I remember like it was yesterday, January 4, 2007. That's the day that I scheduled to have my daughter. Not only was I excited; I was a bit nervous as well...the epidural, the wait, the pressure! Finally, when the time came, the procedure was simple and she was here! A healthy, beautiful baby girl that weighed 7lbs, 10 oz. This experience was so remarkable because just two years prior the birthing experience of my so was traumatic. He was born at 26 gestational weeks and only weighed 2 lbs, 3 oz. What a difference! Because she was born healthy, her development has been normal. However, his preterm birth led to him staying in the hospital for an additional three months and was diagnosed with Hydrocephalus as a result of a brain hemorrhage (which was the direct result of the preterm birth). He had to have occupational therapy for a number of years but he is absolutely normal now and I am thankful.
In Ghana, most of the women experience child birth at home with a midwives. Doctors are called only for emergencies, and many times they don't make it to the delivery in time for the infant to survive the experience. The mortality rate is ten times higher than it is in North America.
I couldn't imagine this experience because I was so dependent on my doctor; I called him for every minute issue I encountered during my pregnancy. I definitely did not want to have my child at home (although I respect the decision), if for no other than the rest the hospital offers afterward. In all seriousness, the similarities are that we, as mothers, want the best experience for the children and that we are aligned with the societal norms.
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