HW#36: Pregnancy & Birth Stories

1.) I felt a bit awkward as I sat next to my mother telling a story about me. She showed me a medical and welfare record of my daily growth-as though it was like her little treasure. When I asked her what influnced her to have a baby, she simply answered that in Japan it was assumed that when you get married, you have a child. It was a cultural influence. But regardless, she was happy that there was a new life growing inside of her. Nine months felt like forever to her and she wanted the baby to hurry up and come out. It was also a busy period for her as well-she was actually preparing to move to NY and had to finish papers. I was supposed to be due two days later, but my mother knew something was odd when she felt pain. She called the hospital but was told to just rest at home. She could not sleep at all and even when she went to the hospital the next day it wasn't until night time that I finally came out. The birth process was long and uncomfortable. Her thighs hurt instead of the stomache and my mother could tell the nurse never experienced birth herself.

Despite the fact that it was a bit odd asking my own mother how it felt giving birth to myself-I found myself understanding and agreeing with her opinions and thoughts. Living in Japan, my mother was affected by the assumptions people made about marridge and birth. This made me wonder if the culture here, in America, affects our decisions about pregnancy and birth as well. My mother's story also confirmed my understanding that pregnancy is not only a period of excitement-but it is also a period of stress and impatience. Nine months is a long time period. The moment of giving birth is even more tiresome and even painful. The comment she made about the nurse having no experience in birth made me wonder if its better if doctors who help deliver babies have birth experiences themselves.

2.)I knew teen pregnancy was commonplace, but I didn't think I end up knowing someone in that situation. I was shocked when I found out and had no idea how to react. I felt guilty for asking her questions for a history homework but she ended up telling me to ask her anything and that she trusts me to keep her anonymous. The pregnancy was unexpected but she is thankful for the new life. She worried about being able to graduate while having the responsibility of a child but I could tell she also has affections and loving feelings to the baby. When she found out about her pregnancy, she read as many books as she can about birth and pregnancy. She took walks until the 8th and 9th month. She also mentioned about how emotional she was.

At first I felt bad for her, but I learned from her that having a baby at a young age isn't a 'mistake.' At least she dosn't think so. Why does our culture put down teen pregnancy so much? I had to wonder this while I heard her story. She puts effort in her child while still being able to focus on school. A mother should be loving and responsible, so I think she will be a great mother despite the difficulties. I was also surprised that the father of the child is also willing to care and love for the child. I had a weird assumption that male teenagers don't want to do anything with a baby. My interview with her contradicted all my negative images of teen pregnancy. This dosn't mean we should have babies at a young age-but I'm starting to think it isn't always bad as long as your responsible enough.

3.) I actually found similar answers from this interviewee. She decided to have a baby with her husband after they both finished college and had a stable income. She found support from family members as well which helped her a lot through her pregnancy. Though the situation is the complete opposite from the teen mother, what they did during pregnancy were similar. She researched everything she can about birth and even excersized. She barely felt sick, but mentioned about how emotional she was. She even cried at movies that she never cried at before her pregnancy. She also mentioned about feeling uncomfortable with looks from strangers. She's not a teen mother, but some strangers think she is from her appearance and she really didn't like that.

Pregnancy brings many emotional and physical problems. She had a lot of support which I found really important in times of pregnancy. Nine months with barely no support is most likely really overwhelming. I didn't get to find someone who went through birth with no support at all so it made me wonder how hard it must be in that kind of situation. She emphasized how glad she was her family and her husband was for their support.

I am curious to know more about the emotional and psychological aspect of birth. I'm curious if support from others affect people's decisions and feelings about birth.