All four of my births were traumatic. Clearly the hardest was my second birth which my son did not survive. I had gestational diabetes during all of my pregnancies which led to many visits to the hospital and many months on bed rest during each pregnancy. With Ezra I had the extra complication of placenta separation and at three months premature (30 years ago) and 1.5 pounds he was not able to survive the delivery. I remember pain, heartache, and disbelief. The experience was made even more traumatic by the fact that I was kept in the maternity wing which was one open wing with eight beds. All of the other women in the wing had their babies with them. My first son Elijah was born healthy at one month early (after two months bed rest) and was an absolute joy! Had I not had the experience of having a healthy child I can tell you I would have never had the heart to try again after loosing Ezra. I did go on to have two more children (both girls) Eleanor was two months premature and Alexis was one month premature.
I choose to write about my own experience because I know it and I wanted my first post to be genuine. My story also leads into the question posed in class about our thoughts on the impact of the birth on child development. Speaking from my own experience, having lost a child, changed my life and guided my thoughts and behaviors in raising my other children. I had always been a child advocate and had dreamed of being a Kindergarten teacher and mother. From that day forward I have never wished away a day in my life and I consciously appreciate each moment I have with my children. To this day whenever I leave or my child leaves (or before ending a phone conversation) I always tell them how much they are loved. I am also a believer that such hard traumatic entries into this world causes repercussions for the child, both positive and negative. Depending on their inherent personality, resiliency, the ability of the medical team, and how the parents react to the situation I believe sets a real tone for the rest of the child's life.
Jennifer,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your birthing experience. I gave birth to my first son about 2years ago. I myself did not have any complications during pregnancy, but after was a different story. I am glad you were able to have a positive birthing experience for your first one and the strength to try again after your second one.
I think that difference experiences is what motivates each and everyone of us to continue in our field. I also believe Ezra is in each and everyone of the children's lives you touch and who benefit from your interactions with them.
Dominique,
ReplyDeleteYou are very kind and I agree that our experiences motivate us. I look forward to getting to know you and learning from your experiences.
Warmly, Jenn
HI Jennifer,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your story with us . I myself experience some of those similar experience I have five girls and three miscarriage. I myself did have a lot of difficulties during my pregnancy. I am happy that you were able to have a successful pregnancy and be able to give birth that you were able to have a healthy baby. I think that there is a reason for everything and God know best for all of us even when we think we know what best for us.
Have a bless one!
Temika Mccann