Looking back it would seem that the 9-month gestation period was preparation for the birth experience I had with my children. Eating, exercising, attending regular office visits, pre-natal vitamins, Lamaze classes, the elimination of my Friday night glass of wine, the entire regiment was intended to prepare me, and on most levels I was prepared. My body was well cared for, as was my baby. I even knew where I was going to deliver visiting the hospital and the labor and delivery room. I was even prepared for the marathon of labor….I had heard stories of laborious, 16 hour labors; I had no reason to think I was any different. My plan was to have my baby naturally without an epidural; boy was I young and naive!
Twenty years have since past and I can honestly say I do not recall the pain; much of the experience is a blur and I guess that’s why I had another child four years later. What sticks in my mind is the fact that my doctor was not there to greet me; the labor and delivery nurse did most of the prep work. Once attached to the fetal monitor things began to go rather quickly. The contractions were coming quickly and for whatever reason we were not able to keep track of the timing. All I could do was stare up at the clock. I was not in labor for long before the nurse announced I was at 10 centimeters and that it was time to push—I had gone from zero to sixty in about an hour and guess what, I wanted the epidural but it was too late. The doctor came in and off we went. While pushing it felt like my insides were going to come out, but darn if that baby seemed to be stuck. The pushing ordeal lasted about an hour and out came my baby girl! While delivering my daughter, the most vivid memory that I have is of who was in the room with me; the doctor and nurse didn’t register as being present, but my husband and mom were right there beside me. My mom helped me deliver her first granddaughter; she held my hand and she even held my leg back while I pushed.
The fact that my mom was in the room with me speaks to the importance of family in my life and to the impact my family and my culture have had and continue to have in my life and the lives of my children. My culture shaped me and was a part of me both at home and in school. I may have at one point tried to deny my culture, but it was always there and in some sense having my mom in the delivery room with me passed the cultural torch on to my daughter and later to my son.
I decided to explore the birthing experience in Greece and I found some startling information. According to an article I read, women in Greece are more likely to have a Caesarean section than women in any other European country, an average of 44% more (Tzilivakis, 2009). There is no medical reason for the trend, “It feels like it’s the safest and more predictable option” (Tzilivakis, 2009). Women are certainly not properly informed about the benefits of natural childbirth and feel strongly that a C-section is much safer. In addition, Greek women opt for a C-section so as to avoid the pain of labor. This is a drastic difference from the American perspective on C-sections; women have them in special medical cases and work in conjunction with their doctor to pursue the best possible medical option for a safe delivery. Contrary, doctors in Greece also opt for the Caesarean sections to avoid lawsuits over possible injuries that may occur from a vaginal birth.
Resources
Tzilivakis, K. (2009). The New ‘Natural’ Birth. Retrieved from
http://www.athensnews.gf/old issue/13333/19101
Childbirth is definitely the most amazing experience of my life. I can relate to many of the same feelings you had prior to giving birth for the first time.
ReplyDeleteI found your information from childbirth in Greece to be extremely interesting because most information that I read from other countries the women delivered babies naturally and at home. I actually find some similarities within childbirth in Greece and my own childbirth experiences. I believe you read my story from the birth of my first son. I had him by an emergency C-section after a tramatic experience. However, the birth of my second son was dramatically different. It was such a wonderful, stress-free delivery. He was delivered by a planned C-section suggested by my doctors from the very beginning of my pregnancy. I did research a little about cesareans before making a final decision. Apparently, medical professionals believe that it is safer to have a repeat C-section rather than delivering naturally. I will say that I was terrified after having my first experience, but it was such a wonderful experience. I am now pregnant with my third child and plan to deliver the same way. I am often asked if I will regret never having natural childbirth. I always answer that I still experience the same miracle that everyone else does.
Georgia,it is clear that you were well prepared for your birthing experiences. From your account you were quite comfortable and wanted to get over the procedure as quickly as possible. You applied all guidelines to ensure safe deliveries with the support of families. That’s great!
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting to hear that Caesarean section is the referred birthing method in Greece. Some time ago, I heard of a situation where one of the doctors on my island was using Caesarean section as the preferred birthing method. What I also learnt is that he was being paid handsomely for it and the nurses who worked with him also received kick back if they are able to persuade expected mothers to agree to have a C section done. Some persons will go any distance to earn extra cash.
Interesting information regarding Greek birth experiences and c-sections. The healing process of having a c-section is much longer than a vaginal birth and you'd think more mothers would choose to have the baby vaginally. Although both of my children were vaginal births I could see where it may be less painful and safer to have a baby delivered this way.
ReplyDeleteHi Georgia,
ReplyDeleteI had to laugh a little when you said you don’t remember the pain and that’s why you had another child. I have heard other women say the same. I did choose to have an epidural when I was in labor and I am so glad for that medicine. The worst part was that my legs were completely numb and I had no control over them. My hat is off to you for having a natural labor and delivery.
Thank you for sharing this information about labor and delivery in Greece. I am surprised that Dr.’s in this country prefer caesarean sections. My thought has always been that vaginal deliveries are much safer because caesarean sections are major surgeries. My sister had a caesarean section when she had my nephew. That was due to complications during delivery. From what she has told me, they can be very painful and recovery time is longer than a vaginal delivery. However she also said that if she has another child she would again choose to have a caesarean section.