November 1, 2011
Thinking about my own experience with child birth brought back very special memories for me. I was fortunate enough to have a son and a daughter, 33 and 29 years ago respectively. My experience was a bit untraditional given that it was the 1970's and most couples got married and had their first child shortly there after. My husband and I waited 7 years before starting a family. My Italian grandmother thought this was unusual and didn't think twice about asking me what I was waiting for ! My birth experience with my son was a learning experience as I'm sure it is for most women. We attended child birth classes to prepare for the event. We practiced our breathing and did what we thought were all the right things. I was all for "natural childbirth". As it turned out, things didn't go quite as planned. After 16 hours of active labor, I ended up having general anesthesia because our son was posterior and the Doctor needed to use forceps to deliver him. He weighed in at 8 lbs.7oz and was 21 inches log, a bit much for my 5'2" frame to handle. I must admit, I was disappointed in the outcome but was thankful he was fine. My husband was able to stay through the whole procedure. I remember briefly coming out of the anesthesia and him telling me we have a little boy. Our daughter's birth was natural which was a feat in itself since she weighed in at 9lbs,8 oz. I was determined to not have a repeat of my first experience. All in all, I feel very fortunate to have experienced 2 pregnancies that resulted in 2 healthy babies.
I found it interesting to read about birthing practices in the Netherlands in Parents magazine, online. As in most of Europe, it is more common for a women to give birth at home with the help of a midwife. Throughout the pregnancy, After the initial visit, a doctor is optional as well during the birth. The exception would be in the case of any high risk situations. Should a women chose to go to the hospital to deliver, her hospital stay will be brief. She is sent home with a kraamhulp, a maternity home care kit. The midwife visits the new mother for 7 days after she gives birth. Not only does she provide any necessary medical care, she also helps with household tasks and cooking. All of this is paid for by insurance. Mothers in many work situations are able to stay home with their child up to 3 years if they chose to.
I didn't realize home births were still pretty much the norm in the Netherlands and actually much of Europe. I think the after care plan for the mother and family is something we could learn from. Also, home birth certainly would be a health care savings.
Judi,
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on having a natural birth. I only hope I can be so brave. The thought of having my child at home scares me because sometimes things don't go as planned like with your son. I would feel comfortable being in the care of a physician. Thank God we have options in America and access to medical treatment because in some countries like Indonesia they don't.
Judi,
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like our birthing experience was very similar. I too had wanted a natural childbirth. We had gone to all the Lamaze classes, practiced breathing and focusing, and I was prepared for the physical requirements for natural childbirth. In the end, we had a C-Section. I was very disappointed that I was unable to deliver the way we had it planned out; however, once I held my son all that disappointment went away. The feeling of him in my arms made knowing that anything I had to do for a safe birth, was worth it. I am very glad your second child’s birth was natural and that it was more of what you had wished for.
Rhonda
9lbs 8oz WOW, GREAT JOB! It is wonderful to have 2 healthy babies. Thanks for sharing information about the Netherlands. That is a fantastic perk to have a midwife visits the new mother for 7 days to help with household tasks and cooking. Thanks for sharing….
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Judi! Thank you for sharing this with us. I must confess that the birthing practices in the Nertherlands is quite amazing, that is, if it is actually being practised. What! A woman sent home with a maternity home care kit, a midwife visiting for 7 days after delivey to assist, mothers staying at home with their child up to 3 years if they choose to... Waoh! This is outrageous. Definitely, this will go a long way in strengthening the new mother in no time, that is, having experienced people around to support. This is worth emulation and we need to emulate this in Nigeria.
ReplyDeleteHi Judi, You talk about your Italian grandmother wondering what you were waiting for! From our readings and experiences, we can see how culture plays a part in our society. It sounds as though you and your husband tried to do everything right for a natural, successful birth, and although he was a success, there are thing out of our control that can alter our plans. Thanks for sharing your story.
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