For this I decided to discuss the birth of my son, not only because it is obviously the most meaningful to me but also because it is honestly the only one I have ever experienced (other than my own, which of course I do not remember). The day I gave birth to my son I was 38 weeks pregnant and was only going into the doctor's office to undergo a non-stress test. While hooked up to the monitor it was found that my son's heartbeat kept dropping very low. Since I was so far along they decided to go ahead and induce me. A few hours later, his heart rate continued to drop low. The doctor decided to do a c-section to make sure there were no problems. I was somewhat relieved that I would not have to push a human being out of me (which I was growing quite scared about) until they wheeled me into the surgery room. Having never had any sort of surgery before, once in the O.R. I was completely terrified. The doctors were great though (especially the anestegiologist lol) and calmed me down. I did not feel anything. When they got him out they told me he was healthy but they immediatly took him to clean him up. I did not get to hold him. My husband showed him to me before walking him to the nursery, but it was hours before I got to see him again or hold him. After the birth I suffered from post-partum depression for quite awhile. I sometimes wonder if this was due to the fact that I didn't get to hold him or see him for hours and felt that I didn't get the immediate bonding that I should have. I feel that my post-partum had a great impact on him. I was always stressed and unhappy, and he always cried. Looking back I know his crying was probably due to me not feeling joyful or relaxed while with him. I truly believe that the experience during birth can have a great impact on a child's development for this reason. After a few months when my depression finally subsided, his crying also did and he became a much happier and alert baby. Had this not have happened, he may have been happy and alert from day one. I am a firm believer that the state a parent is in during the first few months will directly affect the infant's state.
Birthing experience from another region
For this I chose the birthing customs of Holland. I was researching customs all around the world and Holland just stood out to me. There, pregnant women are referred to a midwife by thier family doctor, no obstetricians. More than half of the women give birth at home rather than at a hospital. "All expectant mothers in Holland are required to pick up a kraampakket that includes all of the medical supplies necessary for a home birth." If you do opt for a hospital birth, it's unlikely that you'll get an epidural. Epidurals are usually only given if it's convenient for the anesthesiologist's schedule or if an obstetrician determines it is necessary. A unique part of birth for the Dutch is the kraamhulp (maternity home care). For seven days after birth a nurse visits the home providing medical care, parenting instructions, and sometimes even cleaning and cookinng! Though we often use midwives in the US (I saw a midwife all during my pregnancy up to delivery) the process is far different. Women do choose home births here, but hospital births are far more common. And what new mother doesn't wish they could have "Kraamhulp"? I know I would vote yes for that if given the option!
Hi Robin,
ReplyDeleteI too was depressed after the birth of my son. The day my mother left I went into the shower and cried because I was too embarassed to tell my husband. There is so much more information out there now about post-partum depression. My son will be twenty years old next month and I can still remember the shame I felt about being depressed.
Thanks so much for sharing.
Hi Robin,
ReplyDeleteI find the birthing process in Holland to be rather interesting. The epidural is only given if necessary or convenient for the anesthesiologist's schedule...wow...I am not so sure if I could brave a birth without an epidural. :)