Before this unit in class, I never really thought about the difference between normal child birth and natural child birth. I knew that a baby could be delivered either through a C-section (Caesarian) or vaginally. However, I thought that giving birth vaginally was both the “natural” and “normal” way. I always thought that a C-section was only performed when there was a health concern to either the mother or child. It does seem like nowadays women favor having a C-section opposed to giving birth vaginally. Even if there isn’t anything wrong with the baby, many mothers prefer a C-section even though it isn’t always safer.
After watching these videos and listening to the broadcast, I started thinking not only about birth in America, but the birthing process in general. The American Way of Birth is very odd, chaotic, and impersonal, when birth is supposed to be something joyous and sacred. When I looked at the different ways to give birth, I saw that the American Way of Birth is not normal at all. It made me question if having a baby in a hospital setting is always better. These videos changed my whole view on birth and the “right” way it should be done. Most of all it left me terrified, disgusted, and scared of the pain that is endured when giving birth.
I watched the dolphin and the giraffe giving birth first. They did make me cringe a little, but they weren’t that bad. It didn’t seem like they were in that much pain. The one that stood out to me the most was the giraffe, because it seemed the most similar to the way humans give birth. The giraffe had another giraffe there to kind of help her along while in labor, just like humans may have a midwife, or a close family member/friend there for support. What surprised me the most was how the baby was delivered, and the process after it was born. I was shocked to see that the baby was just plopped on the ground like it was nothing. I don’t know what I was expecting, but I definitely wasn’t expecting to see the baby giraffe hitting the ground as if it was garbage or something. What also surprised me was how quick the baby giraffe is kind of forced into the world. Minutes after it was born, the giraffe was learning to walk and stand on its own. This is very different to the way humans/Americans care for their babies. In our culture babies are usually waited on hand and foot for a couple of years before they are taught/ take up the courage to try to walk. While watching both the giraffe and the dolphin video, I noticed that the animals kind of went about their business while giving birth. The giraffe was walking around nonchalantly, while it seemed like the dolphin was swimming around like nothing is happening. I realized that the animals didn’t make a big deal about giving birth like humans do. They keep going on about their business like it’s just another regular day (maybe it’s because their animals???).
Right after watching the animals giving birth, I watched the midwife videos. This one wasn’t working properly so I also watched “Bastian’s Birth 7”. These were the hardest to take for me. Whenever I think about pregnancy I think of the mother just popping the baby out. Yes, I know there’s pain involved, but I never really knew what a mother ACTUALLY goes through giving birth. These two videos were so real, and “in your face” with the birthing process, and I don’t think that I was ready for that. As soon as I saw the babies start to come out, I started cringing, squirming, and getting pains in my stomach. Even though it did seem painful like any other birth, the “natural” birth (midwife, no doctors etc.) seemed like it would be a better environment to bring a person into this world with. It had me thinking why the “normal” American Way of Birth had to be complicated and stressful when it didn’t have to be that way. Why do most Americans choose to give birth in a hospital, than like the women in these videos with a midwife? Most of all the two videos on birth that I watched have me on the fence about giving birth. I know it‘s what is expected from us women, but I don’t know if I’m ready for that experience. Truthfully I don’t know how I ever would be. No matter how many calm and encouraging people I have around me, I know I won’t be as calm and collected as those mothers in the video.
The last video to be watched was the C-Section video. I definitely regretted it after I watched it. It seemed like the C-Section is a whole bunch of pulling, pushing, and tugging. Even the way they handled the baby after seemed so wrong. If I had the courage to watch this video I would, just to get a second look at the whole process. It made me think why do most American women want this experience…it seems HORRIBLE.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Questions on Comparative Birth
1. Birth in 2009 vs. Birth in 1950's
2. How do white people having more resources effect the way they give birth? (compared to black people)
3. Percentage of abortions in America vs. D.R.
4. Teen pregnancy vs. in the 1900's
5.Adoption vs. Abortion in America compared to Europe
6.Having a child under 20 vs. having a child over 35
7.How has the age of giving birth changed over the last 50 years?
