HW#48: Family Perspectives on the Care of the Dead

One of my family member told me I can make the final decision about what happens to her when she passes away. She prefers to be cremated over a casket though because of how creepy her body will become physically as it rots underground. I can also carry her cremated bones in a jar until I can decide where to place it. The only close one she had lost was her grandparents who have passed away when she was very young. She says those deaths havn't affected her though. She is not religious but her grandparents are buddhists. She rather have me pray to her instead of having a buddhist monk over though-she dosn't see the point in that. When I asked her what she thinks happens after death, she simply answered "I don't know. Nobody knows until we die." When I said that some people have a clear idea of what happens after death, she told me that "Some people are brainwashed as a child to believe in a certain religion. But, I havn't been raised that way, so I have no idea."

The other family member wants to be buried in Japan. He also mentioned about having some sort of celebration on every anniversary of his death. He dosn't want his death to be grieved or have people be depressed over his funeral. Losing his own father made him want to spend his time with the people in his life and make it more valuable. He dosn't have a strong belief or religion, and though he is not clear on what he thinks happens after death he wants to still be remembered after death.

The two family members had similar uncertainties of what happens after death. This was something I found in my own opinion and my peers perspectives. We can never know for sure, and I think the people who do seem to have a clear idea of what happens-they are influenced deeply by religion. Another similarity would be the avoidance of causing grief over celebration. Death is not what people want, but society makes it seem as if we have to be depressed and mourn for the dead-it dosn't have to be this way. Most of the people I interviewed in general leaned towards cremation over caskets. I think religion has some affect on thsi decision. Those who aren't too religous prefer cremation and those who are in more favor of caskets have a religous belief-but this is an over generalization. It's something I'm curious about though.

HW#47: Peer Perspectives on the Care of the Dead

After interviewing a few people, I realized myself agreeing (or at least understanding) with most of the answers I received. Maybe its because we were close in age, and that affects our perceptions and ideas on death and our bodies. The first person I interviewed wanted a party for her funeral, so its not depressing. She was still indecisive about how she wanted her body to be physically taken care of. Her experiences close people passing away has made her less afraid of death and made her cherish every moment with those she loves. Though she is not heavily religious, she has mentioned the obvious social norm of a funeral if the body is not cremated.

The second interviewee was very clear on what he wanted. He wanted to be cremated and showed that he wants to avoid anything exspensive. He also mentioned it would save more space. The only death he has experienced of was of his great grandmother which was when he was really young, so he said that he is not really affected by it. It's something he should think about though, because his other relatives are getting very old as well. When I asked him what he thought would happen after death, he said nothing. And, even if something did happen we'll never know until we die and our main concerns should be about life.

The third interviewee was actually pretty simple. She just mentioned that she would like a funeral when she dies. She dosn't really think about death or how she wants her body to be taken care of. She dosn't know what will happen when we're dead, but when we do 'there will be answers to everything.' She is not heavily affected by death and she is not afraid of death if it is by age. She only fears death if it was something unpredictable, like an accident.

I noticed that at this age, its hard to make a decision about how our bodies should be dealt at death-its not something we would think of so early in our lives. Funerals were a common answer to how our bodies should be taken care of, but that was predictable. I noticed the two choices of being buried or being cremated and that's a deicison thats hard to pick. I found it interesting that one of my interviewee's was sure that he wanted to be cremated. His ideas goes hand in hand with mines because I agree. Though a burial seems more fancy, I don't want people spending so much money after I die. I agree with the social norm of having a funeral but instead it really should be less depressing than it has to.

HW#46: Initial Thoughts on the Care of the Dead

To be honest, I don't have a lot of knowledge about how to care for the dead. I remember when my grandfather passed away and I had to take a plane to Japan as soon as I heard the news. I didn't like being at his funeral. I loved my grandfather (and still do) but the event made things uncomfortable. Why do people wear black at funerals? Do funerals have to be this depressing? I honestly also felt bored and sleepy as a buddhist priest kept speaking in a confusing language. It didn't hit me that my grandfather actually passed away until I saw him in an open casket. At the funeral, some people became emotional while others talked about my grandfather. I thought at that time that I should cry-but now I think that I was very confused. The first time I actually became upset about his death was when I came to visit my grandparents the summer after and he wasn't there.

