Sunday
HW 41
Topic: Abortion methods/rates Worldwide
“Summary of Abortion Laws Around the World.” Pregnant Pause. Web. 03 Apr. 2011. <http://www.pregnantpause.org/lex/world02.jsp>.
This site provides a list of almost every country alongside their most recent abortion laws under various circumstances. Though it does not address any vital points, I find it to be self explanatory. There are many things a country’s leniency towards abortion can show about their culture. This article does not go into depth with details, but segregates the countries with more complex laws from the ones that strictly tolerate or do not tolerate abortion. This helps readers interested to easily further their study.
“ABORTION: Religious and Ethical Aspects.” ReligiousTolerance.org by the Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance. Web. 03 Apr. 2011. <http://www.religioustolerance.org/abortion2.ht
This site provides insight into religious and ethical aspects of the righteousness of abortion. Though it does not compare a wide variety of religions, it does offer information on Christian, Jewish, and Mormon beliefs. It also speaks of the violent crimes committed by anti-abortion activists on clinics that sparked after the supreme court ruling of Roe vs. Wade in the early 1970’s.
“Britain Is the Abortion Capital of Europe: Terminations for Teenagers Leap by a Third | Mail Online.” Home | Mail Online. Web. 03 Apr. 2011. <http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1227059/Britain-abortion-capital-Europe-Terminations-teenagers-leap-third.html>.
This article posted on November 19th of 2009 focuses on the rise of abortion rates in the UK which has seemingly reached the top in Europe, right in front of France. It also zooms in their scope to find statistics based off age, where 48,150 out of 219,336 of the reported abortions in 2007 were girls under the age of 20. Whether or not this information is positive or negative depends on the reader.
Cariboni, Diana. “HEALTH-ASIA: Legal Abortion Does Not Necessarily Mean Safe Abortions.”IPS Inter Press Service. Web. 03 Apr. 2011. <http://ipsnews.net/africa/interna.asp?idnews=25304>.
This article focuses on six Asian countries (India, Indonesia, Nepal, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines) and the safety of the women who decide to get abortion. Though abortion is legal to an extent in all 6 countries, legal abortions are not necessarily safe abortions. Various methods of abortion are used in these countries, and many of them are cheaper alternatives resulting in possibly fatal results.
“Types of Abortion Procedures : American Pregnancy Association.” Promoting Pregnancy Wellness : American Pregnancy Association. Web. 03 Apr. 2011. <http://www.americanpregnancy.org/unplannedpregnancy/abortionprocedures.html>.
This article provides information on abortion procedures condoned in the US, organized by each trimester. The first trimester abortions generally has the mother take a pill, while the second and third do not have any other options besides surgical procedures. It does not go into detail about any of the options, but does give a list down of several “safe” abortion methods.
“BBC NEWS | Health | Unsafe Abortions ‘kill Thousands’” BBC News - Home. Web. 03 Apr. 2011. <http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/3618612.stm>.
This article from 2004 states that unsafe abortions are causing about 200 women to die everyday, mainly in countries in Asia and Africa, but cases are reported all over the world as well. In Asia, 50% of all pregnancy related deaths are results of unsafe abortions and 10 million women undergo unsafe abortions every year. Key figures that may be promoting this is seen to be political and religious.
For a topic like abortion methods, information is restricted to the internet, therefore I would like to work on a written project comparing and contrasting methods used worldwide and their cultural significance. Many of the sources above had information regarding Asian countries facing conflicts concerning abortion safety, and even one directly related religion and culture to this problem. Though abortion is a very large topic in the US, the severity of the problem is much lighter compared to other underprivileged countries in the East. By gaining knowledge and hopefully a greater perspective from their culture, it may give me a conclusion to why it has been an undergoing problem and how they view it from their standards.
Tuesday
HW 40
Hey- thanks for writing Guide to Childbirth. Your main idea of letting the readers acknowledge the true nature of birth helped me view the topic from an alternate perspective. Instead of assuming the procedure practiced in hospitals is the safer alternative, I now understand that natural birth forms a stronger bond between the birth mother and the experience.
