I was packed and ready to go and arrived at the hospital eager to meet my 2nd son. Everything went along as expected and I had received an epidural toward the end. I remember not being completing impressed with the doctor that was going to deliver him as he had an air about him that he was more of a "pretty boy". I though "you're going to get dirty now!" when he walked into the room and the contractions were coming. My husband was there the entire time and gave me updates. He was so proud to see Colin's head crowning and I knew the end was near. After several big pushes, Colin was born, but his cord was wrapped around his neck. Looking back, I don't remember if I heard him cry, but the doctor quickly removed the cord and assured me that everything was going to be ok. I'm not sure if it was a panic attack or something happened in relation to receiving an epidural and hitting a nerve, but very suddenly, I could not breathe. My chest was tight and I was scared. I couldn't feel anything below my waist. The nurses jumped right in and comforted me while supplying oxygen until my body returned to it's normal state.
Colin's birth was quicker than Brennan's but he weighed in at 8 pounds 11 ounces. My brother was born at 10 pounds 2 ounces and I still curse him that he holds the family record! Maybe if I had 1 more frosty with Brennan, he would have gained a few more ounces. Colin has some emotional issues tied in with anxiety and I often wonder if it had anything to do with the birthing process. I will never know, but love him dearly all the same.
Germany
I chose to research Germany's birthing practices and found that women are provided with a midwife to work with throughout their pregnancy and may hire them for postpartum care as well. Hospital stays are much longer in Germany than in the US as vaginal deliveries often stay 5-7 days while c-section births are 7-10 days. Women must pre-register with their hospital, or may use a birthing house. Birthing houses are set up to feel like home without birthing in one's own home. Germans use epidurals as well, but also use other homeopathic methods such as accupuncture and aromatherapy. Since hospital rooms often have 2-4 mothers with their babies rooming in, a mother has the option of going home within 4 hours of birth if medically cleared. The midwife would then assist at home. I found it interesting that several German cities has lists of names in which to choose from so to avoid embarassment by misspelled or exotic names. If parents choose give their child a name that is not on the list, they must apply with the city.Often times I have wondered what a birthing experience would be like if I had a midwife instead of an OBGYN. As a first time mom, I was clueless what to do when we were all at home. I remember crying endlessly that I couldn't give my child a pacifier because I read of nipple confusion with breast feeding. Later on, I had issues with breast feeding and ultimately gave up with a high amount of guilt. Maybe if I had the support of a midwife at home, I would have been more successful. While it appears that insurance differs from the US to Germany regarding hospital stay, I cannot imagine what it would be like in a room with other mothers and their babies. Then again, I can't imagine going home 4 hours after giving birth even with a midwife. All things considered, I believe Germans and Americans want a healthy baby delivered and want to ensure the mother has the necessary tools to take care of their new bundle of joy when they return home.
Arlene,
ReplyDeleteWhat a scary thought of not being able to breath! I, too, went through a similar experience while having a C-section with my first child. They did a version (he was breech) and had to speed up my heart rate for the procedure....leaving me feeling like I was in some heavy duty cardio workout....which scared me causing me to panic. Like you, the nurses and staff who had my complete care in their hands helped me through this ordeal. Thank goodness for compasionate caregivers! It was interesting about the 'name' process in Germany. Thanks for the information!
Arlene,
ReplyDeleteIt is very comforting to know that you had good care while giving birth. I have no children of my own. I can only imagine how the birthing process is for mothers. I'm glad to see that you had successful delivers this will ease my mind a little about having children. I want children but I do have a fear of the birthing process. Thank you for sharing information on Germany. I knew nothing about there birthing process. Although I am not a mother yet I have always said that i want to breastfeed. My mother didn't with any of my siblings and I just wonder is there a more stronger connection when mothers breastfeed. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for sharing your birthing experience. It's truly amazing how different two births can be. I also had that experience with my children.
ReplyDeleteIt was so interesting reading about giving birth in Germany. I can't imagine staying in the hospital for such a long time after giving birth. I know with my second son I was home in less than 24 hours.
It was nice to read your experience giving birth. I never wanted children of my own until my fiancé stated that he would like to have some. I guess in a year or two I will have to go through the experience. Thank you for sharing about Germany because I didn't know that. I enjoyed your blog.
ReplyDeleteI also had inductions, and I did not have any problems. My first was 9.4 second was 8.6 and third was 7.12. All over average, and all were born with heart arythmia that cleared up almost immediately. I think it is interesting that in Germany the parents need to choose from a list of names, I know other countries have that as well. The USA does not have that problem, although sometimes I think it should, since there are so many parents who name their children crazy things.
ReplyDeleteMichelle Slimak
Arlene, I loved reading about your two children and the experiences you had when having children. I can only imagine what you must have been going through when you found out the cord was around his neck. I feel like the cord thing happens often. I am really nervous about having children because I am a very anxious person, I can only imagine what my children will be like!
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