I think there's an unspoken rule in my family (and most likely in other families as well) that you're not allowed to say anything bad about the person who has passed away. That you're supposed to respect and remourse for the dead. And, I agree. Even if someone close in my life that I don't really get along with passes away, I would be upset. Maybe its just another social norm to respect the dead. Death means that the person won't be there anymore physically and even the people who I don't really like has an affect on my life. Life feels weird if suddenly one person dissapears like that. Maybe this just means that people have this assumption that people don't just die. I knew my grandfather was old, but his death was unexpected regardless. Or maybe people just avoid the thought of a close one dying.

Questions:
1. How does the U.S 'care for the dead?'
2. What are the different opinions surrounding caskets and cremation?
3. How does religion play a role on caring for the dead?

HW#45: Reply to Other People's Comments

Most of the comments I received had similar reasons to what they especially enjoyed about the project. I was appreciated for the use of great statistics, while also mixing these statistics with my own opinions to make it nice to read. I'm glad that the research I done and wrote about wasn't too dull and dense to read.

Sarah had commented that I carried a "calm yet firm tone" in my post which I found interesting. I wasn't thinking too much about tone while I wrote down the statistics, but I do think that we should keep calm when presenting sensitive topics such as birth and pregnancy. It's alarming that C-sections are increasing, but I wouldn't put down mothers who give birth in hospitals even after learning about the risks-I just think its just better to be aware and less ignorant about these things.

I thought my younger mentor Angela, made an interesting point. After reading my post, she realized how the media is promoting birth in hospitals as well--affecting her assumpion that hospital birth is the best choice. The statistics helped her see the truth though-that hospitals have their own risks as well. What society and the media tells us isn't always the truth, and sometimes the only way to figure the facts is to look up the numbers.

I realized that both Sarah and Leticia mentioned about being a C-section baby. Before learning about this unit, I also have believed that it was 'normal' and 'safe' to have a Cesarean-that it only happens in case of an emergency. I find this a bit scary, because our society is full of social norms and most people just accept is as a truth without quesioning it. I also know parents that had C-sections, which made me question if that was really necessary.

HW#44: Comments on Other People's Projects

To Raven: (from thinking/writing team)
"ACOG seemed to be on the women's side but in fact they support more for doctor's benefits. Because of ACOG, C-section rates have risen, unsafe drugs are used on mothers, and doctors are unable to speak up for fear of litigation.
I like your use of statistics to back-up your claims that ACOG is not really for the benefit of women. I also found your post clear and to the point and was an interesting read.
This matters to me because ACOG controls the decisions doctors make. The doctor's role should be to give fair choices to patients and not making irrational decisions because they don't want to get in trouble. It's important to know who's behind these problems in hospitals."

To Ben: (from thinking/writing team)
"Your project goes on to compare and contrast the benefits and downsides to both home births and hospital birth.
I really liked how you organized this post and was easy and interesting to read. I especially enjoyed reading about your mother's friend who experienced both, and showing how her response contrasted with your mother's opinion on home birth.
This matters to me because its difficult to make decisions about where to give birth when both sides have their own arguments. Your post clearly summarized the important aspects of the unit in addition to interviewing people."

To Steph:
"For this project, you focused on adoption and specifically if they accepted homosexual adoption.
I really enjoyed your speech and post because adoption was a topic that was barely covered. I liked that you actually took the initiative to call these agencies to see their opinions on homosexuality.
This project matters to me because I lack knowledge on adoption and the issue of homosexuality. This project made me question Leak and Watts and why you had too e-mail a director just for an answer if they accepted homosexual adoption. I found this project very interesting and brave to do."

