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