Childbirth In Your Life and Around the World

I have given birth to six children, with my first child; I was in labor over 20hrs and gave birth to a 6lb.4oz boy. Two years later, second birth 12hrs of labor produced a 6lb.9oz girl. Eleven months later, third birth came prematurely at 7months, labor was very short approximately 3-4hrs. It was a natural birth, however, a breech footling (meaning baby arrived feet first) at 3lbs. 5oz, boy; a year and a half later, fourth birth, 8hrs labor producing a 5lb.6oz girl. Eight years later, fifth birth, 5hrs labor producing a 6lbs.10oz boy and finally (whew) seven years later came baby six, another preemie also breech footling only this time the doctor insisted on caesarean. Although, I was reluctant, I agreed to it resulting in a 3lb.10oz, girl.

If I were to make an assumption, it would be that every third child would be a breech footling preemie. However, to confirm that I would have to give birth to three more children and that’s not happening, so I guess the world will never know : ).

I also had the wonderful pleasure of observing the birth of my daughter’s first child. It was hilarious and so precious. It took all of 18hrs; though she and I had numerous conversations of what labor would be like, when the time came, she was totally clueless. The explicit things that came out of her mouth that day (nothing vulgar)—so funny. And then it happened, I participated by holding one of her legs, I saw the crown of my grandson’s head; it was the most spectacular sight ever. The whole cycle of conception, pregnancy, and childbirth is the greatest miracle of all times, that was my first and only time witnessing childbirth up close and personal like that; my daughter sometimes ask if I had to do it over again, would I? My answer is always the same-in a heartbeat!

I found a great website (http://www.parents.com/pregnancy/giving-birth/vaginal/birth-customs-around-the-world/?) that share stories about different birthing cultures in Germany, Japan, Brazil, and Turkey; go there when you have the time. Here is what I found out about women in the Netherlands:

Most expectant moms in Holland don't see an obstetrician, but are instead referred by their family doctor to a local midwife practice. Doctors only intervene in high-risk cases or if complications arise during delivery. Dutch women decide whether they want a home or hospital delivery. I was surprised to learn that more than half of the women at my midwife's practice deliver at home. In fact, all expectant mothers in Holland are required to pick up a kraampakket that includes all of the medical supplies necessary for a home birth. If you choose not to deliver at home, your midwife will make a house call to check on the progress of your labor and determine the ideal time for you to go to the hospital.

The most common similarity is women always available and ready to help women through this phenomenal experience rather it’s a midwife or a doula, rarely do women have to go through childbirth alone.