My labor with my second child was the only experience I had with natural labor. I went into labor with her at 7 pm. My husband and I arrived at the hospital at 9 pm. My mother and sister arrived shortly after I was set up in the labor room. It was very special to have my mother, my sister and my husband in the room with me. Since I was not induced, I was able to walk, use the Jacuzzi and medication for labor pains. She was born at 3:15 am.
The birth process is imperative to child development. If labor lasts too long, the baby can be deprived of oxygen which can cause problems that affect development. If the baby is not in the proper position, the baby may experience distress where the child's development is inhibited. The place where the birth takes place needs to be relaxing and the mother needs to be supported by the father to promote healthy child development.
I love the example of the birth in Ghana presented in our course. The mother labored in a corner. She was curled up in a ball on her side. That position was comfortable for her. The midwife sat in the corner quietly until the woman sat up in the squatting position. During the birth, it was silent. When the baby was born, there was no crying because the birth was gentle.
Women in labor should not be held to one way of giving birth. Society needs to be open to the woman giving birth in surrounding that are most comfortable for her. Educators can use the birthing experience to be a more understanding teacher. There is more than one way to reach and learn. We need to learn to respect it instead of trying to change it.
"It takes a village to raise a child." -African Proverb-
Rohzawne,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing your story with us. You have such a beautiful family. I can relate to you because I too have four children(they sure keep you busy don't they!). On the other hand we are also different because you got to experience natural labor with all of your children and I had 4 c-sections. I also found the example in the book fascinating and it made me want to learn a little more about whether or not all birthing occurs that way in Ghana. Thanks again for your insights and experiences.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful family with us. Funny you mentioned the Jacuzzi, when I took a tour of the hospital before giving birth to my daughter, there was one room with a Jacuzzi and the nurse said, “ if you happen to go into labor and this room is available, this room could be your room”. Unfortunately, it was taken that night
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your story and your family is beautiful.I agree with you when you said that women should options of how to give birth. Some women have different beliefs and issues that hospitals should give options.
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