The first birthing experience that comes to mind is the birth of my first born which occured almost three years ago. I remember being terrified, nervous, and excited. Although we hear stories about births all the time it was still the "unknown" to me. I was afraid of the pain I might feel and when and where I would go into labor. I actually had to be induced due to losing amniotic fluid. I remember going for a regular check-up and the doctor telling me I was going to the hospital that night. I remember crying because I was not ready. I was induced that night at about 8:00 and my doctor broke my water at 9:00 the following morning. I had my epidural at 9:45 ( I'm a big........ baby when it comes to pain). By 12:00 my beautiful baby boy made his way into the world and EVERYTHING that happened prior to that moment was forgotten. Lots of people have their opinions about birth and child development especially when discussing natural birth and births with medication. I have heard people say that babies that are born naturally develop better because they were not drugged. I on the other hand disagree. My thoughts are the main focus should be the health of the child. I do not think that natural vs. medicine affects the development of the child if given correctly. I have two beautiful children who are developing very well eventhough I did not choose to deliver them naturally. I commend those women that can have natural births but I am a chicken.
In The Developing Person Through Childhood the author described a birth in Ghana. A women balled up in the corner of her hut on the floor with her midwife in a nearby corner. The author describe the women as being able to crouch down and bore down to allow her child to be born without help, medicine, not even a sound of agony or pain. That experience was completely different from mine. I remember thinking "absolutely not" as I read the description. However, I am in awe and pure amazement of the strength and capabilities of a woman. I commend and admire such women for their strentgh and realize how much of a baby I really am.
Althea,
ReplyDeleteI do believe you are not a chicken! I feel that I will be the same way when I become pregnant. As I do not have my own children but I constantly think about how I will give birth and I do believe I will be medicated! I am like you and all I care about is having a healthy baby.
Althea, I found your birthing experience very interesting. I have not yet had children of my own but I feel like I would have the same worries about giving birth. I also commend the woman from Ghana for being brave enough to give birth without help from anyone.
ReplyDeleteAlethea,
ReplyDeleteI think there are plenty of other things you could have done to be called a chicken ... but giving birth, even with medication, doesn't warrant that in my opinion! :) I think that feeling less stressed while in labor has positive affects on the newborn, and if you needed medication to be able to give birth, then you made the right decision for you! And the right decision for you is most often the right decision for the baby, too. Congratulations on your 2 healthy children!
Lydia
Feel confidant in your decision to use medication! It is not everyone's choice, but it was YOUR choice! Your health and well being during the delivery process is what encouraged you to get the epidural, and you were less stressed and able to deliver without worry, which is positive!!
ReplyDeleteAlethea,
ReplyDeleteHello again. We are still hanging in there and I once again enjoyed your story. Child birthing is very different for everyone and all children are a blessing in my opinion. It does not matter how they got here, it only matters how we take care of them and what we do to foster a positive life for our children.