My personal birth experience:
I have decided to share the birth of my two children because
of how different they both were. The birth of my daughter was smooth, I
experienced very little pain and spotting was the only reason I went to the
hospital. I received the epidural right after the doctor broke my water, and
all I could feel was pressure. I arrived at the hospital at 10:30 and my
daughter was born at 2:35. Immediately all of my baby weight went away and I
felt happy to have a healthy 7lb 12 oz baby girl. Three years later I decided
to do it again, the birth of my son was rather difficult. I began to experience
pain during the 7h month of my pregnancy so I was placed on bed
rest. I went to the hospital several times before finally they kept me. I was in
labor for 14 hours this includes the horrible back pain I had before I was
admitted. I felt every contraction; even after the epidural I was very
uncomfortable and I felt a lot of pressure. My weight gain during this
pregnancy decided to stick around, but I was happy to have healthy 7lb 8oz baby
boy.
During my research I found births of Bantu people of South Africa
very interesting. It is very common among the Bantu people that an older woman
such as a grandmother or a traditional birth attendant assist with birth. After
a birth, the mother is secluded in her hut with the baby until she stops
bleeding and burial of the placenta and cord has great importance. When the
cord falls off, it is understood that the newborn now not only belongs to the
mother, but to the whole community. All African cultures believe that a new
baby has come from the spirit world bearing gifts and talents. The naming
ceremony is therefore of vital importance, connecting a baby to the ancestors
who have imparted these talents and bonding the newborn to the community.
The bearing gifts reminded me of baby showers I
feel that in all cultures the birth of a baby is a very precious moment. It was
great to see how other countries celebrate births and also how women have this
awesome gift no matter where you are from!Happy Mothers Day!
Hi Angela,
ReplyDeleteI have two children as well and both of the childbirths were very different. I enjoyed reading about the Bantu people. It is very interesting how they bury the placenta and cord. You are right in saying the birth of a baby is a precious moment no matter where you are. Thanks for sharing.
I am so sorry for the pain you had to endure with your son. I am thankful for your healthy children. The wonderful thing about labor and delivery is the ability to bounce back very quickly from it. I know that my pregnancy, birth and at home care that I recieved before and after my son was born was empowering. The respect and sense of community after a child is born is needed so that mom and baby can remain healthy.
ReplyDeleteHi Angela. Are you retaking this class? This is an older post. I wasn't sure if you are still in this class or not, but your name was on my roster. Anyway, I wrote about birthing in South Africa too where mothers were too scared to even go to a hospital because of rough treatment they and the infant might receive. It's very sad that it would be that way anywhere even in less developed places. I have two children also, two boys. How old are your children? Good luck in the class and hope to get to know you better!
ReplyDeleteAloha Angela,
ReplyDeleteMy wife would have loved to have given birth with little pain or discomfort and in a very short period of time. Unfortunately it was longer with more pain, but she loved the epidural part. I am the oldest of 5 siblings and so I can't imagine what my mother went through with us. Child birth is such a precious moment. Thank you for sharing your experiences.