8. percentage of single parent homes vs. 2 parent homes (now and 1950's)
9. How does the common way of giving birth in the US compare to the common way of giving birth in other countries?
10. What is the common age of pregnancy in the US vs. third world countries?
11. How many kids are in the average family in the US vs in Africa
12. What races around the world are known to be the most fertile? (average births each year)
13. How many babies are killed each year in the U.s vs third world countries ( babies thrown in garbage cans/rivers/etc)
14. How have technologies changed over the years?
15. Birth in America vs. in Africa
16. Birth in America vs. China
17.% of death during pregnancy in America vs. Haiti vs. Europe
18.births vs. abortion (in any country?)
19.C-Sections vs. natural Birth
20.abortions vs giving your baby up for adoption
21.Miscarriage vs successful birth
22. C-section rate now vs. 50 yrs ago
23. woman dying during birth now vs. 50 yrs ago
2. How do white people having more resources effect the way they give birth? (compared to black people)
3. Percentage of abortions in America vs. D.R.
4. Teen pregnancy vs. in the 1900's
5.Adoption vs. Abortion in America compared to Europe
6.Having a child under 20 vs. having a child over 35
7.How has the age of giving birth changed over the last 50 years?
8. percentage of single parent homes vs. 2 parent homes (now and 1950's)
9. How does the common way of giving birth in the US compare to the common way of giving birth in other countries?
10. What is the common age of pregnancy in the US vs. third world countries?
11. How many kids are in the average family in the US vs in Africa
12. What races around the world are known to be the most fertile? (average births each year)
13. How many babies are killed each year in the U.s vs third world countries ( babies thrown in garbage cans/rivers/etc)
14. How have technologies changed over the years?
15. Birth in America vs. in Africa
16. Birth in America vs. China
17.% of death during pregnancy in America vs. Haiti vs. Europe
18.births vs. abortion (in any country?)
19.C-Sections vs. natural Birth
20.abortions vs giving your baby up for adoption
21.Miscarriage vs successful birth
22. C-section rate now vs. 50 yrs ago
23. woman dying during birth now vs. 50 yrs ago
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Birth Stories
Lisa-(My Aunt)
The first person I chose to interview was my aunt Lisa, who has had two birth experiences. She has a 21 year old son and a 16 year old son. She started by telling me about her eldest sons birth. When i asked her about her overall experience, she said it wasn't that bad. except for all of the confusion everything went well. She was having contractions early one morning so decided to go to the hospital. Once she arrived they siad she wasn't dilated enough, so they had her walk around for an hour. ONce they saw that she still wasnt dilated enough, they told to her to go home and wait (I thought this was kind of crazy). When she got home, she decided to go for a walk hoping that would speed upt eh process. She walked for about a mile when her contractions started lasting longer and comming more frequently. She went back to the hospital where they told her that she still wasn't dilated, but they would admit her anyway. More confusion came when she told her nurse that she had to use the bathroom (deficate), or she would be sick. Of course the nurse said no. However, when she threw up she got yelled at by the nurse. The nurse basically treated her like shit for throughout the whole labor. She didn't really want to talk about the pain aspect, but she said that her first pregnancy was "beautiful" and "couldn't have been better", even though she was in labor for a little more than 15 hours.
Now with her second pregancy, she said it was a little bit different. She kind of new what to expect with her second baby. She knew what the contractions felt like and how faar apart they should be, inorder to go to the hospital. By the time she walked to the hospital, all she wanted to do was sleep. They once again told her that she wasn't fully dilated, so they gave her something to help her sleep. She still didn't want to speak about t he pain aspect, or what it was like in the delivery room, but she said it was very similar to her first pregnany. She was in labor for over 19 hours, but said that she loved the experience more than anything.
The first person I chose to interview was my aunt Lisa, who has had two birth experiences. She has a 21 year old son and a 16 year old son. She started by telling me about her eldest sons birth. When i asked her about her overall experience, she said it wasn't that bad. except for all of the confusion everything went well. She was having contractions early one morning so decided to go to the hospital. Once she arrived they siad she wasn't dilated enough, so they had her walk around for an hour. ONce they saw that she still wasnt dilated enough, they told to her to go home and wait (I thought this was kind of crazy). When she got home, she decided to go for a walk hoping that would speed upt eh process. She walked for about a mile when her contractions started lasting longer and comming more frequently. She went back to the hospital where they told her that she still wasn't dilated, but they would admit her anyway. More confusion came when she told her nurse that she had to use the bathroom (deficate), or she would be sick. Of course the nurse said no. However, when she threw up she got yelled at by the nurse. The nurse basically treated her like shit for throughout the whole labor. She didn't really want to talk about the pain aspect, but she said that her first pregnancy was "beautiful" and "couldn't have been better", even though she was in labor for a little more than 15 hours.
