Childbirth in my life and around the World

            The first part of this assignment was kind of tough for me. Considering I have no children of my own, and I have not taken part in any other births, I had to choose my own to write about. You can see how this can be difficult as I do not remember anything about it, but instead go on how my Mom and Dad have always described it to be. I am the first born in my family, and my Mom had a great pregnancy. She never had morning sickness or any difficulties, and only gained 27 pounds! The day she went into labor was also the night my Dad bowled in a bowling league, and he just happened to be bowling really great that night. Mom had to call up to the bowling alley and tell him to come home; of course all of his teammates were pretty upset. J Labor started around 10 pm and I was born at 4:23 am weighing 7lbs 5 oz. My Mom was tough and had a natural childbirth with no drugs or no epidural, but my Dad almost passed out in the delivery room, LOL. The coolest thing about my birth is that I was born on my Dad’s birthday, so we will always celebrate together.

            I believe that birth can impact a child’s development in many different ways. The birthing process is a very stressful thing for a child to go through, and it is their first experience into the World. Obviously, I think it is important for expectant Mother’s to take care of their bodies and to not put harmful things into it that may affect their unborn children. It is also important for them to do the same after the child is born. Proper prenatal care is also very important to ensure that your child is born healthy.

            I chose to research birth in Ghana, because it holds a special place in my heart. I lived and taught there for 2 months and actually taught with a teacher who was pregnant with her second child. I left before the baby was born, but would be interested in what types of birthing experiences Mother’s in Ghana have in relation to births here in the Unites States. In Ghana, women must often choose between modern, traditional, and religious caregivers when pregnant. The type of care they choose depends on what cultural and religious beliefs they hold. Pregnant women can receive prenatal care at a hospital, maternity house, or church, and all have different practices in how they treat the mother. Ghana is a very superstitious place as well, and infertility is looked at as witchcraft that is taking place. Having children is a social status, and the more children you have, the higher your social status is.

            Birth in Ghana is nothing like my birth experience. My Mother regularly went to the hospital for check ups, and I was born in a hospital setting. Most births in Ghana are at home or in a village common place because of the far distance to the nearest hospital. Poverty in Ghana is also high and their diet mainly consists of carbohydrates. Proper health care and nutrition are not as readily available to Ghanaian women as they are to women in the U.S. This can have major impacts on child development.

Fischer, Michelle, “Childbearing in Ghana: How beliefs affect care.” (2002). African Diaspora ISPs. Paper 76. Retrieved November 2, 2012, from http:www.digitalcollections.sit.edu/African_diaspora_isp/76