I would like to talk about the birth of my son Logan. He is my first and only child thus far. I was 39 weeks and 2 days when he decided to leave his world and enter into ours. On Monday I was feeling anxious like I just had to do something but my calves, ankles, and feet were so swollen I couldn’t do anything but keep them elevated. By Wednesday I was so ready for him I didn’t know what to do. On Thursday around 9: 30 pm I saw blood so I ate, took a bath, told my husband, called the doctor, called my mother, and finally left for the hospital. After all of my preparations we arrived at the hospital at 12:00 am Friday July 15, 2011.
I signed my papers and was given a birthing room. The nurse checked me and said I was only 2 centimeters dilated and the chances of Logan being born that night was probably not going to happen. Because there were so many babies being born that night the on call doctor didn’t really have time to come check me. My doctor arrived at 7:00 am and checked me and I was only 3 centimeters so he told me that since I had dilated some more that they would keep me to see progression. By 9:30 am he told me that it was a good day to have a baby. The nurse put some pain medicine in my IV and off to sleep I went. At 12:30 pm he broke my water and I began to dilate quickly. At 12: 40 pm the nurse put more pain medicine in my IV. By 3:30pm I was 9 centimeters dilated. At 4: 15 pm I began to tell everyone I was ready to push but they kept telling me to wait on the doctor. The nurse got set up for baby and I began to tell everyone that I was going to push and the doctor was just going to miss this baby’s birth because he was coming and I was not going to stop him. At that point my mother and best friend left the room and my sister and husband rushed to my right side with my nurse on the left. The nurse then asked if I wanted someone to hold my legs or did I want to hold my own. I held my legs and the nurse instructed me on how to push and to push whenever I felt it. I began to do as I had been taught and then my husband almost passed out so the nurse and my sister were caring for him all while I pushed by myself. It was now about 4:25 and everyone came back to be and the doctor had made it in. After plenty of pushing, lots of breathing, motivating words from my husband and sister, and being hot my baby boy arrived at 4:34 pm at 8 pounds 6 ounces and 21 ¾ inches long. My birthing experience was a good one. I had a great nurse, doctor, and a wonderful support system.
I chose to talk about this experience because it was truly the only birthing experience I had encountered yet it was special. This was one of the most remarkable moments in my life and it was a great experience.
I feel that birth has a great impact on child development because it is the second most important decision a parent makes (proper prenatal being the first). How a child enters this world has an impact on child development because women who decide to have their child at home are taking great risks. Anything could happen such as a dropped heart rate, baby being breeched, or an umbilical cord around the neck but at the same token are natural poses no chemical threat to baby. The birth of baby is important and shouldn’t be taken lightly.
I decided to compare my experience with women in Venezuela. Through research I found that women in Venezuela do not have a choice with their birthing plan. Over 90 percent of Women in Venezuela are forced into having a cesarean. Some women may have their child vaginally but not naturally. This country basically forces women to their babies by cesarean and for those that cannot be convinced to have their babies by cesarean they have them vaginally but with medications.
Unlike the women of Venezuela I had a choice in my birthing plan. I told my doctor what I wanted and how I wanted it done. I was not pressured into anything but I was advised and my decision was made based off that. My experience was the same as the women of Venezuela because I had a staff that was prepared for me and baby and whatever condition we were in.
Through my research I learned that women prefer cesarean over vaginally because it saves time, energy, and they say it’s safer. Doctors prefer cesarean over vaginally because it means a bigger paycheck for them. I do not agree with a cesarean just because, I believe cesareans should only be performed if giving birth vaginally poses a threat to both mother a child. Birth was not intended to be planned the decision was always up to the fetus to decide when it wanted to become a baby and I believe that is how it should still be.
References
Devereux, C.(July 17, 2010). Why so many c-sections in Venezuela? Global Post. Retrieved from http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/venezuela/100615/childbirth-cesarean
Molina, F. (2008). Birth Choices in Venezuela. Midwifey Today. Retrieved from http://www.midwiferytoday.com/articles/intvenezuela.asp
My 3rd child was almost born without a doctor! The nurse ran into the hall and called for a doctor. She had just about to get the gown on halfway when my little one entered the world. My doctor appeared about 3 minutes later! It is amazing that there can seem to be no progress for such a long time and then it all happens at once.... well at least it seems that way.
ReplyDeleteHi Shikisha,
ReplyDeleteThis is the first time I visit your blog, since last class we were not in the same blog group. I'm glad I get to work with you in blogs too in this class :)
Thanks for sharing the birth of your son and the information on Venezuelan birthing practices!
I know in many South American countries women opt for c-sections because of the convenience. Plastic surgery is also a common practice. So much so they have a c-section/tummy tuck deal in place! I get disgusted because how risky this can be for both mom and baby. Birthing and having contractions allows babies to clear their passages and lungs. Babies born by schedule c-sections do not receive this benefit and can lead to baby congested suffering or dying from respiratory failure.