Childbirth in Your Life and Around the World

CHILDBIRTH IN MY LIFE

While I do not have much experience with childbirth in my life, I do have one that I can discuss.  I can't say I remember it but from the stories I have been told, I think I recall it fairly well.  I am sure you could have guessed by now... I am talking about my own birth.  I have no nieces or nephews and have never been involved in another friend or family members birth.  From the stories that I am told, my parents say they were already anxious and on edge during pregnancy with me because the last month, my doctor had moved to Staten Island.  While living in another borough was already difficult, my father was a sanitation worker who at the time was working nights.  You can never predict when your water is going to break or contractions are going to start.  Also, my mother had a rough delivery with my older brother (requiring an emergency c-section) because the cord was wrapped around his neck.  They were told to try to relax with me because the doctor's didn't want my mother to trigger an early birth.  Luckily, I was born just fine.. a little jaundice, but okay.

I chose this example because I feel personal experiences (whether mine, or someone else's) are very helpful and extremely informational.  When it is my time to have a child, I know my mother and father will help me through whatever life throws at me.  Birth is a miraculous and beautiful time to go through with your loved ones.  After the readings and videos from this week, I believe that is when child development is most important -- in the womb.  We are making huge progress to figuring out what exactly a fetus goes through and I can't wait for the breakthrough of all the information.

CHILDBIRTH IN SWEDEN

After knowing about births in the United States, I decided to look up births and how they happen in Sweden.  I have heard a few things about Sweden and how they are ahead of the world in childbirth and pregnancy.  They have a very low rate of infant-mortality and c-sections.  The pregnant women here are seemed to be calm and collective while having a baby.  Everything is figured out before hand and you are made comfortable during your labor.  Just like the U.S.A, almost all births take place in hospitals.  Unlike the U.S., the hospitals in Sweden are made to mimic a home setting.  There are labor lounges where women can snack, watch t.v., drink and just relax while labor progresses.  The Doctor is only involved in emergencies & check-ups of the baby after birth.  The team consists of the Midwife, the Midwife's assistant, and a family member of the woman's choosing.  Medicine is not discouraged or encouraged, but each pregnant woman knows the advantages and disadvantages.  Prenatal care is completely free.  I think the USA can learn a lot from Sweden, just by figuring out the low rates of infant mortality.  Sweden believes birth is an intensely fulfilling personal experience.  I believe that's what it will be when I have my first child, and I hope to have the best care that I can receive.

http://www.parenting.com/article/birth-maternal-health