Now with her second pregancy, she said it was a little bit different. She kind of new what to expect with her second baby. She knew what the contractions felt like and how faar apart they should be, inorder to go to the hospital. By the time she walked to the hospital, all she wanted to do was sleep. They once again told her that she wasn't fully dilated, so they gave her something to help her sleep. She still didn't want to speak about t he pain aspect, or what it was like in the delivery room, but she said it was very similar to her first pregnany. She was in labor for over 19 hours, but said that she loved the experience more than anything.
My Mother-
When I asked my mother about my birth story, it was similar to my aunts birth story but also very different. My mom didn't even know she was having contractions, she just felt uncomfortable in her sleep. It was kind of confusing because she said she didn't really know that she was in labor, but she never mentioned anything about her water breaking. She made this big deal about how long it took her to get to the hospital. The hospital was only about 15 minutes form our house, but it took her close to an hour and a half to get there because of a big storm. By the time she got to the hospital i was ready to "pop" out. The one thing shse does remember really well, was how rude the nurses were to her when she was getting ready to be admitted. she said they had very little paitence and didn't care how she was feeling, or if she was comfortable. They were also getting mad at her because she was pushing even when they told her not to. I wouldn't consider my mom's birth experience that bad, but i wouldn't consider it ideal either. I know i wouldn't to experience birth the same way she did.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
How I Feel About Birth...
At 16, I feel like giving birth is the most painful and scary situation that women go through. I feel like at 16, that i'm just not ready to give birth and take care of a baby. Honestly I don't think that most teenage mothers are. It's hard for me to see my self taking care of/being responsible for something so small and fragile. How am I supposed to be a mother to a child, when I'm stil a child my self. Even though I am scared to give birth, I'm also excited about haveing a baby. i always joke around with my friends saying that I want a baby. I don't know, I just can't get over how cute they are, and how you can dresst them in the cutest little clothes, and by the cutest little things for them. I'm not really sure how i feel about giving birth after all. It's like I'm fascinated with the fact of having one and dressing it up, But scared shitless about ACTUALLY giving birth to one. The more I think about it, it seems like the more confused I get.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Big Paper Revised
Intro-
Over some time America has been going down hill, especially over the last year. Between the war, our economy being in shambles, and our over all government, America isn't what it used to be. Former President Bush believes that the "American way of life is non negotiable", but what exactly is the American Way of Life? The American way of life has changed over the years, so is it still worth defending? With all these different cultures in all different regions of the United States what is "american"? have they had influence on the American Way of Life? Even though there is a huge gap between the rich and the homeless and many different cultures, their is still somewhat of a common lifestyle that lives amongst Americans (mainly the middle class).
By interviweing people on the street and a few family members, i have learned that most people belive that the American Way of life is all about getting the proper education, leading to more money (success), which leads to a better life. Many thought that this was great that we had the freedom to do so in America. However when looking at the fundamentals of capitalism and the constitution, many of the themes that were found were not true. The idea of having the freedom to move up the social and economic ladder in America wasn't there in the past, and may not be there now. it is to be proven that the American Way of Life is ultimately a lie.
American Way of Life According to people in the street-
Americans do an average of 13 years of school, which can be considered as a major part of life. However when I asked a young black man what he thought the American way of life was, he replied “you have to do whatever it takes to survive, no matter how much authority or education you have, you always have to listen to what ‘they’ tell you”. This young black man clad in jeans and a baggy white t-shirt didn’t look like he had much going for himself, but tells me that education is basically a waste of time. His opinion on what it takes to succeed in America is being a “sucker, in America you always have to suck up to somebody to get ahead in life”. He believed that we have to suck up to the professor to get that better grade, but also to our boss to get that raise or promotion. When I asked a middle age Hispanic man the same question a couple of minutes later, he basically said “stay in school, it will help you a lot later on in life”. Two working class men with two totally different views on the part education take in the American way of life.
