Childbirth––In Your Life and Around the World

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 have a 2 year old and a 14 month old, both birthing experiences were quite different.  With my oldest son my water broke at 38 weeks and I was in labor for 22 long hours.  When I reached 10cm I begin pushing about every 15-20 minutes for about 4 hours.  My son was sunny side up (face up, not down) so it was very hard for his head to navigate down my birthing canal.  I became so exhausted both mentally and physically so my doctor decided that it would be best if I delivered via c-section.  At nearly 40 weeks I went into labor with my second son, this labor experience was worse than it was with my oldest.  The pain was unbearable; however I still wanted to try for a natural birth.  My doctor did not think that it was in my best interest so after about 4 hours my son was delivered via c-section.  Both of my sons were delivered at the same hospital and we were reluctant enough to have wonderful doctors and nurses to assist us in our life changing experiences.  I chose these examples because they are memories that my husband and I cherish and will never forget what it took to bring our precious children into this world.  I really do not think that there is a connection between birth and child development.  The birthing process is just the necessary step that must happen to bring a child into this world, child development is the daily practices that goes on in the child’s life that has the capability of shaping their personality.

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?

India has a high infant mortality rate; women are considered unclean during their menstrual cycles and during the act of giving birth.  They are kept away from religious rituals and social interactions because they are considered unclean, distasteful.  Midwives and dais assist women during child birth, however some refuse to cut the umbilical cord because this is considered as the utmost polluting act.  Their role in the birthing process is most like the nurses we have here in the US.  They provide emotional support, massages, apply oils and herbs, and help with labor positions.  Nearly 60% of births take place within the home, which may play a huge role in why their infant mortality rate is so high. There are so many differences from my birthing experience, such as I was in a hospital with doctors and nurses and given medication throughout the process.  In addition, these ladies do not have the option to have c-section when complications like mine arise.  This could pose serious problems for both mother and baby leading to possible birth defects.  However, we do have someone to assist us during our birthing experience to make us as comfortable as possible.  I gained insight on how other countries do not have similar resources and how their religious practice and beliefs greatly affect the decisions that are made while giving birth.

References:

Chawla, Janet, ed. Birth and Birthgivers: The power behind the shame. New Delhi, India: Shakti

Books, 2006. 11-312.

Hearing Dais' Voices: Learning About Traditional Birth Knowledge and Practice. Rep.No. MATRIKA. PLAN International.

Janani Suraksha Yojana: Features & Frequently Asked Questions and Answers. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Maternal Health Division, Government of India. New Delhi, 2006.

Janani Suraksha Yojana: Guidlines for Implementation. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.Government of India. 2004.

Stern, Robert W. Changing India. New York: Cambridge UP, 2003.