MY PERSONAL BIRTHING EXPERIENCE

On December 19, 2010 I entered into the maternity ward of Riddle Memorial Hospital in preparation to have my labor induce. As the nurse assisted me with registration and began my IV I instantly became fully aware that I would be holding my newborn son within the next 24 hours.  My induction began with a dose of medication in an effort to “jump start” dilation. Typically this medication is followed by a dose of Pitocin should dilation not progress. In my case Pitocin was not needed as the medication began dilation and caused a steady progression of labor. Approximately 7 hours into labor I was given an epidural which eased the pain and discomfort of my consistent contractions enabling me to rest comfortably for a few hours. Approximately 10 hours into labor I awakened from my sleep feeling rested and slight relief from the pain of my contractions. As my labor progressed my contractions became more intense and at times they felt unbearable. At this point I was given second epidural because I was not receiving any pain relief from my original epidural. The second epidural slightly reduced the pain of my contractions but I felt an extreme amount of discomfort and pain in my lower abdomen with very contraction that occurred. Approximately 16 hours into labor my oxygen levels began to drop and my son’s heart rate became irregular. The doctor warned me should I not dilate to 10 cm. or the heart rate of my son continues to drop she would request a C-section to be performed. Approximately 17 hours into labor I was examined by my doctor and informed that I was 9(1/ cm. dilated but the heart rate of my son was in danger. At this point my doctor requested an emergency C-section. I was immediately transferred to an operating bed, prepped for surgery, and transported down the hall into the operating room. In the operating room the doctors began to quickly provide me with anesthesia while the nurses assisted the doctors in preparation for surgery and the delivery of my son. After 19 hours in labor and approximately 10 minutes of surgery my son was born on December 20, 2010 at 3:55pm, weighing 8lbs 9ozs, and 21 inches long. I chose this experience because the birth of my son because is the most rewarding and joyful experience of my life. The birthing experience of a child impacts the child’s development particularly during the period of 0-12 months. This period is crucial to the physical, mental, and emotional development of a child. For this reason it is important to make every effort to have and or promote a calm, supportive, and safe labor and delivery for the mother and child.

I researched the birthing experience of woman in South Africa in reading an article titled “Woman Experiences of a Vaginal Delivery Conducted by a Private Midwife”. Similar to my birthing experience, most births in South Africa take place in a hospital under the care of a medical practitioner. Unlike my birthing experience many South African woman feel dissatisfied with their birthing experience, disempowered, loss of control during labor, sense of abandonment, and lack of involvement. As a result there are an increase number of women who prefer to have a midwife perform the delivery of their child. South African woman who had a midwife perform the delivery of their child reported feeling safe, secure, and in control which helped them enjoy the birthing process.