"Really, which parts were most effective or important for you?"
Well, in the last third of the book you focused on a variety of more technical aspects concerning the process of birth. Such as the positioning of birth and new drugs and techniques that are often used during or post birth and the extent of how much they really help you or hurt you. which added another angle to the first 2/3rds of the book. But let me be more specific:
You had a whole chapter focused on the positioning of the birth parent and even a brief history of what practices were common back in the day. "Women in traditional societies all over the world almost always choose upright positions in labor. This worldwide consensus suggests that women don't choose to lie down to labor and give birth unless forces within their culture pressure them into doing so" (pg 228). This especially stood out to me because it totally contradicted my assumption of how birth was "normally" practiced. In America the stereotypical position of the mother in labor is laying down which is much more ineffective due to the lack of gravitational support. Yet why an advanced country like America practices a more difficult technique puts me in a daze. The pictures below the text also provided great visuals of past practices. This connects to the part in the book where you explain the significance of how the mind and body work together throughout the pregnancy, birth techniques focus on the connection between the body and earth.
Within the same chapter you also mention "letting your monkey do it". Though somewhat amusing to hear, I felt this section of the chapter really compared nature to humans. "Letting the primate in you do the work of labor is a short way of saying not to let your over-busy mind interfere with the ancient wisdom of your body" (pg 243). Though the book is suppose to be a guide for mothers giving birth, you promote natural birth mainly through the various birth stories in the first third of the book. More than anything, this section made me really see the difference between natural and man made. It answered the big question of why we have so much difficulty performing a natural procedure.
Last but not least, you reference the awareness of maternal deaths in the United States. "Judging by the conversations I have had with many physician friends, US doctors are generally unaware of the stagnant US maternal death rate. The lack of federal mandate for statewide mortality review keeps attention from being focused on this problem". (pg 278). Not only did you bring up a very significant aspect of birth, but you also had a reason why this is an ongoing problem. In order to fix something, knowledge about the cause is very vital. The answer to this problem may possibly be birthing facilities similar to The Farm. By taking the responsibility of labor from the hospitals and giving it to trained mid wives may alter our birthing practices forever.
"But what could I have done to make this a better book - that would more effectively fulfill its mission?"
I found the book to be very well rounded as it covered a wide range of things that factor into birth. If there was one thing I would recommend to better the book, I would say the organization of birth stories. Having them in chronological order might of been interesting since the change in the process overtime seems like an interesting topic. Though it may not necessarily benefit some readers, I sure would of found it to be interesting.
." The author replies, "Thanks! Talking to you gives me hope about our future as a society!"
"Really, which parts were most effective or important for you?"
Well, in the last third of the book you focused on a variety of more technical aspects concerning the process of birth. Such as the positioning of birth and new drugs and techniques that are often used during or post birth and the extent of how much they really help you or hurt you. which added another angle to the first 2/3rds of the book. But let me be more specific:
You had a whole chapter focused on the positioning of the birth parent and even a brief history of what practices were common back in the day. "Women in traditional societies all over the world almost always choose upright positions in labor. This worldwide consensus suggests that women don't choose to lie down to labor and give birth unless forces within their culture pressure them into doing so" (pg 228). This especially stood out to me because it totally contradicted my assumption of how birth was "normally" practiced. In America the stereotypical position of the mother in labor is laying down which is much more ineffective due to the lack of gravitational support. Yet why an advanced country like America practices a more difficult technique puts me in a daze. The pictures below the text also provided great visuals of past practices. This connects to the part in the book where you explain the significance of how the mind and body work together throughout the pregnancy, birth techniques focus on the connection between the body and earth.
Within the same chapter you also mention "letting your monkey do it". Though somewhat amusing to hear, I felt this section of the chapter really compared nature to humans. "Letting the primate in you do the work of labor is a short way of saying not to let your over-busy mind interfere with the ancient wisdom of your body" (pg 243). Though the book is suppose to be a guide for mothers giving birth, you promote natural birth mainly through the various birth stories in the first third of the book. More than anything, this section made me really see the difference between natural and man made. It answered the big question of why we have so much difficulty performing a natural procedure.