To Sarah:
"Your post focuses on the history of birth and how things have drastically changed just within 100 years. Over time, birth has moved from home to hospital.
I really liked how organized and clear your post is, and your use of specific research to show the huge change in the history of birth. I especially enjoyed reading the story of the mother who gave birth in Central Africa and America and found it suprising how different it was.
This project matter to me because I have to agree that history helps us understand a topic a lot better. Reading this project has helped me give a better sense of how the history of birth has lead to this situation where most women in the U.S give birth in hospitals."

To Rossi:
"For this project, you had the experience of being able to interview three women at a hospital about their opinion on midwifery, obsterics, and the rise in c-section.
I really enjoyed reading this post in addition to listening to your elevator speech. The three women you interviewed had different reactions and opinions which was very interesting.
This matters to me because its always nice to listen to the opinion of the people who actually work in hospitals. I found it suprising that one of the interviewed women was open about her opinions about midwifery, and I find a relief in a way."
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From David:
"Megumi,
You examined the importance of c-sections, and the reason why it is chosen by women over natural birth even though it isn't a very good way to give birth. This was also an interesting topic that I looked into myself.
One aspect that I particularly valued was that you had well explained statistics on c-section rates in the United States.
A reason why your subject mattered to me was because I also looked into C-section rates in the United States as well as China because these rates were increasing even though C-sections have many harms.-David."

From Mom:
"I love your use of statistics and clear sources to support your claims surrounding the dangers of C-sections in the U.S. It's important to be aware and well informed about what the research says moreso than assuming what is safe just because society says so. I found this topic and post very interesting."

From Sarah:
"Megumi,
You focused on c-sections in the United States, specifically how they have dominated the nations birthing process.
One aspect that I appreciated was how although you were revealing information that is not so great, you carried a very calm yet firm tone throughout your blog post. I found it interesting that you wove your own ideas into your piece while still incorporating the general statistics.
Your project matters to me because I was a c-section baby, and the more I hear about the procedure the more I question how I was brought into this world. While I also know at this point that some day I would like to have children and it is good to be informed of this information before you even have to think about a decision.
The only thing I would suggest working on is a better tie between each of your paragraphs. Although each paragraph was strong on it's own, there seemed to lack a strong connection between all of your points. However, I was very impressed with your blog post, keep up the good work!"

From Angela: (Younger mentor)
""Birth should not be treated as an illness where the most common solution is a cesarean section. Homebirths and midwives seem inviting, but it’s difficult to make an alternative decision when we're faced with the sad assumption that hospitals are the best way to go for giving birth. Is home birth really safer than hospital birth? "
I thought as well that it was safer to give birth in a hospital rather than home birth. Things such as movies and everyday society promotes birth at a hospital. The statistics gave this a even bigger meaning to the post itself and gave me a better idea on how it really is. I wish there was more recent data to see if this remains true, and your ideas as well made this post stand out as well."

From Jay:
"Your fact backed, curiosity fueled look at cesarean sections was a nice read and without a doubt the most informative post I've read thus far. While we went into depth in this topic in class, you managed to compile the valuable facts and necessary information into one informative concise essay, very important in terms of educating the ignorant."

From Leticia:
"Hi megumi,
This is leticia.
I liked how you focused on c- sections in the United States, and it became high practice in the birthing process.
While reading your blog I liked how you explained the statistics on C-section rates in the United States. And how you explained the statistics but you added your ideas, which made the blog more interesting.
This matters to me because, From reading your blog and doing some research on my mine. This makes me think about was it because they mother needed or was it because the doctors just wanted to do?"

HW 42 - Pregnancy & birth culminating project

After reading Birth in the USA and watching The Business of Being Born, my views toward birth and pregnancy have changed full circle. I realized that society has engraved this assumption in my head that it is safe to give birth in a hospital. I began to question my views on Obstetricians and their use of medical interventions. The one aspect of birth and pregnancy I was most curious about were Cesarean sections. I decided to look up statistics of C-sections by mothers who decide to give birth in a hospital.