While talking to my high school principle Mr. Fanning, I saw how different his views were to the other people I interviewed. Even though as a young adult he chose his passion of music over education, he has since realized how his education has benefitted him. By getting an English degree, he has obtained this career which he loves. It may have not really been his dream, but it has become “his life”, and he wouldn’t trade it in for anything else. The first man I interviewed thought that education can’t really make a big difference in the American way of life. He believed that education is put on the backburner and succeeding in America is about “sucking up”, while Mr. fanning believes that it’s about getting an education in something you love, which in turn can make you love life more. Even though he did love music, and made a lot of money doing it, he also sees that his current life is more practical. Mr. Fanning being an educator, I expected this answer from him. But when my aunt gave a similar answer, it surprised me. She has just recently gone back to school fir her doctorates degree after working for HSBC for 19 years. Even though she does think that education is very important in the American way of life, she feels as if “society feels that education validates how smart you are…most people are born with natural talent and education helps to enhance that talent”. She somewhat disagrees with society view of education, and the fact that having a greater education means that you are smarter. Mr. Fanning believes that getting an education can cause you to love something, while my aunt believes you can get a degree in something you love and make it work for you.
Education will help you succeed if you acquire as much knowledge as possible on what it is you want to do in life. That will lead to a better job/career hence a better way of life”, she in turn believes this is what most Americans strive for. This would be her definition of the American way of life, even though many Americans aren’t able to obtain it.
¾ of the people I interviewed believed that education was a huge part in American society, while 1/4 thought that education can’t really help us in achieving our ideal life. The people around me think that the American way of life is mainly to be happy with life. However when they said life, they were mainly referring to a career. Most believed that a career can lead you to happiness, or defines it in a way. They agree with the fact that education can indeed lead to a better life/career, and this is one of the main ways they would define the American way of life…as education.
Over some time America has been going down hill, especially over the last year. Between the war, our economy being in shambles, and our over all government, America isn't what it used to be. Former President Bush believes that the "American way of life is non negotiable", but what exactly is the American Way of Life? The American way of life has changed over the years, so is it still worth defending? With all these different cultures in all different regions of the United States what is "american"? have they had influence on the American Way of Life? Even though there is a huge gap between the rich and the homeless and many different cultures, their is still somewhat of a common lifestyle that lives amongst Americans (mainly the middle class).
By interviweing people on the street and a few family members, i have learned that most people belive that the American Way of life is all about getting the proper education, leading to more money (success), which leads to a better life. Many thought that this was great that we had the freedom to do so in America. However when looking at the fundamentals of capitalism and the constitution, many of the themes that were found were not true. The idea of having the freedom to move up the social and economic ladder in America wasn't there in the past, and may not be there now. it is to be proven that the American Way of Life is ultimately a lie.
American Way of Life According to people in the street-
Americans do an average of 13 years of school, which can be considered as a major part of life. However when I asked a young black man what he thought the American way of life was, he replied “you have to do whatever it takes to survive, no matter how much authority or education you have, you always have to listen to what ‘they’ tell you”. This young black man clad in jeans and a baggy white t-shirt didn’t look like he had much going for himself, but tells me that education is basically a waste of time. His opinion on what it takes to succeed in America is being a “sucker, in America you always have to suck up to somebody to get ahead in life”. He believed that we have to suck up to the professor to get that better grade, but also to our boss to get that raise or promotion. When I asked a middle age Hispanic man the same question a couple of minutes later, he basically said “stay in school, it will help you a lot later on in life”. Two working class men with two totally different views on the part education take in the American way of life.
While talking to my high school principle Mr. Fanning, I saw how different his views were to the other people I interviewed. Even though as a young adult he chose his passion of music over education, he has since realized how his education has benefitted him. By getting an English degree, he has obtained this career which he loves. It may have not really been his dream, but it has become “his life”, and he wouldn’t trade it in for anything else. The first man I interviewed thought that education can’t really make a big difference in the American way of life. He believed that education is put on the backburner and succeeding in America is about “sucking up”, while Mr. fanning believes that it’s about getting an education in something you love, which in turn can make you love life more. Even though he did love music, and made a lot of money doing it, he also sees that his current life is more practical. Mr. Fanning being an educator, I expected this answer from him. But when my aunt gave a similar answer, it surprised me. She has just recently gone back to school fir her doctorates degree after working for HSBC for 19 years. Even though she does think that education is very important in the American way of life, she feels as if “society feels that education validates how smart you are…most people are born with natural talent and education helps to enhance that talent”. She somewhat disagrees with society view of education, and the fact that having a greater education means that you are smarter. Mr. Fanning believes that getting an education can cause you to love something, while my aunt believes you can get a degree in something you love and make it work for you.