Last but not least, you reference the awareness of maternal deaths in the United States. "Judging by the conversations I have had with many physician friends, US doctors are generally unaware of the stagnant US maternal death rate. The lack of federal mandate for statewide mortality review keeps attention from being focused on this problem". (pg 278). Not only did you bring up a very significant aspect of birth, but you also had a reason why this is an ongoing problem. In order to fix something, knowledge about the cause is very vital. The answer to this problem may possibly be birthing facilities similar to The Farm. By taking the responsibility of labor from the hospitals and giving it to trained mid wives may alter our birthing practices forever.
"But what could I have done to make this a better book - that would more effectively fulfill its mission?"
I found the book to be very well rounded as it covered a wide range of things that factor into birth. If there was one thing I would recommend to better the book, I would say the organization of birth stories. Having them in chronological order might of been interesting since the change in the process overtime seems like an interesting topic. Though it may not necessarily benefit some readers, I sure would of found it to be interesting.
." The author replies, "Thanks! Talking to you gives me hope about our future as a society!"
Monday
HW 39
Gaskin, Ina May. Ina May's Guide To Childbirth. New York: Bantam Dell, 2003. Print.
One brief factor I thought was interesting in the book was the comparison of real life birth and birth shown in the media. High risk births are more striking to the audiences opposed to a gradual realistic birth. By showing only the pain and hard labor, the media makes us focus more on certain aspects instead of the process as a whole. I believe this was never covered in the film, though clips from movies were used, the two were never compared.
I also found the depth of how deep they explain the Sphincter Law was quite different since there was a whole chapter written on it. Though concepts similar to it are mentioned in the film, it is not broken down to benefit the audiences understanding of the material. I believe it should be viewed with more significance since many of the core errors in modern day births seem to have a direct connection to the Sphincter Laws.
The majority of the second hundred pages of the book covers the technical aspects of giving birth. It is full of very vital information that can assist a mother through the birthing process. It is almost like a tips and tricks handbook to understanding and experiencing the true natural beauty of giving birth. I believe the main insight this portion of the book is trying to convey is letting women know that by really understanding it, there is not much to worry about. As a whole, I find the insight the book tries to communicate is very positive and useful for people undergoing a pregnancy. Due to mass bias towards birth is shown through pain and agony in the media it has brainwashed us from viewing it from an alternative perspective, a realistic book with a positive tone can be used to calm anxiety and mental instability.
1.Sphincter Law pg 167-182
2. Sexual Intercourse while birth is not harmful pg 215
3. Unprofessional doctors pg 157
4. Media's influence on birth pg 164
5. Moderating drug use during labor pg 165
One brief factor I thought was interesting in the book was the comparison of real life birth and birth shown in the media. High risk births are more striking to the audiences opposed to a gradual realistic birth. By showing only the pain and hard labor, the media makes us focus more on certain aspects instead of the process as a whole. I believe this was never covered in the film, though clips from movies were used, the two were never compared.
I also found the depth of how deep they explain the Sphincter Law was quite different since there was a whole chapter written on it. Though concepts similar to it are mentioned in the film, it is not broken down to benefit the audiences understanding of the material. I believe it should be viewed with more significance since many of the core errors in modern day births seem to have a direct connection to the Sphincter Laws.
The majority of the second hundred pages of the book covers the technical aspects of giving birth. It is full of very vital information that can assist a mother through the birthing process. It is almost like a tips and tricks handbook to understanding and experiencing the true natural beauty of giving birth. I believe the main insight this portion of the book is trying to convey is letting women know that by really understanding it, there is not much to worry about. As a whole, I find the insight the book tries to communicate is very positive and useful for people undergoing a pregnancy. Due to mass bias towards birth is shown through pain and agony in the media it has brainwashed us from viewing it from an alternative perspective, a realistic book with a positive tone can be used to calm anxiety and mental instability.
