Childbirth in My World and Around the World

      I do not have any children of my own, however I know plenty of friends and family members who do.  After talking to many of them after they had their baby, I realized what I would want to do if I ever have the chance of giving birth. I imagine I would mostly likely have my baby in a hospital just like all the other women I know.  I believe in getting an epidural as long as it will not harm the baby in any way and having a natural birth. I am not opposed to having a C-section either.
    In addition, prior to giving birth, it would be difficult for me to give up certain favorite foods and drinks of mine, especially sushi and wine.  I understand that some women have sushi and wine occasionally while pregnant and it didn't effect the baby.  However, I wouldn't want to chance anything going wrong if I can. Hopefully one day, I will be able to experience having a child.  Until then, I will have to keep on enjoying being a "Tante" (aunt in Dutch) to my niece and nephew!

     I am part Dutch, so I wanted to look at what the birthing experience is like for women in the Netherlands. At first, a pregnant women would contact a midwife who would do an assessment based upon medical and family background.  If she is considered low-risk, she will stay with the midwife until giving birth. Yet, if her risks are high, she would be referred to a gynecologist.
    As with the U.S., women have the option of giving birth in a hospital, at home or in a birthing center. Most women, though, prefer to have at home births.  However, if a woman is under the care of a gynecologist and not of a midwife, she will give birth in a hospital.  But if there are no medical risks and the pregnancy is deemed low risk, then the woman may choose to be at home or a birthing center with a midwife assisting in either situation.  Following the birth of a child, the mother is entitled to having a kraamzorg (maternity nurse) to help support her and the baby for up to 10 days after returning home. The maternity nurse responsibilities include not only direct care and monitoring of the mother and newborn but also doing household chores, helping care for other members of the family, or giving advice on taking care of a newborn. Too bad a maternity nurse is not accessible to all the women in the U.S. because I know  numerous mother's would definitely appreciate the help and support.

References:

Van Mulligen, A. (n.d.). Giving birth in the Netherlands.  Retrieved from
https://amsterdam-mamas.nl/articles/giving-birth-netherlands



Comments

  1. LaJashaJuly 8, 2018 at 8:32 PM

    Hello
    In my experience with having children each pregnancy is different and If you can give birth vaginally then I would recommend you do so. I have had 4 c-sections and it takes a major toll on your body. Glad you have a open mind to child birth and encourage to continue to have one.

    ReplyDelete

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