Birthing Experiences

The birth experience of my second son involved the use of a midwife.  I chose this birth because this experience was much different than my first two births, in that we were given the opportunity to make decisions regarding the way the labor and birth would taken place.  My midwife was present for the laboring process from start to finish, he performed massage techniques, we were permitted to have as many people present for the birth as we chose.  I did not have the burden of answering questions from the nursing staff (which can be extremely annoying when you are in the middle of a contraction), because we had a clearly defined birthing plan. Our midwife answered all of the questions and met my every need.  We opted for a "natural" birthing experience using breathing and relaxation techniques.  My husband was directly involved in the birthing experience, he actually delivered the baby once the head was out.    This experience allowed me to learn my body and the power of its natural processes like never before.

 I believe that the birth experience has a direct correlation to the development of the child.  I am in no way a scholar when it comes to child development, however in my limited knowledge I believe that some things are concrete and universal.  Being knowledgeable, prepared, and empowered allowed me to have a childbirth free from stress and complications. 

I chose to research birthing practices in India, in this culture pregnancy is viewed as normal and does not require intervention by health care professionals.  It is believed that the women have no control over their pregnancies or the outcomes.  There is great value on male babies, so much that herbal medicines are taken during pregnancy to promote development of male babies.  Laboring women are isolated after delivery because of beliefs about pollution and impurity.  This isolation can last for fourty days.  Admiring the newborn is discouraged because it may cause envy and cast the evil eye.  The placenta is buried to keep an evil spirit from seizing it and influencing the well being of the child. 

References:

J.Obstet. Traditional Practices of Women from India: Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Newborn Care. (1997 Sept-Oct 26).  Retrieved from www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9313183