Since all Cesarean sections in the U.S are done in hospitals, I looked up some statistics about the national Cesarean rate. According to The National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS)’s data brief of March 2010, “In 2007, approximately 1.4 million women had a cesarean birth, representing 32% of all births, the highest rate ever recorded in the United States and higher than rates in most other industrialized countries.” (Fay Menacker, NCHS Data Brief). 2007 was the most recent piece of data that was collected concerning cesarean rates, which raises makes me question why there is no data for anything more recent. Even though the U.S is well known for being an industrialized country, it is a disappointment that this country’s C-section rate is increasing The U.S. Cesarean rate has increased by 53% from 1996 to 2007. NCHS also shows specific statistics, showing that all backgrounds and ages ending up having C-sections have increased. What concerned me the most was that C-section rates for all gestational (the baby) ages have increased as well. “During the decade, the cesarean rate for early preterm infants (less than 34 completed weeks of gestation) increased by 36%. Rates for infants born late preterm (34 to 36 completed weeks of gestation) and term and over (37 or more completed weeks of gestation) rose by almost 50%.” (Fay Menacker, NCHS Data Brief.) The graph also shows that C-sections for babies less than 34 weeks were more common than babies of 37 weeks and older. In general though, C-section rates are alarmingly high for any ages (both baby and mother.) On a side note, the data brief also has C-section rates by state, if anyone is curious.

The C-section rate in the U.S is unbelievably high though it is an industrialized country. Why is it so high though? According to an article from USA Today, the reason why the rate is so high may be because doctors are impatient. “Nearly half of the C-sections in women who were induced and in women with a previous C-section were performed before their cervix was dilated 6 centimeters.”(Rita Ruben, USA Today) The article also mentions that some women may be active when their cervix is at 6 centimeters, and usually the cervix is fully dilated at 10 centimeters. This means many cesareans happen because Obstetricians are rushing to get their patients in and out of the hospital.

Impatience should not be a reason to conduct a surgical procedure, especially when it is unnecessary and carries risks. Some risks associated with C-sections for the mother are, “Infection, heavy blood loss, blood clots, nausea, vomiting, and maternal death (about 18 in 100,000-for emergency C-sections.” (Web MD, Cesarean Section-Risks and Complications). For the infant some risks are, “Injury during delivery, need for special care in the neonatal intensive care unit, immature lungs, and breathing problems.” (Web MD, Cesarean Section-Risks and Complications).

Based on this research it is reasonable to say that Obstetricians have selfish motives in conducting Cesareans, a procedure that should only happen when it is necessary. C-sections also carry health risks for the mother and baby, and again, should not be a procedure used so often.

Birth should not be treated as an illness where the most common solution is a cesarean section. Homebirths and midwives seem inviting, but it’s difficult to make an alternative decision when we're faced with the sad assumption that hospitals are the best way to go for giving birth. Is home birth really safer than hospital birth?

What many people do not realize (and something I didn’t know before the birth unit) is that there are different types of midwives. According to the American Pregnancy Association, there are at least five types of midwives: Certified Nurse Midwife, Certified Professional Midwife, Direct-entry midwife, certified midwife, and a lay midwife. APA has a great summary of each description.
(http://www.americanpregnancy.org/labornbirth/midwives.html)

I tried looking up statistics for homebirths but had trouble finding the actual statistics. This may just mean that hospitals are where the majority of births in the U.S happen so there's not enough data for home births.

Works Cited:
*Healthwise, . "Cesarean Section - Risks and Complications." WebMD. Healthwise, 24 02 2010. Web. 6 Apr 2011. .
* Menacker, Fay. "Recent Tends in Cesarean Delivery in the United States." National Center for Health Statistics 03 2010. n. pag. Natality Data File.. Web. 6 Apr 2011. .
*"Midwives." American Pregnancy Association (2011): n. pag. Web. 6 Apr 2011. .
*Rubin, Rita. "Why has the USA's cesarean section rate climbed so high?." USA Today (2010): n. pag. Web. 6 Apr 2011. .

