A great deal of mystery surrounds pregnancy and birth in Gambian society.
People do not talk about the fact that someone is expecting a baby; complete discretion is observed during the entire pregnancy. Gambians believe that talking about the pregnancy could endanger the life of the baby.

After a baby is born, numerous ritual precautions are taken.
Sometimes a fire burns continuously in the house for the first week during which time the mother remains indoors. One week after the birth a ceremony takes place when the baby is named. Children are usually named by the father’s side of the family after relatives or friends. The father is normally responsible for making arrangements for the naming ceremony and informing family, friends, and relatives.

The ceremony is performed in the morning (around 10:00 am) by an elder who either shaves the baby’s hair or cuts a lock and says a silent prayer. He then whispers into the infant’s ear the name the parents have chosen which is proclaimed aloud by a griot.
While the name is being whispered, a chicken, goat or sheep is being slaughtered. A charity offering of kola nuts, cakes or other special foods is distributed to the guests, and the tuft of hair is buried. Guests bring small gifts for the infant and the griots as well. Later in the day, a large meal is prepared followed by drumming and dancing.

Nowadays western style music and parties are part of the ceremony, especially in urban areas.