to have several baby showers, each with its own group of loved ones.
At a baby shower, guests can expect good food, laughter, and fun games. Organisers choose the menu, but they almost always include baby-themed games such as guessing the baby’s name, answering trivia questions, measuring the mother’s belly with string, and other creative activities. Baby showers can take place in homes, cafés, restaurants, or any venue suitable for such gatherings.
Guests often bring practical gifts to help ease the parents’ expenses, such as nappies, baby clothes, or toys. In some cases, the expectant mother may share a gift list to make it easier for guests to choose what she and the baby need most.
When the the new baby in Paraguay arrives
Once the baby is born, the celebrations continue. Family and friends visit the mother and newborn, often bringing small presents such as flowers. Although the arrival of the baby is a significant moment of joy, it is equally important to acknowledge the mother’s effort. Pregnancy and childbirth can be long and challenging experiences, so recognising her strength is always a thoughtful gesture.
In Paraguay, one of the most important traditions that follows is the baptism, a religious and cultural ceremony that officially welcomes the baby into the community. During this celebration, parents choose a godmother (madrina) and godfather (padrino) who will accompany the child throughout life.
The baptism is usually followed by a family gathering filled with food and music. As in other celebrations, guests often bring meaningful gifts for the baby as a symbol of affection and blessing.
Adjusting to the new addition
As the family adjusts to the new member, relatives play a vital role in providing support. During this period, close family and friends often help with daily tasks and errands, easing the transition for the new parents.
Since this is also a learning stage, especially for first-time parents, those with experience share advice that can help. However, while guidance is welcome, it is equally important to respect the parents’ space and avoid overstepping boundaries.
If the mother is employed, she usually takes maternity leave to focus exclusively on caring for the baby and, ideally, to get some rest. The father may also have some flexibility to support the family, as his presence is equally important. Family and friends who wish to help further often bring homemade food or offer practical assistance.
Overall, the arrival of a baby in Paraguay is not only a personal milestone, but also a shared celebration among loved ones. From the first announcement to the family’s adaptation to a new life, every stage reflects Paraguayan values of community, support, and love.
