Two of my closest friends, the Sanchez’s gave birth to their first child about 4 years ago this time. We shared a great friendship and I loved then dearly, so needless to say, I stayed very close to them during this stressful time to lend a hand wherever I could. Around her 39th week, Stephanie would walk (waddle) around the block daily, while taking periodic stops to catch her breath. She never complained about pain, but gross discomfort. Around 5pm on her due date, Stephanie started having contractions and although they had prepared for this moment, in a quick frenzy, they grabbed everything and rushed off to the hospital.
At the hospital It was saddening to see Stephanie tossing and turning in her bed all while listening to painful screams from the expectant mothers in the surrounding rooms. I left at 1pm that night and returned with flowers bright and early the next morning. I was excited to see baby Heather. I practically ran to the hospital room. Luckily I was not seen by any nurses or worse, by security… I burst through the doors with a big smile of expectancy, only to see and hear things just the way I left them. Four long hours later Stephanie was only 4 centimeters dilated. After about an hour there still wasn’t much progress but the doctor observed that the baby was in distress. A sonogram revealed that the umbilical cord was wrapped around Heather’s neck. Within 5 minutes she was off to emergency c-section and Heather breathed her first breath that afternoon at 3pm. What a relief for everyone. Stephanie was still in tears, but this time, the were tears of joy.
At the hospital It was saddening to see Stephanie tossing and turning in her bed all while listening to painful screams from the expectant mothers in the surrounding rooms. I left at 1pm that night and returned with flowers bright and early the next morning. I was excited to see baby Heather. I practically ran to the hospital room. Luckily I was not seen by any nurses or worse, by security… I burst through the doors with a big smile of expectancy, only to see and hear things just the way I left them. Four long hours later Stephanie was only 4 centimeters dilated. After about an hour there still wasn’t much progress but the doctor observed that the baby was in distress. A sonogram revealed that the umbilical cord was wrapped around Heather’s neck. Within 5 minutes she was off to emergency c-section and Heather breathed her first breath that afternoon at 3pm. What a relief for everyone. Stephanie was still in tears, but this time, the were tears of joy.
I never shared this with Stephanie, but I always asked myself, “What would have happened if we lived in a country or a culture where home births were the norm? No one would know the baby was in distress. We would just continue to wait for full dilation and during this time Heather would have most likely died. Instead Heather is a healthy 4 year old, running around driving her parents crazy; but they wouldn’t have it any other way.
Comparing Birth Practices
This same article also lists some of the many differences between US birthing practices and their cultures.
1) Anesthesia can affect the respiratory system and may sometimes cause brain damage in the child.
2) Using medicines to induce labor can increase the chances of premature births. Too much of this medicine can also increase risks of separation of the placenta, scarring of the cervix and birth canal, postpartum hemorrhage and uterine rupture.
3) If Stephanie had been encouraged to constantly walk around until the very last moment, she may have had the chance to deliver naturally and at the same time be distracted from all her discomfort..
4) Stephanie did not eat for a day and a half and obviously wasn’t as strong as usual. In other developed countries most women are allowed to eat and drink lightly during labor, helping to maintain their strength and comfort.
5).Gravity aides the birthing process tremendously. Trying to give birth while laying flat on her back worked against Stephanie for several reasons. Her blood pressure elevated and her contractions were weak.
http://www.unlessthelordmagazine.com/articles/protecting_your_wife_in_childbir.htm
1) Anesthesia can affect the respiratory system and may sometimes cause brain damage in the child.
2) Using medicines to induce labor can increase the chances of premature births. Too much of this medicine can also increase risks of separation of the placenta, scarring of the cervix and birth canal, postpartum hemorrhage and uterine rupture.
3) If Stephanie had been encouraged to constantly walk around until the very last moment, she may have had the chance to deliver naturally and at the same time be distracted from all her discomfort..
4) Stephanie did not eat for a day and a half and obviously wasn’t as strong as usual. In other developed countries most women are allowed to eat and drink lightly during labor, helping to maintain their strength and comfort.
5).Gravity aides the birthing process tremendously. Trying to give birth while laying flat on her back worked against Stephanie for several reasons. Her blood pressure elevated and her contractions were weak.
http://www.unlessthelordmagazine.com/articles/protecting_your_wife_in_childbir.htm
You have such great information. I agree with the no medication during childbirth. I also gave birth naturally and I think it was wonderful and less stressful for me and my child. I also didnt know the us ranked so highly in fatalities.
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