I don't know a lot about my personal birth so I will share my journey as a first time mother. It was only a few months ago when I was pregnant with identical twin girls, Sarah and Sarai. I developed all symptoms at least two months early because there were two babies growing inside of me, at a rapid pace. It was amazing to experience everything two months earlier than a mother carrying one child. I felt early movements and kicks. The back pains increased because of the amount of weight I was carrying . I had a lot of body fluid. Although it hurt a few times, the one thing I truly enjoyed was being able to feel them move. It was also exciting to see them developing during the ultrasounds that were provided on large screens. Sadly, I had a cesarean at five months because of complications. After delivery I saw their skin was developing perfect, they had long feet, black hair, slanted eyes, long slender bodies that weighed a little over two pounds and one baby had what look like my side burns. Carrying one child or more is not easy because complications may occur at any time. Because we were not aware the girls were not in two separate sacs to protect them, the umbilical cord knotted which caused no air to enter into their lungs. My first experience taught me if the girls were born during that time there would have been complications keeping them alive and a challenge helping them develop due to the lost of blood and air circulation. I didn't want the lost to discourage me, so from last January's lost to now, I am happy to say I am three months pregnant with one baby (gender is unknown). The experience is different because I am far from the size I was with the twins. When I first went to the doctor at seven to eight weeks they told us to come back because they saw a sac but no baby was visual to hear an heartbeat. We later heard a hard beat and the baby is doing fine.
African Mother and Child-by: B Sylphir
I have always been interested in what I see on television concerning African mothers and the type of prenatal care they are provided. I focused on south Africa and learned there are good facilities but the care provided by the midwife and nurses is not good care. One report stated many of the mothers are abused or ignored by the clinics in their time of need. The mothers do not receive proper prenatal care and may be abused during delivery. The death rate of African mothers is high and the babies are at risk of not receiving proper care. I learned the care is different in other countries and the care provided in the U.S. is not the same care provided in South Africa. Even though I lost my first born children, I am grateful because I was treated with the upmost respect by physicians and nurses during and after my pregnancy. I received the necessary care and hope one day other mothers every where are able to receive the care they need regardless of the cost.
African Outlook Online Copyright © 2011 Kalahari Media
Yolanda,
ReplyDeleteI am sorry for the loss of your twins. I am happy that you currently have a healthy baby growing! It must be so interesting to be pregnant while taking this class. I also had very good medical care during the birth of my daughter. I can't imagine being abused while trying to give birth. How terrible. It is amazing looking at the maternal and infant mortality rates around the world. We are very lucky to have the resources we do in the United States!
Danielle
Thank you Danielle! Yes, it is interesting taking this class while pregnant. Staying awake because of fatigue is my biggest issue. But learning about the women around the world and how they are treated is emotional. I am thankful for what I have.
DeleteThank you for sharing your story with us I imagine that this may have not been an easy story for you to share. I pray for a healthy pregnancy and delivery.
ReplyDeleteI too could not imagine being abused during childbirth or not receiving proper prenatal care. I am thankful to live in the U.S. and have access to the medical care that I need when I need it.
Thank you Ledet! I am a praying woman and will continue to pray this pregnancy will be a joyous one. We are excited to receive Josiah.
DeleteI am thankful that you didn't let the lost of your twins discourage you from trying again. I am happy that you are pregnant. Best wishes for a healthy baby.
ReplyDeleteThank you Sarah. Love your name :)
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