I experiened my first birthing 5 almost 6 years ago. A friend of mine was having her second child and she allowed me to be in the room with her. I had just met her earlier that year, so I was excited she allowed me that experience, but I was also nervous. I had heard some crazy to disgusting stories about the childbirth process. It was so amazing to see how the baby comes out, I was shocked. I have not had any children of my own, so of course I had questions about how it all worked. As she pushed it seemed the baby was just gliding out, as if she wasn't pushing at all. Seeing a birth on television has no comparison to a live birth. That was a beautiful sight to see and the doctor held on to that baby so firm but gently. I believe having a natural birth vs. a cesarean can determine complications upon the baby's arrival. I have two friends who had cesareans and both babies had to be in a incubator for a period of time and my friend who had a natural child birth didn't have any complications. A lot has to do with the health of the mother prior to birth.
In Holland Netherlands, most expectant moms don't see an obstetrician, but are instead referred by their family doctor to a local midwife practice (Schalken, 2012). Doctors only intervene in high-risk cases or if complications arise during delivery (Schalken, 2012). All expectant mothers in Holland are required to pick up a kraampakket that includes all of the medical supplies necessary for a home birth (Schalken, 2012). If you choose not to deliver at home, your midwife will make a house call to check on the progress of your labor and determine the ideal time for you to go to the hospital (Schalken, 2012). Giving birth naturally remains the ideal for the vast majority of Dutch women; if a mother gives birth early in the day without complications, she and the baby may go home in as little as two hours (Schalken, 2012).
I was in a hospital when my friend gave birth, it's not necessary for Dutch women to give birth in a hospital. Most dutch women will have natural child births, like my friend in the story above did.
Reference
Schalken, L. (2012). Parents: Bith customs around the world. Retrieved from http://www.parents.com/pregnancy/giving-birth/vaginal/birth-customs-around-the-world/?page=2
Ayonie,I enjoyed reading your post. After reading about the birth customs from other countries it seems that we have more options for our birthing process here in the US. Women can opt to have home births or go to a hospital setting. I think in other countries the natural birth process is widely encouraged.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with you, the actual birthing experience is much different from what they show on television. It is truly amazing and educational at the same time. I am all for natural births (even though I do not have any children), I don't think it's good for the baby, and the effects that it has on some mothers is nothing that I personally want to experience.
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