In Africa there are many women that suffer or die while in child birth. They do not have the proper medical care that they need to carry and deliver babies full term without incident. They are also living in poor a condition which further increases the risks of child birth.
There is one situation there that is unbelievable to hear about. A fistula is a condition where the baby is lodged in the woman’s birth canal. If the baby is not removed the baby and mom could die. There have been situations where the woman was walking around with the baby literally hanging out of her. There aren’t enough doctors to care for the people that are there. There is a medical procedure that could be done but not enough care to have it done.
When I had my son (which was my second child) I was in a high risk situation. I was 5 months pregnant and my mother had a two heart attacks and a stroke within the matter of 3 weeks. I am the only child and the burden of care fell on me. I had great family support but trying to decided how to care for her and what steps needed to be taken was great. She later went into a state where she had no brain activity for a year. I delivered my child and 4 months later she passed away.
Everyone was so afraid of me having trauma while I was pregnant. I was blessed and had a great husband, family support, and great doctors. They monitored me and the baby closely. I had my son without incident but the women in Africa weren’t as lucky.
The difference between our situations is that they are in a live of such poverty and despair and I am in a country that has great health care. I know that everyone doesn’t receive the care that they should here but hopefully that will change soon. Those ladies deserve the same quality of life that we have here and it makes me sad that they have to suffer so much in their country.
The mental damage that it must do to those women is unfair. We are learning about different ways to protect our bodies and our babies. It should be that all women have access to the same care. Children that are born in those conditions have to suffer mentally and physically. They don't have access to food, water, shelter, or education. This is such an awful way to live.
The mental damage that it must do to those women is unfair. We are learning about different ways to protect our bodies and our babies. It should be that all women have access to the same care. Children that are born in those conditions have to suffer mentally and physically. They don't have access to food, water, shelter, or education. This is such an awful way to live.
References:
SHARON LaFRANIERE . Nightmare for African Women: Birthing Injury and Little Help. Published: September 28, 2005. Retrieved: Sept. 9, 2011.
Hi De Wana,
ReplyDeleteIt was great to know the different-interesting condition about child birth from Africa, and from your point of view.
I really admire your strength when you delivered your second son with your condition!
All the best for you and your family!
Evita Kartikasari
DeWana, I am speechless and devastated after hearing of the traumatic birth experiences in Africa. Your post really makes me happy to live in the United States. It also makes me grateful for my access to health care. I'm sorry to hear about your mother. I really enjoyed your reading your post. (don't forget to join mine!)
ReplyDeleteDeWana,
ReplyDeleteI can only say WOW! My heart goes out to those women who must endure such horror. I agree that adequate healthcare should exist for all women. Thanks for sharing!
Tameka
I could not believe some of the horrible things that I read while researching Nigeria and childbirth there. It truly is a terrible thing for these women to have to endure. I could not imagine the fear that I would feel if I was pregnant and had to deal with the birthing process all by myself.
ReplyDeleteI admire your courage and conviction. The way that you stuck by your mother during a very hard time is truly remarkable and God was watching over you and your son. I enjoyed reading your blog!