http://video.aol.com/aolvideo/aol-news/giving-birth-can-be-deadly-in-mexico/79090468001
The article that accompanies this video can be found on AolNews at the following link:
http://www.aolnews.com/health/article/in-s-mexico-giving-birth-is-too-often-deadly/19441738
I found this article very interesting and very sad. It clearly shows the affect that culture has on prenatal development and maternal wellness. It demonstrates what poor health care and lack of education can have on child development.
PERSONAL EXPERIENCE
My oldest daughter, Samantha (12 years old), was born September 27, 1998, 5lbs 1oz, 19 inches long. Samantha was quiet a surprise for me since prior to becoming pregnant I was told that due to my bicornate uterus I would be unable to carry a pregnancy to term and it was unlikely I would even become pregnant. I had regular prenatal care throughout my pregnancy, which was deemed high risk. I had several complications throughout my pregnancy including Polhydraminos, preterm labor, and in the end Eclempsia. Samantha was taken by emergency c-section after they stabalized me. My Eclempsia came on quiet suddenly and rapidly progressed. Even after I delivered Samantha I continued to bleed into my incision and ended up back in the hospital. My incision had broken open as I continued to swell. By the grace of God my incision to my uterus did not break open and I was able to heal from the inside out once they were able to get the Eclempsia under control. My mother had to come to stay with me for 3 months until I was completely healed. I do not remember much of the delivery and only remember the days after a little. I remember being very sad and feeling like I had missed so much already. I cried when I could not give her first bath to her and remember my mother telling me to think of her 'firsts' as the first time I do them with her. This helped tremendously and I was able to begin to enjoy my daughter as I healed and became stronger. I am happy to say I went on to have two more children. Samantha was my hardest birth but all of my pregnancies were high risk. My children are my joy and the light of my life!
I chose this personal birthing story because it demonstrates that complications can and do happen in the U.S. as well. I almost died having my daughter. I was young (26) and did not know what questions to ask and trusted my doctors. I had a very good doctor but she was also young and just out of residency, I needed a more experienced doctor. I am thankful that I was in an area and a country where I could get good care, had I lived anywhere else I'm afraid I would have been one of the maternal death statistics.
You are right. We are really fortunate to live in American and have access to the kind of healthcare we do! I'm glad everything ended up well with your first born and you wer able to have more children!
ReplyDeleteToni,
ReplyDeleteI was glad to hear that everything worked out for you during your child birth, but as you know doctors don't know everything. The only person you can rely on is "Dr. Jesus" and he will see you through all tribes and tribulations. Like you stated " By the grace of God your incision to your uterus did not break open and you was able to heal from the inside out, so God was letting you know that you was going to be okay......enjoyed reading your blog.
Toni, I too had a rough experience with my 2nd child! God healed me! Thank you for sharing such a personal experience! I am also glad you were able to have more children!
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting that you say you were young at 26-years-old when you had your child. I was almost 30 and considered myself old when having my first child. So many of my friends already 3, 4 and even 5 children. I was also told I could not have children and feel that my children are a gift from God. Like you, I had many complications and chose not to share them in my blog. In fact, I was very hesitant to share my personal experience at all. It just brings back too many painful memories. Thank you for this beautiful story of success in light of complications.
ReplyDeleteOn another note, do you feel that your child had/has any learning disabilities due to this difficult birthing process?