So, once I was done with work I rushed over to the hospital. My uncle, his fiancee, and my cousin's brother were all there in the waiting room. They told me no one was back there with Lauren because all of them had weak stomachs. So, of course it was left up to me to go back and help her through the labor. I was not sure what to expect, but I definitely didn't want her to be alone during the delivery.
When I walked into the room she had not started pushing yet, but the nurses were preparing for her to start. She was pretty scared, as this was her first child and she was also in some pain. Once the nurses instructed that it was time to start pushing I pretty much coached her through. I counted for her and helped hold her legs. I attempted to let her hold my hand, but she was squeezing the life out of my poor hands! Within about a half an hour of pushing the baby was almost out. I could actually see the crown of her head! That was so INSANE for me! I had never seen anything like that. Then with two more really hard pushes...Alani was delivered! I was so happy and so was my cousin! I'm not sure which of us were crying the most! Soon after, the family was allowed in and we all began taking pictures and sharing with friends the arrival of the newest addition to our family.
I chose this birthing experience because it was the first time I have every experienced it so up close and personal. It was absolutely incredible to see. Thankfully, our baby was full term, so I don't necessarily think her birth had any major impact on her development. I think that when babies are born prematurely is when their birth has the biggest impact on their development. Mostly because premature births could be certain parts of their body, brian, etc. are not fully developed. Also, our family doesn't necessarily have birthing traditions per say, other than making sure that we send pictures to any and everyone willing to look at them. I do have friend that is from Kenya, and was the last of six children and the only boy. In his culture, due to him having all sisters and his parents finally having a son it was a really big celebration. The celebration began even prior to him being born and even after his birth. It is amazing to me how different cultures choose to celebrate or not celebrate certain events. My father has five children and his last is a boy. However, in our culture it wasn't any different than any other birth. Yes, I'm sure he was excited to finally have a boy, but it was not celebrated any different than any of the others.
Posts
Post a Comment