1.Sphincter Law pg 167-182
2. Sexual Intercourse while birth is not harmful pg 215
3. Unprofessional doctors pg 157
4. Media's influence on birth pg 164
5. Moderating drug use during labor pg 165
Tuesday
HW 38
In the book Ina May's Guide To Childbirth, the text is organized as short stories told my the many patients who have experienced birthing a child at The Farm. Along with the story that is written by the patient, there are sometimes pictures of the individual and their family. Certain quotes that are stated in the story are also backed up by a portion in italics with Ina May's perspective of the story. Based off the table of contents, it seems though if the 2nd part of the book (pg 127~) covers more of the directly educational portion of the topic.
The book focuses strongly on the "naturalness" of birth and succeeds to contrast it with the more artificial aspects of birth. The Farm, or the birthing community in Tennessee is often discussed since Ina May is the founder. It tries to illustrate the pros of a natural childbirth and the cons of relying on hospitals for delivery. I personally question how biased everything said in the book may be due to the number of stories so far that critique hospital births very harshly. I assume that it is purposefully said to generate a grand reputation of The Farm, but I would like to see more positive information regarding hospital births.
Some aspects of birth that I would like to be publicized is the use of words during birth and births outside of hospital facilities. The tone and word use of the people surrounding the mother in labor can directly affect the mood of the situation causing it to become an easier or harder birth. The Farm community caught up on this problem and began to change their way of speech around clients. The alternative of giving birth at home or outside of a hospital facility is very faintly known. I believe people don't believe in due to its lack in popularity and the need to have a professional around.
Ina May utilizes the stories of clients as evidence, though she does not make any bold statements saying her opinion on what is right and wrong, many times I sense a biased towards certain practices. I do believe that hearing experiences is vital especially when it comes to a topic such as birth, but it cannot be treated as real solid evidence. Scientific proof is really the only source of truth.
The book focuses strongly on the "naturalness" of birth and succeeds to contrast it with the more artificial aspects of birth. The Farm, or the birthing community in Tennessee is often discussed since Ina May is the founder. It tries to illustrate the pros of a natural childbirth and the cons of relying on hospitals for delivery. I personally question how biased everything said in the book may be due to the number of stories so far that critique hospital births very harshly. I assume that it is purposefully said to generate a grand reputation of The Farm, but I would like to see more positive information regarding hospital births.
Some aspects of birth that I would like to be publicized is the use of words during birth and births outside of hospital facilities. The tone and word use of the people surrounding the mother in labor can directly affect the mood of the situation causing it to become an easier or harder birth. The Farm community caught up on this problem and began to change their way of speech around clients. The alternative of giving birth at home or outside of a hospital facility is very faintly known. I believe people don't believe in due to its lack in popularity and the need to have a professional around.
Ina May utilizes the stories of clients as evidence, though she does not make any bold statements saying her opinion on what is right and wrong, many times I sense a biased towards certain practices. I do believe that hearing experiences is vital especially when it comes to a topic such as birth, but it cannot be treated as real solid evidence. Scientific proof is really the only source of truth.
Wednesday
HW 37
What an eye-opening read about birth!-especially the last story. I believe the most generic conclusion about birth, is the movie birth story. Parents being overjoyed, new-to-be grandparents being happily surprised to tears, the baby showers and gifts...but no. Life is not that simple at all. Or should I say, No one life/person is like the other.
I enjoyed the fact that you were able to write not only about the story everyone already knows, but furthered it with emotions of the interviewees. Included in your stories was one that particularly peaked my interest--and that was the one about the birth of yourself. Honest and raw. The financial aspects, the small history behind yourself. Basically peering into the life of the author himself.
The last story was, quite frankly, appalling. It was unique in a way that it represented a different generation, but what a story!
At first, I thought I could never imagine such a person, such a MOTHER, could exist. I took another read through and let the idea roll in my head for a while.
As cruel as the story seemed, I remembered: That is life.