HW#41: Independent Research

Aspect: ACOG versus midwives arguments

A.) Annotated Bibliogaphy:
1.) Arnold, Jill. "New ACOG Opinion on Home Birth Touts Rights, Nixes HBAC and CPMs." Theunnecesarean.com. Unnecesarean, 21 Jan 2011. Web. 29 Mar 2011. .

--> This article argues from the perspective of the ACOG on home birth. They argue here that though they believe women should have the right to decide where to give birth, women should know the risks of homebirth. They also emphasize that timely transportation to a hospital will lead to good home birth outcomes.
I think this is a useful source because these are some of the arguments from ACOG who aren't really for home births. Even if a women decides to give birth with midwives, ACOG still wants them to visit hospitals which I find odd. Since I also read 'Birth in the USA' I can't help but question on what evidence ACOG is saying that home birth has an "increased risk of neonatal death," compared to hospital birth.
This resource furthered my opinion that ACOG may be lying about some of their arguments of why hospital birth is better than home birth. This source made me want to look up the actual data ACOG bases their opinion on.

2.)"The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Issues Opinion." ACOG. American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 20 Jan 2011. Web. 29 Mar 2011. .

--> This is the ACOG website, so obviously they are arguing against homebirth. They use the same arguments as used from the first source I chose, but with more advice that seem alarming to me. Here, ACOG lists conditions of women who should not have home births-making midwives seem as though their capabilities during the birth process is limited severly. They also emphasize the use of screening and prenatal care in home births.
I would have been convinced by these opinions if I had not read the book for the birth unit. ACOG's opinions on home births still seem vague and questionable. ACOG also urges prenatal care if women are choosing to do home births. I'm not sure if ACOG's arguments that hospital birth is 'more safe' than home births is reliable enough.

3.)Blue, Laura. "Why Do U.S. Infants Die Too Often?." TIME 13 May 2008: n. pag. Web. 29 Mar 2011. .

--> This article seems a bit on the Obsterics side, but admits the problems of hospital care in the U.S. as a statician. Babies in the U.S mortality rate for babies is horrible despite it being a developed country. The main reason is because babies are too small or has a low birth weight. The writer also mentions about medical interventions, inducing labor, and pre-term C-sections.
This is written from the view of a statician, so clearly numbers are showing that medical interventions and C-sections are causing U.S baby mortality rates to keep rising. This shows that OBGYB's interventions are not for the benefit of the mother or child.

4.)Warren, Jaime. "Cytotec: From Ulcers To Inductions." CaesareanBirth.Com (2003): n. pag. Web. 29 Mar 2011. .

---> This article talks about the risks of Cytotec, the most cheapest and most commonly used drug for inducing labor in hospitals. These risks are more severe than Pitocin, and causes death or severe damage to the fetus. Doctors in hospitals continue to use Cytotec even though it is only FDA approved for treating ulcers.

5.)"Misoprostol." PubMed health. National Center for Biotechnology Information, 01 Sep 2008. Web. 29 Mar 2011. .

--> To confirm the dangers of Cytotec, I looked up the drug itself. (Misoprostol is another word for Cytotec). Clearly, Cytotec has dangers for preganant women, and still is used for inducing labor. It can cause miscarridge, premature labor, and other birth defects.
This supports that something is wrong with hospital birth. OBGYN's are allowed to use a drug that is not recommended for pregnant women. Cytotec puts the baby (and the mother's) life in danger, and it is unnecessary.

B.)So far, from these resources I was able to confirm the dangers of giving birth in hospitals, and the amount of statistics/data that show that hospital birth is not really as safe as ACOG says. I am considering to write an essay for the project, emphasizing the dangers and risks of hospital births in the USA. I feel as if the public does not know enough because of the assumption that hospitals are reliable all the time. Hopefully, the essay can convince people who are for hospital birth that perhaps this dominant practice of going to a hospital is questionable-and only helps doctors to take advantage of this assumption.