Education will help you succeed if you acquire as much knowledge as possible on what it is you want to do in life. That will lead to a better job/career hence a better way of life”, she in turn believes this is what most Americans strive for. This would be her definition of the American way of life, even though many Americans aren’t able to obtain it.
¾ of the people I interviewed believed that education was a huge part in American society, while 1/4 thought that education can’t really help us in achieving our ideal life. The people around me think that the American way of life is mainly to be happy with life. However when they said life, they were mainly referring to a career. Most believed that a career can lead you to happiness, or defines it in a way. They agree with the fact that education can indeed lead to a better life/career, and this is one of the main ways they would define the American way of life…as education.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Inaguration Day Assignment
Presidents Obamas inaugaration speech gave a lot of hope to Americans. his speech reassured them that he can and will make America better, and get it back to what it used to be. More specifically he will get us out of the recession and the war. Obama states in his speech that "We will not apologize for out way of life." He is saying that our country shouldn't be ashamed of how its run or how we run our everyday lives compared to the rest of the world. Obama is making the American way of life something to be proud, something that should be embraced. While Former President Bush said something similar, but made it seem like no matter what the way Americans live their lives is not going to change. He made it seem like the life of an American was top priority, not the war or our economic status.When Obama said "Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America" I felt like he was again embracing the American Way of Life and willing to change it for the better. this comment showed the peopel that we STILL have the potential to keep America as the most powerful nation on Earth.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Christmas/New Years Analysis
Over break i was thinking about how my holiday compared to the rest of America or the American way of life. I felt like my Christmas wasn't the typical Christmas because it was a little more reserved than the typical Christmas. Even though i did spend it with family (because that's what its supposed to be about right?), i wasn't allt hat excited about it like i used to be. I didn't wake up at the crack of dawn to open presents,didn't go searching for my gifts before Christmas, and i wasn't every excited with what i got this year either. In America, Christmas is all about spending hard earned money on extravagant gifts and letting kids think a fat white man brought those gifts for them. I think that the whole Santa aspect of Christmas is ridiculous. This year I was happy with spending Christmas at my grandmas house and not getting much, it didn't really matter to me because Christmas is only 1 day out of the year...why should it be such a big deal? However I feel that many Americans would disagree with me.
New years on the other hand I felt like my New years did go along with the American way of life. When new years comes around, Americans usually get this idea that its all about having fun. Most of this "fun" is related to going to parties, getting drunk, and just acting fool. this new years i did go to a party and had a a good time, however i feel like it shouldn't be like that every year. Why go out and bring in the new year partying...is that how the rest of the year is going to be spent? i think that it is also good to spend time with family or by yourself during this holiday. You can have fun by sitting at home and watching the ball drop on TV, or playing a game with friends and family. Another thing that i noticed Americans participate in is making "new year resolutions". Many make these crazy resolutions about what they could do better in the new year, which are usually full of bull. People may carry them out for a couple of weeks, but its not likely for someone to keep or even remember theirs for the rest of the year. I think its a silly tradition that Americans follow to make them feel better about themselves. Make them feel as if they are willing to change, and are going to make that change for the new year.
New years on the other hand I felt like my New years did go along with the American way of life. When new years comes around, Americans usually get this idea that its all about having fun. Most of this "fun" is related to going to parties, getting drunk, and just acting fool. this new years i did go to a party and had a a good time, however i feel like it shouldn't be like that every year. Why go out and bring in the new year partying...is that how the rest of the year is going to be spent? i think that it is also good to spend time with family or by yourself during this holiday. You can have fun by sitting at home and watching the ball drop on TV, or playing a game with friends and family. Another thing that i noticed Americans participate in is making "new year resolutions". Many make these crazy resolutions about what they could do better in the new year, which are usually full of bull. People may carry them out for a couple of weeks, but its not likely for someone to keep or even remember theirs for the rest of the year. I think its a silly tradition that Americans follow to make them feel better about themselves. Make them feel as if they are willing to change, and are going to make that change for the new year.
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