Childbirth In Your Life and Around the World

We had a birth this weekend.  HOW EXCITING!!!!

        Yesterday a baby boy was born.  We have been waiting on this baby for the longest time.  One of my long time parents had a beautiful baby boy and I was there to witness it.  In the years that Her family have been a part of my center, we have become friends.  In January we celebrated as she married her love and the children received a new father.  Not long after the wedding we found out she was pregnant.  We were overjoyed.  As we mustered through the spring and summer, she finally began showing signs of the end.  She began having Braxton Hicks contractions.  I helped her pack her bag.  Last week the doctor said she was 2 centimeters dialated.  We thought if we walked and kept active we could help her body.  Thursday's appointment the doctor said she was 5 centimeters and she should prepare herself because the big event could be any day.  WELL babies come when they are ready and not a moment before or later.  Early Friday morning she called me and said she was on the way to the hospital.  I jumped out of the bed and ran to the hospital.  She was calm and the contractions were coming non stop.  Shortly after my arrival she had to start pushing.  My job was to keep her focused.  Not to let her go negative.  So I kept telling her she is strong she is a conqueror and a breather of life.  These are the things we discussed while she was pregnant.  She was strong and determined.  And with 7 pushes a most beautiful baby boy took his first breath and let out a scream that could be heard from heaven.  She was in active labor for 2 hours.  It went so quickly.  She and the baby were released and resting home Saturday afternoon.  She had a healthy baby in just over 24 hours.  Isn't that amazing?  Superwoman, Supermom!! 
      I could not fight back the tears as the new father embraced his son and I watched as he tried to contain his tears.  I don't know if any of you have ever witnessed the love a man shows to his wife after she delivers his child.  I could not contain my tears.  I made myself available for another few hours running errands and doing whatever my friend needed.  I left the hospital around Eleven O'clock A.M. and went to the center.  Everyone was waiting on baited breath for the news and details of our new baby.  I said a healthy baby boy 6lbs 8 oz head full of hair and showed the picture with moms permission.  It felt like everyone had a baby.  As community we are excited to be a part of this new baby.  I am excited to love this new life.

      As I was reading about births in other countries I was most intrigued by the birthing experience in The Netherlands.  A preferable birthing plan are home births.  Actually a little more than 20 percent of their births are home births.  It may seem like a low number but it is the highest percentage of home births in the western hemisphere.  The mothers often choose to go to a midwife or a family doctor instead of visiting an Obstetrician for the prenatal needs.  The doctors are in contact only in case of medical emergencies.  Most of the women do not receive epidurals.  Giving birth naturally is prominent choice for the majority of Dutch women.  If a mother gives birth early in the day without complications, she and the baby may go home in as little as two hours. Then the unique Dutch system of kraamhulp (maternity home care) is set into motion. For seven days we had a nurse come to our home, a benefit covered by insurance. Not only did she provide medical care, but she also cleaned our apartment, cooked, and instructed us in basic parenting skills.
      Here in the United States, women are beginning to become more open to other alternatives for their own birth plans.  Many women choose to deliver their babies at home with the aid of a midwife or doula.  Others choose nontraditional birthing center instead of hospitals.  Whatever they choose, having a baby is a blessing and privilege that not all women get to experience.