I am the mother of three sons, and each of their births was as different as night and day. The birth of my second son is the birth story I am going to share. It was a perfect birth, no complications and a very easy recovery. I needed to be induced because my children saw no need to rush themselves out of my womb. They were very comfortable in there thank you very much!
I was in labor for seven hours, gave one push and Riley Jennings arrived. He was absolutely perfect and weighed in at 8lbs. 6oz, which also happened to be his birthdate 8/06/02. I was in the hospital for a total of 22 hours. Even though I had no complications, I was anxious and nervous to go home. I was anxious to go home because I had a two year old waiting for me, but I was nervous because I had spent so little time in the hospital.
I researched how other countries in the world give birth, and to my surprise, 22 hours is a long time to be in the hospital in some counties. In the Netherlands, for example, moms do not see a doctor unless they have complications they see a midwife instead. They have the option to give birth at home or in the hospital. Even if they choose the hospital, they may not have a doctor. Moms in the Netherlands may not have any painkillers either. It is only offered if it is convenient for the anesthesiologist (Shalken, 2011).
If the mother has given birth in a hospital, and there are no complications, mom and baby may be released within 2 hours of giving birth! I know I was not ready to move 2 hours after giving birth! The Netherlands has a program that gives all mothers daily nursing care for a week after giving birth. The nurses make sure that there are no complications with the baby or the mother, the nurses also clean, cook and do laundry for the moms (Shalken, 2011). I would have loved to have that service!
There are several differences between the Netherlands and the United States. I think one could take away positive experiences from either country.
Source –
Shalken, L. (2011) Birth Customs Around the World. Retrieved from http://www.parents.com/pregnancy/giving-birth/vaginal/birth-customs-around-the-world/?page=2 on May 5, 2011.
Jennifer,
ReplyDeleteI researched the Netherlands as well, and I think the idea of having a temporary nanny/maid/nurse is wonderful! I wonder if that service is provided to single mother's as well though. I didn't come across anything that mentioned single mother's though. I think there are benefits in both countries, there and the United States. It wouldn't hurt to share some traditions and customs either. I'm sure many women over here would appreciate all the help they can get at home with a newborn!
Jennifer,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the birth experiences in the Neatherlands...I find it interesting that moms can go home after 2 hours if no complications...all I can say is WOW...I would be so nervous spending just a short time in the hospital...I wonder if that short stay pertains to first time moms as well?
WOW! Only 7 hours of labor and one push. Usually when the mother does not get any pain medication during labor, the baby and mother can go home the next day. I felt like you (anxious and nervous to go home) when I had my last one because I too had two others at home.
ReplyDeleteLooking to hear more from you, Enjoyed the post.
Jennifer,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your story! I had an experience very similar to yours and I was alot happier with the 'hours' in the hospital with my last two children rather than the 'days' with my first two! :)