I was not present during the birth of my godchildren or nieces & nephews, so I will share what I've been told about my birth. My twin and I were born 2 1/2 months premature. I weighed 2 lbs 8 oz and my twin was 2 lbs 10 oz. From what my mom has told us, she had to placed on bed rest and given medication to stop her from giving birth at 4 months. Because we were born prematurely, my mom said that everything happened so fast. She was not able to receive an epidural and said she was unable to hold us until her and my dad came to visit us in the hospital. Due to the fact that we were so small, the hospital where we were born was unable to care for us, so we were airlifted to a hospital 2 hours away. From my personal birth experience, I am a living witness to the role that speedy and accurate medical attention can play in premature births. Once we were released from the hospital 2 months later, we went for routine check ups at the Children's Hospital in order to ensure that we were developing appropriately.
According to the website allafrica.com, there has been a decrease in the number of maternal deaths during birth. In 2000, 750 per 100,000 births in
Tanzania resulted in death. That number was down to 470 per 100,000 births in 2009. In
Uganda, the number of women dying during birth was contributed to factors such as not giving birth in medical facilities, severe bleeding, and the fact that the resources for caesarian deliveries are not easily accessibly. These facts are surprising and sad.
It’s the 21
st century and women have to die while brining another life into this world, because the ability to perform a caesarian section is not available in their country.
http://allafrica.com/stories/201004190870.html
LaQuasia,
ReplyDeleteIt was great to read the story about your and your twin's birth. It's great to read that even though you were born very premature, you have grown into a healthy adult.
I agree that the facts you presented about births in Africa are sad, especially considering that it is the 21st century. I found it interesting that Africa, compared to Brazil, which I researched, does not perform Caesarian sections. In Brazil, Caesarian sections are scheduled for almost all births because it is more efficient and can be scheduled. But of course, economy is a factor in these trends between countries.
Thank you for sharing your story.
Caitlyn
Hi LaQuasia,
ReplyDeleteI was amazed at the death rates, I think about how we have so much here yet around the world giving birth is still a matter of life or death. Your story is amazing, the statistic in our book said only 20% of premature babies are healthy with no mental or physical disabilities. You are blessed! I was wondering if you both grew and developed at the same rate. thanks again