I had the privilege to have two precious children from God. I took different approaches to each birth. My first birth was my daughter. I was amazed every time I would go for my prenatal visits. I love hearing the information I got from my doctor and the experience of hearing my daughters heart beat. When you hear the heart beat it gives you this feeling that is unexplainable. I took some birthing classes before I had her to prepare for the birth. I also researched and made a decision to breast feed. During my contractions, I decided to get an epidural for the pain. And I also came up with a plan when she was brought into the world. My plan was after I had my skin to skin bonding, my husband was to give our daughter her first bath. Then he got the chance to have skin to skin contact with him.
My son's birth was kind of the same but I took a different approach with the pain. My husband and I decided to have a doula assist us with the pain of the contractions. I love having a doula. I also decided to do all my laboring at home. So when I was on my way to the hospital I was ready to give birth in the car. I didn't because the doula helped with the pain, so I wouldn't push. After the birth of our son, my husband and I did the same thing with the bath and bonding.
The reason I chosen both of my births because I took different approach with each one. The things I have chosen to do during the birth and after the birth was for the development of my children. The decision I made such as breast feeding, first bath, prenatal check ups, and the bonding moments were some of the things that I felt would help my children develop. I believe we as parents should research and make healthy decision for our children when they are brought into this world. When having a child your focus should be on the development of that child.
The country I research about was Haiti. I found that there are differences and similarities in birth experiences compare to the U.S. Some of the differences that I was amazed by was that the women do not have the option of getting an epidural for the pain. And some Haitian women may eat clay/dirt during pregnancy. Now, the reason why is they believe it will help to balance minerals, vitamins, and also help with the nausea during the pregnancy. One of the similarities that I found was that breastfeeding is encourage and practice in Haiti. They continue breastfeeding for nine months just like some people in the U.S.
Reference
Background on Haiti & Haitian Health Culture
www.cookross.com/docs/haiti.pdf
Ebony,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing your personal birthing stories. Both sound like such beautiful experiences. The article that you linked to was also very interesting. I wonder if eating clay/dirt really helps with the nausea? There must be something about the minerals in it that helps to neutralize stomach acid. I thought it was really interesting to read that Haitian women often don't seek prenatal care unless something goes wrong because they consider birth to be a natural bodily function. That is very different from the American pregnancy experience.
Hi Ebony!
ReplyDeleteI love your birthing story. My Husband and I were very close to using a doula, however, I got nervous and opted out. I researched Haiti as well and it's heart wrenching to hear about the Mothers and babies in need of resources. I'm curious if the Haitian Mothers that digested clay and dirt eventually developed pica. However, I am pleased to learn that Haiti embraces breastfeeding as well.
Hello again Ebony,
ReplyDeleteI am glad we are together again!! I also chose my own personal experience, but unlike you I did not use a doula. Let me be the first to commend you on your toughness, because I could not hardly stand the pain with the epidural. I did breastfeed my last two children for a little while, but as everything that did not last either. LOL! From reading all of your posts, Ebony I can tell you are a super mom!