Childbirth––In Your Life and Around the World

I don't have any children, nor have I seen an actual birth. Not much can really be said about my birth. My mom just told me she was in terrible pain and was knocked out during a large majority of it. However, this past summer there was a new addition to our family. My cousin had her second child, Claire Elizabeth Miles.  I choose this event because this is the last birth in my family and the closes in relationship to myself. Claire was actually expected born almost two week after her expected due date. This baby kept us in suspense. Everyone tried to pinpoint the day of delivery, thinking she would be here before Memorial Day or on the actual Holiday. I remember feeling a rush of anxiety because the doctors told my cousin that they were just going to have to go ahead and take the baby.  She had to have an emergency cesarean section but thankful there were no complication. I remember thinking, as much as we like to think our doctors know it all, with children you have to think the unexpected. I am so thankful that everything went well on that June day. If there had of been any complications this could have effected Claire’s development and her childhood.

 In Mexico, there rituals are very different. When a woman is pregnant she has to abide by many guidelines that woman in the U.S. wouldn’t think twice about. While pregnant they are not allowed to attend funerals or be associated to anything relating to death. They also expect a woman to never take a hot or cold baths. Cold water is believed to be harsh on the bones; while hot water appears to produce circulatory problems. As well, they consider being in sun light or being close to fire could burn the placenta and aggravate the baby. While giving birth in Mexico it is tradition to make sure everything is closed (window, doors), no openings. If there is an opening is shall be closed or blocked with cloths. By closing up any holes they are protecting the baby and mother from evil forces. Also, while the mother is giving birth she is to be as quiet as possible so she will not be mocked. In addition, the umbilical cord is sacred and the cord is placed around the child’s neck. All of this is very different from what I know my cousin’s experienced. I know she was not worried about screaming or keeping up noise. Nor, was she concerned about anything being opened or keeping the umbilical cord. It’s amazing to see how other people do and believe and have so many different perspectives.


http://www.midwiferytoday.com/enews/enews0241.asp
http://www.mothersspace.in/pregnancy/pregnancy_traditions/world_childbirth_traditions