•Write about a
personal birthing experience. It can be your own birth, your child's birth, or
one you took part in. What do you remember about the event? Why did you choose
this example? What are your thoughts regarding birth and its impact on child
development?
I gave birth to my
beautiful daughter about 9 months ago. I had a C-section seeing as she was
overdue and was in no hurry to come out. I always thought I wanted to have my
child the natural way and was a little sad after having to change plans. But
like they say, everything happens for a reason. I found this C-section
experience to be non-stressful for baby and for myself. Although recovery was
tough and painful baby was out in ten minutes. I am expecting again (big
surprise!!!) and this baby is due at the end of June. From my experience I hope
to have another C-section because I honestly learned that baby does not come
out stressed or cone headed because of passing through the birth canal. If baby
decides to come before the scheduled date then I will try to deliver the
natural way but definitely in a hospital.
•Choose a region of the world or a country,
other than the U.S., and find out how births happen there. Write about what you
learned, and the differences and similarities with your experience (in the
personal example you provided). What additional insights, if any, about the
impact of the birthing experience on development, did you gain from this
comparison?
I chose to read a
small article on the Netherlands. Holland women are not given any epidurals and
if it is needed they must need it during business hours 9-5. Also they give
birth at home with a midwife it is rare that women give birth in a hospital. Also,
a doctor will only be called upon if there are complications. I think they are
amazing and strong women for giving birth this way but I know that I could not
do this. I cannot imagine giving birth at home and not having extra nurses and equipment’s
in case something really goes wrong. I was also clueless on all the different
ways other countries give birth. I have added a link that has small articles on
lots of different countries and labor routines.
My wife felt the same way about having a c-section. Her recovery time was longer but the baby was very happy and not a cone head at birth. It is hard to believe that women in the Netherlands are not even given the option of an epidural.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth,
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the new addition joing your family soon.Your two will be close in age like mine. Sometimes I think this is great at other times not so much. I had my last two children by C-section, yes it is easier on the baby, and harder on mom. I have done both and I think if I had a choice I would have prefered to do them all natural-
I also read stuff on the Netherlands, I laughed when I read about the 905 epidurals.
Hi Elizabeth, I adore the picture of your little girl at the top of this site. She made me giggle. It reminds of one the little one's I care for each day in my classroom. So many ruffles and bows. I had three sons, so the ruffles and bows were limited. I get to buy them now and give them to my best friends new granddaughter. I am learning to really appreciate all the differences in styles. Congratulations on your upcoming baby. I too feel safer giving birth in the hospital environment just in case an emergency comes up, but typically our bodies know what to do. I had all three of my sons without medication and had vaginal deliveries. It was painful at times, but the joy when I was able to hold and see them pretty much erased the memory of the pain involved. Try not to worry if your next is a vaginal delivery. It is amazing what we are able to do and tolerate when we often think we can't. But that is a very personal decision for you, your family and your provider. It is very interesting how there are such differences in so many countries. I look forward to getting to know you better throughout this class. Cindy Ferguson
ReplyDeleteHi Elizabeth,
ReplyDeleteCongrats on expecting again!
I find it very interesting about birthing in the Netherlands. I did not have an epidural with my first child (honestly I was super afraid of the needle!) But I did with my second and it was very late at night. I dont know how I would have reacted if they told me I can only get it during business hours! It seems that birthing there may not be as stressful. I am interested in learning more about it.