I was a part of older sister birth of my nephew Myles. From her pregnancy, I was apart by taking my sister to the doctor and going to birthing classes with her. I would watch TV shows about the birthing process but, I still didn’t know what to expect. On August 13, 2000 my sister water broke at home, and I remember going to the hospital that morning ready to help. My sister was schedule for a vaginal birth, but due do to the umbilical cord being wrapped around the baby’s neck a C-section had to be performed. Along with my brother-in-law we became a support team for my sister. I tried to make her comfortable and keep her calm. Since it was her first baby, she was a little stress and scared. Overall, the delivery went well and a health boy was born. I believe I served as Doula to my sister giving that support to her. I choice this example because being a part of my first nephew’s birth 11years ago has left an impression on me, I wanted to be there for my sister. The birth of a child has such an impact on a child’s development because the bonding starts at the beginning. For example, my nephew was surrounding with plenty of love and support, which the child’s development is influenced by the family.
In the India, their culture performs ceremonies to ensure the health of the baby and mother. For example, at birth before the umbilical cord is severed the father may touch the baby’s lips with a gold spoon or ring dipped in honey, curds, ghee. This is a ritual to ensure a long life. This is different from the U.S., but we have similarity ritual. For example, once the baby was born in my culture we pray over the infant for health and prosperity. From this comparison, I’ve learned we are very similar.
Religion in India: Hindu Rituals - Agnosticism / Atheism ... (n.d.). Retrieved from http://atheism.about.com/od/hindusandhinduism/a/IndiaRituals.htm
Religion in India: Hindu Rituals - Agnosticism / Atheism ... (n.d.). Retrieved from http://atheism.about.com/od/hindusandhinduism/a/IndiaRituals.htm
Andrea,
ReplyDeleteFirst off, I love the sonogram picture you put up. Is that your nephew? Sounds like your sister had a similar birthing experience to my first son. I am so glad to hear that you were able to be there for your sister during this scary time in her life. The support of your family helped to relax your sister and bring her stress level down during this time.
Rhonda
We have something in common! I witnessed the birth of my nephew too. However, my sister is younger than me. It was my first time actually seeing a birth and I have to admit after seeing it I am reluctant to have a baby myself. It was a wonderful experience though and I looooooove keeping my nephew.
ReplyDeleteKrista
Hi, thats a general picture I found on the web, but thank you for post. The birthing experiences is so special and I'm so happy to witness my newphew's birth.
ReplyDeleteHi Andrea, How very fortunate that your sister chose to deliver in a hospital. We just never know how things will go when a child is born. When my first child was born, it was very important to me that I have a natural child birth but honestly, when it was evident that something was not going as planned, I just wanted a healthy baby to be born. Having general anesthesia so the Doctor could use forceps to deliver our son, was not part of the plan, but I was thankful that he was born healthy and I didn't have a c-section.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing the interesting customs celebrated in India.
Hi Andrea,
ReplyDeleteI loved your blog, very interesting and educational.Women in my opinion should give birth where they feel most comfortable and safe for mother and child.Thank you for sharing and breast milk is the way to go.