My Personal Birthing Experience

    On April 18, 2010, I was able to experience the birth of my son via a cesarean section. The surgery was not scheduled. After many hours of screaming and hollering, my doctor came in the the room and informed me that I would have a C-section because I had developed an infection. I became extremely nervous. I had wanted to experience a vaginal birth so badly. I was immediately prepared for the surgery. Thankfully, I barely felt the needle being inserted into my spine for the anesthesia. However, within a few minutes, I was shaking uncontrollably. The anesthesiologist told me that I was having "epidural shakes." Everything seemed to happen so quickly. I heard my doctor say that the procedure was beginning.I couldn't see what was going on. Fortunately, I couldn't feel much of anything either. In a few minutes, I heard the sweetest voice that I have ever heard in my entire life. I had previously had a miscarriage, so this was like music to my ears. The nurse brought my son around so that I could see him. He was beautiful. My husband stood beside me. He was so proud. They took my baby across the OR to be weighed, and they said that he was 8 pounds even. Yes, he was a big one. I remember thinking how blessed we were to have him in our lives.

    I chose this particular birthing event because it was my first birthing experience. I was so afraid because I really didn't know what to expect. I guess it was just the fear of the unknown. Things were a lot more calm the second time around. I feel that the birthing process is so important when it comes to child development. So many things can go wrong that can affect a child then or later in life. I am thankful that I had two good experiences with child birth. I realize that this is not the case for everybody.

Birthing Experience in Ghana 

    In Ghana, I found that things are somewhat similar to the birthing process in the US, but some things are different. Most of the women remain quiet during their time in labor. I found this to be interesting because I was screaming from the time that I felt the first contraction. A Ghanaian midwife is present during most deliveries. In Ghana, women can be found lying on their left sides because it is believed that any other position will cause harm to the baby. I found this to be interesting. I don't think I was on my sides at all during my entire labor. I just stayed on my back.The women are given pitocin to speed up the delivery process. I was also given pitocin during labor. I enjoyed learning about the birthing experience in Ghana.