Breastfeeding

I have two daughters.  I wanted to breastfeed both of them, but unfortunately my first daughter wasn’t latching onto my breast.  Once I had my second daughter, I was very discourage about breastfeeding. I thought about not doing it, because I was saddened that my oldest daughter did not do it.  However, after talking to the lactation nurse, she informed me that I should give it another try.  I am glad I took her advice.  Breastfeeding my second daughter assist us with bonding.  My first daughter and I are very close, but I wished I was able to bond with her the same way I bonded with her sister.  Breastfeeding is the best way to go! It’s free, and healthier than formula.

In London, women from black ethnic backgrounds and mothers born outside of the UK are significantly more likely to breastfeed despite many living in deprived circumstances. 87% of mothers in London initiated breastfeeding in the first few days after birth compared to 74% for England.  68% of mothers in London partially or exclusively breastfed 6 to 8 weeks after birth compared to 47% for England. ("Breastfeeding initiation high," )

It was very interesting how the reporter compared London to England. Moreover it was very interesting how over half of the women in London initiated breastfeeding in the first few days.   

Reference:

Breastfeeding initiation high in london but drop-off rates could be improved. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/government/news/breastfeeding-initiation-high-in-london-but-drop-off-rates-could-be-improved

Birthing Experience

My first birthing experience was horrible! I was in labor for three days, and it was very painful.  I don’t think nothing can get your mind prepared for child birth.  I remember being nervous and scared.  I was really frightened when I heard the doctor say, “We need to prepare her for a c-section.”  However, at the point I did not care how they were going to deliver my daughter.  I just wanted her out! Once I heard my baby cry for the first time, I forgot about the pain, morning sickness, and all the extra weight I was carrying.  That moment was priceless.  I was so happy to be a mom!

I choose this example, because we all go through things in go life, but we must through pain in order to see the true meaning of happiness!  

While reading about how births happen in South Africa, I became sadden by how horrible they are treated there.  I am so happy to live in the United States of America.

§  Those women experience verbal and physical abuse. HIV-positive women are commonly taunted by nurses about enjoying sex and blaming them for getting pregnant if they knew about their HIV-status. Many were told they should receive no care because they were migrants. Being shouted at for "messing up" when they bled on the bed during labor, they were ordered to clean it up.

§  They were pinched, slapped, and handled roughly during labor.

§  Nurses continuously ignored calls for help.

§  Serious treatment delays.

§  Facilities denied referral letters for pregnancy or childbirth related problems.

§  After delivery, the mother and baby are left unattended for very long periods.

§  Women are discharged inappropriately.

§  Women sent home with no antibiotics or pain medication.

§  Women in labor women were refused admission, they were not even examined.

§  Women sent home after Cesarean section with no medications, painkillers, antibiotics, etc. ( Nordqvist , 2011)

I couldn’t believe the things I was reading. It is horrible!  I am grateful to mention in there is NO similarities! I could not imagine none of these things happening to anyone.

Reference:

Nordqvist , C. (2011, August 08). The shocking truth about giving birth in South Africa. Retrieved from http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/232413