The region I chose to discuss where childbirth is different than the United States is Ghana. I chose to further research this region because it is mentioned in our course resource The Developing Person Through Childhood. Here, giving birth is looked at as being “natural” and not an “illness” (Janse, 2006) so there isn’t a need for a hospital unless complications occur. These complications could mean harm to the mother or to the infant. Due to this belief, most childbirth occurs at home. When this happens, usually older female relatives are there to see the process through. These women are experienced at childbirth because they have gone through it themselves. Females are expected to have children, otherwise they aren’t considered women. The mother to be seeks most of her advice during pregnancy and after from these experienced women. If she doesn’t, it is viewed as disrespectful. Fathers play the role of supplying the financial needs for the child and mother.
Viewing these similarities and differences between birthing experiences in the U.S. and Ghana broadens my views on how things operate around the world. We all have different beliefs. When we have these strong beliefs it has a rippling effect to our decisions in life.
Resources
Berger, K.S. (2009). The developing person through childhood (5th ed.). New York, NY: Worth Publishers
Janse, I. (2006). Decision making in childbirth: the influence of traditional structures in Ghanian village. International Nursing Review, 53(1), 41-46
Arica...Since you have limited birth experiences, you have alot to look forward to! The births I have experienced have all been life altering experiences for me! I am quite a bit older than you and I have been very fortunate to be able to witness the birth of my neice and of course, both of my biological children. The process itself is amazing and so miraculous! Everyone should have the chance to experience it either firsthand or by observation.
ReplyDeleteI cannot imagine having a baby at home! I actually liked the hospital experience and being taken care of by others for a few days.
Excited about following your blog and exploring this class with you!
Arica
ReplyDeleteChildbirth is a blessing for all moms, I hope you one day look forward to holding the little tiny bundle of joy and seeing their face for the first time in nine months. I have had all c-Sections but have been able to see natural birth up close and personal and it will bring tears to your eyes. Arica I look forward to this learning experience with you. Thanks for sharing
Arica,
ReplyDeleteI see we chose the same subject to explore. I breastfed both of my girls. They have been so healthy throughout their lives. I cannot imagine any other way to feed a baby! My sister used to make fun of me because I did not even know how to make a bottle when my second child stopped nursing at about 10 months! I nursed my oldest daughter for 13 months and she never took a bottle with formula. She drank breast milk from a cup at about 8 months. She did not like bottles! She is now 5'9" tall and 16 years old. She is healthy, strong and athletic. I like thinking that my dedication to breastfeeding gave them a great start in life! Someone told me that if you can stay dedicated for the first two weeks, you can make it work!
Thanks for sharing!