Who knows how Nancy could have been raised, what circumstances she was brought up in, what was happening at that time. People think and do irrational things all the time. It's great that she was able to realize her own mistakes because that, already, is half the battle.
As much as I enjoyed this post, I have to say: As a female reader, I am wondering about the other half of the story. And by other half, I am referring to the husband (or other?). As natural births go, and how life happens, it takes a woman AND a man. I would have liked to have read on the man's influence on the birth.
I enjoyed the fact that you were able to write not only about the story everyone already knows, but furthered it with emotions of the interviewees. Included in your stories was one that particularly peaked my interest--and that was the one about the birth of yourself. Honest and raw. The financial aspects, the small history behind yourself. Basically peering into the life of the author himself.
The last story was, quite frankly, appalling. It was unique in a way that it represented a different generation, but what a story!
At first, I thought I could never imagine such a person, such a MOTHER, could exist. I took another read through and let the idea roll in my head for a while.
As cruel as the story seemed, I remembered: That is life.
Who knows how Nancy could have been raised, what circumstances she was brought up in, what was happening at that time. People think and do irrational things all the time. It's great that she was able to realize her own mistakes because that, already, is half the battle.
As much as I enjoyed this post, I have to say: As a female reader, I am wondering about the other half of the story. And by other half, I am referring to the husband (or other?). As natural births go, and how life happens, it takes a woman AND a man. I would have liked to have read on the man's influence on the birth.
Sasha (Protagonist)
I haven't given much thought to pregnancy, but now that I read some of your stories I feel really terrified. I guess I really thought that pregnancy is just a part of life. I thought it was something that just kinda happens in your life and that's that. All I really thought about was how much it would hurt to go through it all.
I agree with Sarah above me. I liked that you brought three different stories to show a comparison. The only thing else you could add on is more commentary from you. I think it would make the post more interesting.
I agree with Sarah above me. I liked that you brought three different stories to show a comparison. The only thing else you could add on is more commentary from you. I think it would make the post more interesting.
Sunday
HW 36
Interview 1 (Keri Ann, professional musician/mother)
Keri-Ann shared that during her "expected" pregnancy the core emotions felt were excited, joyful, and scared. Even through all the laughter she had secret worries that every expectant parent goes through. She explained "Questions always overwhelmed me, I kept on asking myself if I was ready to do a good job. I wanted to be able to provide my child the same way my mother had. Being a bit of a perfectionist(laughter), it was much harder to let fate decide the outcome of the baby".
She described the process of being pregnant as "incomparable". She would constantly have to run to the restroom to urinate, nausea changed on day to day basis, but on the other hand it helped her allergies clear up. A significant change was found in her dietary habits, she would have strong cravings for a variety of foods which often altered throughout her pregnancy. "Near the last few months and the beginning of the pregnancy was the scariest since every day was full of surprises. My feelings and emotions would fluctuate at any given time, it made me very uncomfortable".
I found Keri-Ann's perspective on pregnancy to be quite normal in our standards. Many of the responses were expected more or less with a personal twist somewhere in the middle. As far as I can tell from the interview with her, the emotional aspect of the process seems to be very generic, but the environment really sways how extremely they are portrayed. When I first asked her if the pregnancy was expected or a surprise she answered expected which I find to be a bit odd. I've heard people state that they wanted to have a baby, but was surprised to hear that they were pregnant, but Keri-Ann wouldn't consider it an unexpected birth. This didn't stand out to me much until I read over the Q&A interview sheet. I think it can be controversial depending on the parent's mentality pre-pregnancy.
Interview 2 (My Mom)
My mom had me at an age that many parents would consider old. Being a 38 year old pregnant mother, she worried about her health and ability to give birth. What motivated her through the process was the urge to bless my older brother with a sibling to grow up with. The oldest sibling of a relatively large family with 3 younger sibling, 2 sisters and 1 brother, she supposed that growing up amongst siblings would be a happier and healthier way to live. "Being an older sibling brings wonders. It teaches responsibility at a very young age, and I think it helped me advance into becoming who I am now" she explained.
