I was born in November 1983 after 3 days of labor. I was 3 months early. I came early because there was a small hole and infection in my mothers womb. I wanted out so I made it be know I was not happy being in her womb anymore. I do not remember any of this. (The first memory i can recall was when I was around the age of 4.) When I was born I weighted 2 lbs and 1 oz and I was about 12 inches long. I had 100% oxygen for the first week and looked like a sick pinkish frog, i was so tiny and thin. I had to have special formula and wear barbie doll sized clothes. I was in an incubator in the hospital for 2 months. When I was born the doctor said I had 5% chance of living. My parents came to visit me every day and held my hand. They did not get to hold me until Christmas Day. The only repercussion is my really bad eyesight. I know of no other birthing experience other then I have read about or seen on tv/movies. Other then malnutrition during prenatal development I feel that as long as there are no physical or mental abnormalities then there is not really any impact on the child's development.
Giving birth in Ireland is pretty much just like giving birth in America. You can give birth in a hospital or at home with a mid-wife. There is a service called 'The Maternity and Infant Care Scheme which provides an agreed programme of care to all expectant mothers who are ordinarily resident in Ireland. This service is provided by a family doctor (GP) of your choice and a hospital obstetrician. You are entitled to this service even if you do not have a medical card.' The processes of the birth are the same. The difference is that health care isnt government provided for every female in America. (that i am aware of) I did not gain any additional insights.
http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/health/women_s_health/maternity_and_infant_welfare_services.html
I enjoyed reading your experience What a wonderful Christmas present for your parents to get to hold you.
ReplyDeleteI think Ireland does a good thing by making the care available to all women. I wonder it their infant mortality is lower?
Your post was very familiar to me. I had a similar birthing experience with both sets of my twins. Were you born when your mother was 6 months pregnant or 4 months? I was a little confused by that. Whatever the case, I am so glad that you are able to tell your story. That had to be a Christmas miracle for your loved ones.
ReplyDeleteI know you were a blessing to your parents. It's heart wrenching to see babies fight so hard to stay in this world, and I'm sure your parents are grateful that they had a "fighter". Do you have any siblings? I couldn't have but one child but she had an older sister.
ReplyDeleteWow thank you for sharing your birthing experience with us. This just goes to show that you were determined to survive.
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