The Experience
Many people, who think about child development and childhood
experiences, may consider their experiences based upon their first memories or emotional
connections. However, we seldom reflect upon our initial introduction to this world
and the supports received as impacting our development.
My mother was born on farm, with a neighboring
midwife assisting my grandmother during the labor. This is how all children in her family were born. some children died. However, my grandmother and mother remained healthy. She took care of her newborn and three
of her other children that day. As a pioneer woman,she was up and about,completing chores the next day. There was limited consideration for the mental and physical condition of maternal or infant health during tht time period.
I was born 35 years later during a time when most women went to hospitals to have their children. I was my parent's first child, to be born. I was arriving several days late, after several false alarms. When the day arrived, my mother was in the labor room alone as my father was working out of town. I cannot imagine the stress that my mom was under as she had experienced multiple miscarriages prior this point. She did not have any emotional support during a long, painstaking labor. During labor, she experienced extensive tearing and required several stitches. Subsequent to labor, she was briefly given some time to hold me. At that time, men customarily did not accompany the women into the labor rooms, however, in many cases may have remained at the hospital. I met my father after an hour. My mother and I remained at the hospital for one week after my birth, while she healed. When my father brought us home, my maternal grandmother stayed with us until she felt that my mother was able to be mobile and lift me. At home, both parents and extended family met my basic needs in different ways.
I was born 35 years later during a time when most women went to hospitals to have their children. I was my parent's first child, to be born. I was arriving several days late, after several false alarms. When the day arrived, my mother was in the labor room alone as my father was working out of town. I cannot imagine the stress that my mom was under as she had experienced multiple miscarriages prior this point. She did not have any emotional support during a long, painstaking labor. During labor, she experienced extensive tearing and required several stitches. Subsequent to labor, she was briefly given some time to hold me. At that time, men customarily did not accompany the women into the labor rooms, however, in many cases may have remained at the hospital. I met my father after an hour. My mother and I remained at the hospital for one week after my birth, while she healed. When my father brought us home, my maternal grandmother stayed with us until she felt that my mother was able to be mobile and lift me. At home, both parents and extended family met my basic needs in different ways.
Current North American practices support families in attempts to ensure maternal health to a greater degree. Birth classes and coaches help to inform parents about the birth experience while offering suggestions how to provide emotional support. Medical monitoring and intervention are available to observe and monitor the infant and mother. Healthy mothers and infants may be sent home within 24 hours of giving birth. It may not be common to have comprehensive amounts of extended family supports, but other the partner will stay home for some time to support mom and the infant. Nurses from the local health centers may support new parents and babies during regular visits. Parents may also elect to develop support systems by participate in parent support groups with other new parents.
Today, most mothers and infants in developing countries
do not have the same experience. According to the World Health Organisation
2012 statistics indicate that 99% of maternal deaths occur in developing countries.
In Africa there has been minimal improvement in maternal and infant health in spite
of efforts that have being taken over the past 25 years. Access and improvements
to facilities, skilled medical supports, trained birthing attendants and maternal
education are available. However quality prenatal and post natal care are not being
accessed to prevent medical complications. Often poverty, limited knowledge and
traditional beliefs continue to pose barriers to ensuring quality maternal and infant
care. This has a significant impact upon the survival of the mother and developing
child. They may need to access postnatal medical care due to of infection or complications.
In addition, adequate access to safe drinking water, proper nutrition, vaccines
and mosquito can mean that a typical child may survive infancy. Inspite of what we know about maternal education and health, healthy outcomes for infants can not be achieved without ongoing support.
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