At the time of my birth, she faced many conflicts, especially financial issues. Prioritizing her health and my health over everything, she decided to take it easy and refrain from working while raising my brother. She commented on the situation saying "It wasn't the smartest move to raise a second child, but putting financial issues aside, it felt right". Living in a small studio apartment in the East Village with my Dad and my brother, she thrived to find a better life for me and my brother even if she would have to work harder than ever to pay back the loans. When I asked her why she did it she responded "Even if I have to hide my emotions and stress, at least it would make life easier for my kids".
Though I've heard my story millions of times, I always find it interesting that she never talks about the physical factors of being pregnant. I think what was happening around her was too much to stop and pity herself for going through the pain of giving birth. No matter who I ask, no one shares her birth stories like my mom, possibly because it is less personal being asked by her own son. It is hard to fit my mom's story into what is normal in our culture, but I think that living for your child/children should be a norm for any parent.
Interview 3 (Nancy, girlfriend's grandmother)
Like many pregnancies, Nancy had all the typical symptoms, cravings, and worries, but the main difference in this expected pregnancy was that her husband and Nancy herself were overly expecting a male son. This did not happen of course. To make things worse, her new born girl was born sickly. "The pregnancy was easy enough considering it was my first, but what I really can't get over is how much trouble I had accepting the fact that now I would have to care for this sick baby all by myself." She went through a very depressive state at that time, where she even furthered her actions by going to a few different hospitals to see if she could abort the baby even after birth. "I was young and scared, it was my first time dealing with such a big gift and a burden all at the same time. My mother told me, 'That's life,' but unfortunately, I was the type to give up very easily over the smallest of things. I know that what I did back then was very childish of me. Like many young adults who are transitioning into adults, I felt like too many things were happening at once and was being thrown in my face."
Possibly due to the generation gap, I found this birth story to be the most unique and impacting. I always thought that unconditional love was a must, but it is quite upsetting to hear how a mother could not love her child even after birth. It seems like their relationship had grown stronger overtime, but their is still partial regret. I guess personally experiencing the possible flaws in birth at a young age can overwhelm a mother's hopes and desires. This interview was slightly depressing but highly informative and insightful.
After hearing various perspectives and stories on birth, I am inspired to focus more on differences of pregnancies through the generations in American culture.
Keri-Ann shared that during her "expected" pregnancy the core emotions felt were excited, joyful, and scared. Even through all the laughter she had secret worries that every expectant parent goes through. She explained "Questions always overwhelmed me, I kept on asking myself if I was ready to do a good job. I wanted to be able to provide my child the same way my mother had. Being a bit of a perfectionist(laughter), it was much harder to let fate decide the outcome of the baby".
She described the process of being pregnant as "incomparable". She would constantly have to run to the restroom to urinate, nausea changed on day to day basis, but on the other hand it helped her allergies clear up. A significant change was found in her dietary habits, she would have strong cravings for a variety of foods which often altered throughout her pregnancy. "Near the last few months and the beginning of the pregnancy was the scariest since every day was full of surprises. My feelings and emotions would fluctuate at any given time, it made me very uncomfortable".
I found Keri-Ann's perspective on pregnancy to be quite normal in our standards. Many of the responses were expected more or less with a personal twist somewhere in the middle. As far as I can tell from the interview with her, the emotional aspect of the process seems to be very generic, but the environment really sways how extremely they are portrayed. When I first asked her if the pregnancy was expected or a surprise she answered expected which I find to be a bit odd. I've heard people state that they wanted to have a baby, but was surprised to hear that they were pregnant, but Keri-Ann wouldn't consider it an unexpected birth. This didn't stand out to me much until I read over the Q&A interview sheet. I think it can be controversial depending on the parent's mentality pre-pregnancy.
