The only birth that comes to mind is my birth. I remember my mother telling me that I was a healthy baby that weighed 7 pounds 5 ounces and 18 inches long. I was born two weeks late. I also remember my mother telling me that I my dad was not allowed in the delivery room because I was born in a Catholic Hospital and men were not allowed in the delivery room back then. I chose this because I do not have any children of my own yet. I am slightly overweight and feel that in order to have a healthy baby I need to lose weight. My thoughts on birth and its impact on child development is that if a mother takes care of herself while she is pregnant she will more than likely have a healthy child. A mother needs to make sure she is eating healthy and makes sure that she is going to all doctor’s appointments. If a baby is getting the proper nutrition the baby will grow up strong.
I had chosen to write about how births are done in India. My friend is from India and she had a baby last year and was able to share this information with me. The things I found out were it is illegal for the parents to know the sex of the child before it is born. In the United States there was time when the parents could not find out, but nowadays they can. In most modern hospitals (if you can find one) allow fathers to be in the delivery room. In the United States fathers are now allowed to be in the delivery room, but when I was born it was not permitted. The option of an epidural is available in few hospitals and the ones that have them are modern. C-sections are considered normal deliveries in some parts of India. In the United States C-sections are only for those who are having complications. It is important to apply for the birth certificate at the hospital after the baby is born. In the United States it is the same way.
The things I have realized is that births are different depending on where you live and what time you were born. I was born in the late 1970’s and things have even changed in the United States from when I was born. I think that India is trying to become modern and allow the fathers to participate more.
I agree with you that healthy eating and prenatal care is very important for expecting mothers. When my husband and I decided to start a family, I remember making a concious effort to eat vegetables, fruits and also started prenatal vitamins a year before I actually conceive. I think I ate soo much greens that my daughter now loves greens. I do not have any problems with her eating vegetables and she is only 21 month old.
ReplyDeleteI promised myself that I needed to lose weight before getting pregnant. I am eating much better now than I had before. It is great that your daughter is eating greens and vegetables most kids do not like them.
ReplyDeleteThings have definitely changed over the years. I agree that prenatal care is very important. Eventhough there is no guarantee that if an expectant mother follows all of the guidelines given by the physician that the child will be born healthy. During our readings on this week I learned that there are so many disciplines that come into play during child development.
ReplyDeleteI also learned that while most of the nutrition and health risk of the fetus are in regards to the mothers the “Fathers who smoke or are exposed at work to chemicals called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons put their children at risk of developing brain tumors” (Seay, 2008).
This quote from our readings let's me know that what father's do are just as important to the health of the child.
Saey, T. H. (2008). Dad’s hidden influence. Science News, 173(13), 200–201
I think it is so interesting that fathers are not allowed in the delivery room to witness the birth of his child and that the parents-to-be has no idea what the sex of their child is. It seems like these days as soon as they can find out what they are having they want to know, but that is good I think, so they can be more prepared.
ReplyDeleteI remember mom telling me when she was pregnant they they just then got the equipment to be able to tell you the sex of your child, so the doctors were kind of new with this procedure. The doctor told my mom she was having a 8 pound little boy, but when it was time for her to deliver, she had twins! My sister Bobbi (6pounds 11 ounces) and me (4 pounds and 12 ounces) Of course dads weren't allowed back in the rooms at this time either (1980), so when he found out- he passed out!
I hope everything works out for you and your hopes of becoming a mother. I know it is difficult when you want a child, I want one also, but when I found out I had cervical cancer I thought I had no chance, but after my surgery they are hope now. I hope in the next year or so I can welcome a baby into this world.
I think it would have been hard not to have my husband in the delivery room with me. Not that he was much help but he was there for moral support. My mother had to remind me that my father was in the delivery room when I was born but not when my older sister was born because he hadn't finished all the lamaze classes.
ReplyDeleteThat section surprised me too when it said that father's who smoke or are exposed to chemicals can have an affect on the fetus. I am glad that men are now able to be in the delivery room and when it comes to be my turn to have a child I want him in there for support.
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