Birthing Experiences

My Childbirth Experience

Before the birth of my child I was 2 weeks over due. My doctor had decided to induce labor, but 3 days before he scheduled to have it done, I started having contractions’. My husband drove me to the hospital where I continued to have what I thought was labor pains for about two hours after entering the hospital. I was thinking this baby need to come on out. Unfortunately my doctor had to perform a cesarean section. After receiving a needle in my back I didn’t remember anything. All I know is when I awoke I was in a lot of pain. Later the nurse brought my baby girl to me, she was in good health, but I was hurting. My daughter and I stay in the hospital 2 days.

Chinese Childbirth

 Chinese woman may be perceived as needing extra attention in terms of food and rituals during pregnancy and the postpartum period, Women are advised not to eat "cold foods" such as mung beans, bean sprouts, or bananas during the first trimester to reduce a risk of miscarriage. As they become more acquainted with the American medical care, they seek prenatal care, accept prenatal vitamins, and follow up with clinic visits. Men do not play a major role during deliveries; female family members provide support. Chinese women want to eat to get energy to go through labor. Hospitals often discourage eating in active labor. When they ask for a drink of water, women are offered ice chips instead of the warm water that they prefer. Most Chinese women will endure thirst for fear the cold water in ice chips will upset their hot/cold balance and increase their risk of developing arthritis in old age. Younger couples are more willing to attend childbirth classes, and fathers are more willing to stay with women in labor to provide support and serve as coaches. After giving birth, care is provided by an elder female relative.

The period of care right after the delivery is known as the sitting month, so resting for approximately one month after delivery is not unusual. Depending on regional differences, women may not leave their homes, take a bath, wash their hair, expose themselves to cold water, cold temperatures and wind, or ingest ice water or cold food, raw vegetables, salads or fruits. It is believed that women are undergoing a cold stage right after delivery due to loss of blood. In order to restore balance, they need to consume foods considered hot, hot water, soups, ginger, wine and food high in protein.

I was surprise to learn about the after delivery care of Chinese women known as the sitting month, and that men did not play a role during deliveries.

Reference

 Medical Chinese, Retrieved from www.ethnomed.org