Interview 2 (My Mom)
My mom had me at an age that many parents would consider old. Being a 38 year old pregnant mother, she worried about her health and ability to give birth. What motivated her through the process was the urge to bless my older brother with a sibling to grow up with. The oldest sibling of a relatively large family with 3 younger sibling, 2 sisters and 1 brother, she supposed that growing up amongst siblings would be a happier and healthier way to live. "Being an older sibling brings wonders. It teaches responsibility at a very young age, and I think it helped me advance into becoming who I am now" she explained.
At the time of my birth, she faced many conflicts, especially financial issues. Prioritizing her health and my health over everything, she decided to take it easy and refrain from working while raising my brother. She commented on the situation saying "It wasn't the smartest move to raise a second child, but putting financial issues aside, it felt right". Living in a small studio apartment in the East Village with my Dad and my brother, she thrived to find a better life for me and my brother even if she would have to work harder than ever to pay back the loans. When I asked her why she did it she responded "Even if I have to hide my emotions and stress, at least it would make life easier for my kids".
Though I've heard my story millions of times, I always find it interesting that she never talks about the physical factors of being pregnant. I think what was happening around her was too much to stop and pity herself for going through the pain of giving birth. No matter who I ask, no one shares her birth stories like my mom, possibly because it is less personal being asked by her own son. It is hard to fit my mom's story into what is normal in our culture, but I think that living for your child/children should be a norm for any parent.
Interview 3 (Nancy, girlfriend's grandmother)
Like many pregnancies, Nancy had all the typical symptoms, cravings, and worries, but the main difference in this expected pregnancy was that her husband and Nancy herself were overly expecting a male son. This did not happen of course. To make things worse, her new born girl was born sickly. "The pregnancy was easy enough considering it was my first, but what I really can't get over is how much trouble I had accepting the fact that now I would have to care for this sick baby all by myself." She went through a very depressive state at that time, where she even furthered her actions by going to a few different hospitals to see if she could abort the baby even after birth. "I was young and scared, it was my first time dealing with such a big gift and a burden all at the same time. My mother told me, 'That's life,' but unfortunately, I was the type to give up very easily over the smallest of things. I know that what I did back then was very childish of me. Like many young adults who are transitioning into adults, I felt like too many things were happening at once and was being thrown in my face."
Possibly due to the generation gap, I found this birth story to be the most unique and impacting. I always thought that unconditional love was a must, but it is quite upsetting to hear how a mother could not love her child even after birth. It seems like their relationship had grown stronger overtime, but their is still partial regret. I guess personally experiencing the possible flaws in birth at a young age can overwhelm a mother's hopes and desires. This interview was slightly depressing but highly informative and insightful.
After hearing various perspectives and stories on birth, I am inspired to focus more on differences of pregnancies through the generations in American culture.
Wednesday
HW 34
What I find to be the most striking about birth is how controversial it is for humans, but not for other non-human animals. A necessary process that keeps the population from depleting, a natural process, but it doesn't seem that way for us people. Due to us being more "advanced" we analyze and think too much, causing us to see from various angles such as the negative aspects of giving birth. All animals give birth to contribute to the resistance of extinction, but because we are the dominant species in smarts and numbers, we have the luxury to even choose what is needed in one's life. It really tells us how much of a team player we really are. It seems like with anything natural, our goal is to take it and exploit it until we have full control.
Other than the relations between animal birth and human birth, the psychological state of the mother undergoing the process and the newborn child. What do the babies feel when they first come out? A majority of the time newborn's tend to come out of the womb crying. For me crying implicates fear or pain causing me to assume that babies might possibly be feeling fear the moment of their birth, or possibly pain from the cold temperature of the outside world. It is hard to tell what a baby is thinking, when crying is one of the few ways they can communicate with another human.
Other than the relations between animal birth and human birth, the psychological state of the mother undergoing the process and the newborn child. What do the babies feel when they first come out? A majority of the time newborn's tend to come out of the womb crying. For me crying implicates fear or pain causing me to assume that babies might possibly be feeling fear the moment of their birth, or possibly pain from the cold temperature of the outside world. It is hard to tell what a baby is thinking, when crying is one of the few ways they can communicate with another human.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)