Child Development and Public Health

This week discussion is on Child Development and Public Health, there were several topics, however the one that was the most meaningful to me was Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). I have always been interested on the root cause and if there was additional research being done. I have never personally experience having a child that has died or known anyone personally that has experience such a sad incident. A lack of answers is part of what makes SIDS so frightening. Upon research it is known to be the leading cause of death among infants, ranging 1 moth to 1 year old, and claims the lives of about 2,500 each year in the United States, It is still unpredictable despite the ongoing research.

SIDS is known to affect other parts of the country. It is important to note that the age of inclusion
for SIDS varies from country to country, with some countries defining SIDS as occurring from age 1 year, while others use a range from birth to age 1 year or another range (World Health Organization, n.d.). New Zealand is also known to be one of highest countries and the lowest countries were in the Netherlands and Japan (World Health Organization, n.d.).

Considering all the information I have read and resources, there is no single risk factor is likely to be sufficient to cause a SIDS death. I don't think this information will affect my futher work or career, however this information is vital and important to me, knowing this can happen in any situation. In addition, there is no root known cause to SIDS, rather just knowing there are several risk factors combined may contribute to cause an at-risk infant to die of SIDS (KidsHealth, 2017).

References:

KidsHealth. (2017). Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Retrieved on March 18, 2017 from http://kidshealth.org/en/parents/sids.html

World Health Organization. (n.d.). SIDS. Retrieved on March 18, 2017 from https://www.ncemch.org/suid-sids/statistics/

Childbirth In My Life and Around the World

My personal birthing experience, actually occurred 8 years ago March 8, 2009. Age 24, I was nervous but yet exciting at the same time, knowing I was going to give life to another human to bring into this world. While going through pregnancy, I watched several pregnancy reality shows, read tons of books and always asked plenty of questions. When my due date came March 4, 2009, she was definitely stubborn and comfortable and did not want to come yet. So I had to be induced on Saturday morning March 7th and finally the next day 5 PM in the evening she came. I received epidural for pain and pitocin to induce my labor. I was so nervous, especially having to go through pain, I felt like my epidural did not work as it should, so I still felt the contractions. Well when I finally became 10 centimeters, the doctors said I was ready to push. I had her vaginally. I actually only pushed 4 times and out she came. After birth for me was horrible, my body was in tremendous pain, and because my child was big and I was small she torn me down below and I had to receive stitches. My experience, overall, was a great experience, nice hospital and the room was big enough for family and friends. The doctor and staff, were amazing during the child-birth process. Child birth is the most exciting experience a woman can go through in my opinion. Giving life to another small human, is just remarkable and the prenatal phases to get to child birth is fascinating. I had a girl, and I named her London Aaliyah, 8 lbs, 1 oz.

Choosing a region of the world, other than the U.S. and it's child birth, I chose to discuss China. For some reason, their birth experience, I wanted to learn more and if and how their birthing process differs from the U.S. I have learned that China is known for the importing of C-Sections. China has been getting steadily more urban and Western, and along with capitalism (Davis, 2017). The wealthiest of urban Chinese women give birth in luxurious private hospitals, which have a c-section rate as high as 90%, as these are seen as "status births", which is known for them the most western, modern and desirable way to give birth. Middle class tend to give birth at state-run hospitals, where they have no choice of do doctor and placed in a room , with other birthing mothers during active labor. Furthermore, in large towns, woman-baby hospitals, the equivalent of freestanding birth centers here, are attended by zhuchanshi, midwives who do everything from perform abortions to c-section surgery (Davis, 2017). It is known to be high rate for c-sections there as well but not as high as the private hospitals.

Reference:

Davis, L.S. (2017). Birth and Maternal Health Around The World. Retrieved March 12, 2017 from http://www.parenting.com/article/birth-maternal-health

Thank You!

This course has come to an end, it has been a wonderful 8 weeks. I appreciate you all for your dedication, encouragement and the great work we all have put into this course. I enjoyed reading all post, blogs and getting to know each and every one of you. I wish everyone great success in your education as well as your professional goals. Continue to strive for greatness!