The Battle Over Birth

Many European women are opting to choose how they want to have their babies.  Many of the women are selecting natural birthing centers to have their babies.  They want to have control over how they give birth.  One mother chose the Birth Center Klausenerplatz in Germany. They suggested natural remedies for her to go into labor, they supported her through the labor with the birthing pool, the rope then the birthing ball.  The mothers there are supported through their natural births and rely on the experience of the midwives.  This was really the experience I wanted for my child but of course there are not many options for a single woman with no medical insurance.  I think that when mothers feel more in control of their birthing experience they appreciate more the hard work that goes into having a child.  They feel more connected to their child and even bond more with their child in the beginning.  I wanted that with my child but did not know how to go about finding out how to get it at the time.  I am grateful for a healthy child but I wish I had more say so in the birthing process.  It's the support from people who listen to what you say you need during this important time in your life that makes the birthing experience positive.

My personal birthing experience

I became a proud mother of an 8lb 4oz 22in baby boy, on December 2, 1999 at 13:59.  I was young and scared because I was just about to graduate college and very unsure of where I wanted to take my career.  I didn't have a job yet and was nervous about graduating.  What am I going to do? How am I going to support a baby?  Will I be a good mother?  These were all questions floating through my head.  Looking back I realize that all of this had an impact on what I fought for.  I really felt overwhelmed, excited and anxious.  When I starting having contractions I was scared.  I remember that I kept pacing, because I read that the more you walk and stay upright, childbirth will go quicker.  I also felt that I couldn't sit down.  I remember that I wanted a natural birth, but once the contractions came full force, I asked for an epidural.  It made me a little sad because I thought I was tougher than that.  I didn't have anyone to guide me through the natural birthing process.  I was in labor for about 14 hours.  I think I missed some of the experience because when it came time to push, I couldn't feel anything and I had to go by the directions of the doctor.  The next thing I saw was my son's face!  It was all worth it!

This of course was an experience close to my heart.  I have been involved with friends who've had babies before but of course my own experience was the best for me. I remember that during my pregnancy I was taking a child development class and the instructor used me as an example for many things.  And what stuck with me the most is the word teratogens.  She called them the "monster makers!"  What a phrase to hear when you're 22 years old and about 5 months pregnant!  I refused to let it get to me though, because I also had many examples of things around me.  I worked in a childcare and after school facility. It bothered me how the afterschoolers would look at me, but I found that being as honest with them as possible and talking to them they really seemed interested in what was going on with the baby.  I had read how mothers emotions when pregnant can affect the baby because of hormones that are released and I was determined to stay as calm as possible.  I saw first hand how a mother's emotions can determine how a child behaves.  A parent had four boys and with all the boys she was depressed during pregnancy.  Each and every child often cried most of the day even after they had been attending the center for years.  They were often inconsolable and sad.  I thought that this was very depressing to hear.

I think that the way a mother views pregnancy, birth and child rearing affects the way she interacts with her child.  These then become factors that affect the child's early education experience.  We as educators have to find a way meet the needs of these children and families with respect to what they have to deal with and what is going on in their lives.