Actually - there are huge benefits to being pregnant so late in life, one of which being that over the last 20 years or so I have watched and listened and read and researched so much , whilst observing my family and friends travel this wonderful journey themselves, that I now have not only a wealth of knowledge on which to draw - I have also formed some opinions of my own!
It has nevertheless been an interesting challenge adjusting and adapting those ideas/opinions to fit in with the American pregnancy and birthing culture. It won't come as a surprise to learn that there are choices galore when it comes to bearing and birthing your child. It's just like ordering food; do you want your dressing on your salad or on the side? eggs sunnyside up or overeasy? and how would you like your child delivered? naturally (oooh - sharp intake of breath), epidural, C-section? and when would you like it?
I must admit - it is one of the aspects of living here that I find most challenging. The choices are supposed to be liberating but most of the time I simply find them perplexing. Of course, I was raised in a country where choices are pretty much a luxury - especially when it comes to healthcare. God Bless the NHS! You get what you get and you don't make a fuss!
Today I watched a documentary called 'Pregnant in America'. Amongst other things it claims that the rate of C-Sections in the States has risen to over 30% nationwide, with some areas (Miami for example) as high as 75%). Wow. That means that over a third of women giving birth find themselves in an 'emergency' situation requiring the immediate extraction of their baby.........can this really be true? I didn't clarify how many of those cases were elective Caesarians - which I have absolutely no issue with - each mother knows what her threshold/preference is - but if these cases of major surgery are more to do with convenience to the medical staff - I find it more than a little disturbing.
Over 90% of births in this country take place in a hospital (which is probably similar to the rate in the UK) but the difference here is that almost all those births are attended by an OB/GYN. Midwives are still viewed with some skepticism, and unless the birth is a home-birth, they are rarely allowed to take the lead in a hospital situation. Unless it has changed since I left, midwives are revered in the UK - seen as much better birth companions than a doctor. In fact I remember my Mum telling me that for both my sister and myself (both born at home), the doctor literally turned up as we were being born to perform an almost perfunctory check.
I have found myself in a tricky position over this. Whilst my preference would be for a home-birth, or at least a birthing centre with midwife, I also have to acknowledge that my situation is a little unique. I have found what I think is a great compromise; a birthing centre attached to a hospital. I have heard nothing but excellent reports about the staff at the centre - they seem to go the extra mile to try to ensure that the birth experience is as close to the parents' wishes as possible. Now all I have to do is work out what those wishes are!
Still, over the next few weeks, as well as my breathing, I shall be practising my self-advocacy skills - in the hope that our child's entry into the world is as close to what I hope for as possible. And if that fails - I shall deploy my secret weapons; my wonderful sister, who has made standing up for oneself an artform, and my fabulous husband, who can find a logical reason or justification for anything. Both will be with me in my hour of need and I know that both will be a tower of strength (although Mike does have a side bet with Sarah as to which one of them will be the first to be slapped and banished from the room ;-)
Hopefully I can remember enough about the whole experience to write about it afterwards... in a few short weeks!
Oh I can't wait! I trust that everything will go smoothly and you will be able to accomplish all your goal and dreams of this pregnancy. Can't wait to read more.
ReplyDeleteP.S. You are probably wondering why I am posting so much and that is to show my support. I always loved when people commented on my travel post and it encouraged me to keep it going so keep up the good work!