I am writing about the birth of my first son, he will be 20 years old on Nov.10th. I didn't find about I was pregnant with him until I was about 14 1/2 weeks pregnant. I only gained 27 lbs, and I remained between the sizes 12-14 throughout the pregnancy. I was due on the 2nd of Nov., however on Friday the 9th of Nov. I was admitted into the hospital at 6:00a.m. and my labor was induced. I was in labor from 10:00 a.m. and Antonio was not delivered until 11:29 p.m. on Sat. Nov. 10th. Antonio weighed 9lbs and 14.3 ozs. and was 23 1/2 inches long.Now he is 6'9 and weighs about 190lbs or so, he is in Missouri on a basketball scholarship. I was giving an epidural, but because of my labor being so long, the epidural had woren off, so I had a natural birth. I remember asking, "Why is it taking so long and Can I push, please?" I also remember that one of my nurses had to stand on the side of the hospital bed and push down on my stomach to get Antonio to drop into position. Because it was an experience of a lifetime and no one could believe because of his weight at birth, how little I was and that I had only gained 27 lbs. My thoughts about birth and the impact on child development is that it is very important to find out as soon as possible if a woman is pregnat or not, because there could be so many complications and finding out early may help to prevent them. I also wanted to share this birth, because of his weight and length, we were supplied diapers and formula for the first year of his life, due to him breaking a record at the hospital.
I chose the country of Australia. Many births are done independently or with provatre mid-wives. There have been some publicly funded homebirth available for a small number of women for many years. There is a policy that is being finalized to take mid-wives from public hospitals and place them in home births. The two reasons homebirth are chosen is: to avoid what they previously experienced or what might happen with hospital birth and/or to have their baby with care from jsut one or two midwives, who they trust and know. Other reasons for homebirths maybe: comfortable with home setting, less risk of infection for baby and mom, less risk of unnecessary episiotomy. If hospital transfer is needed, very low caesarean, and visits with midwives are more personal. There are no inductions or epidurals are available at home, other ways that are okay with moms maybe: use of water, showers, massages, aromatherapy and walking. Midwives carry oxygen, suction or bleeding prevention medicine. A midwive may stay up to four hours after the birth, will come back within 12 to 24 hours, will visit daily until mom is ready for less visits and will be released after moms six week postnatal visit. I learned that moms in Australia have a choice of rather having the baby at home or hospital, just like moms did many years ago. There are alot of differences, where with most deliveries moms are offered something for pain, where with these home births there are no inductions or epidurals. I think now, I would like to try a homebirth and that is just because of there being so many infections and diseases out in the world and I feel that a homebirth, would be more personal and would be a time for parents to enjoy that special moment. The mom would probably have more one on one time with her infant after a homebirth, if there were no complications.
Wow, such a big baby and such a long labor! I am amazed you had a second!! I can relate to the natural birth. With my first child, I keep saying "no" to the meds because I did not want them to wear off before I REALLY needed them. Well, I waited too long. When I needed them, delivery was too close so I was told I could not have any. Ouch!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the birth of your son and the amazing endurance that you had during delivery. Thanks for the indepth information that you gave on Australia and how birthing is handled in that country. Midwives are very helpful in other countries and an expectant mother prefer to have their child at home and delivered by a midwife. I think more US mother's are moving to this method also and I agree with you that if I had the chose, I would choose the home delivery also.
ReplyDeleteLori - Wow! There's nothing like giving birth to a toddler. That's amazing. I like to read the accounts of childbirth although sometimes it's really scary.
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I are planning for a child in the near future. We haven't had the right timing yet. If we are successful, I will go to a hospital to deliver but I will have a midwife instead of a doctor. However, there'll be doctor nearby if an emergency were to arise.
WoW. You are very blessed to gain only 27 pounds with a 14 pound baby. Congrats to you.
ReplyDeleteI really wished a midwife would of deleivered my children because doctors down where I stay worries me at times. I thought the same way about getting to know if youre are pregant or not sometimes you may not no what happens during your stages of pregancy anything could turn and go wrong.
Thank you for sharing your birth experience with us,its incredible how each birth is like a special chapter in our life and it can be complicated sometimes but it is always worth it.
ReplyDeleteIn regards to the births in Australia, its very interesting how they support the mother and the child during and after delivery. Having a mid-wife present is a huge advantage and support, we know that a professional helping hand is always welcomed, specially if it's your first child.