I learned that in the Netherlands, most women do not go to a hospital but chose to have a midwife and a home birth. They also do not go to an obstetrician, instead the go to their family doctor who then refers them to a midwife. The mothers-to-be also get a birthing kit called a "kraampakket". This kit has everything the mother, midwife, and family needs for the birth(during and after the baby is born). This is very different from how women give birth here in the USA. Almost all women in the United States give birth in a hospital with doctors, nurses, and an epidural. In Netherlands women do not use epidurals unless it is necessary and the midwife recommends it.
As far as my own experiences, I have never given birth nor have I ever participated in a birth. I don't remember my own birth but who does?
Reference
Schalken. L(2013). Birth Customs Around the World. Retrieved from
http://www.parents.com/pregnancy/giving-birth/birth-customs-around-the-world
Throughout my research for this same assignment, I also noticed that many other countries have practices similar to this. What is your opinion regarding homebirths versus hospital births? What do you think about having a midwife present rather than a doctor?
ReplyDeleteI know from my own experience that while I wanted a natural birth, I felt there was too many things that could go wrong, and opted for a hospital birth. My labor plan was to deliver my son drug free. I was very thankful that I chose to give birth in a hospital because I required a C-section (my son was in severe distress). While I was disappointed that things did not go as planned, I am glad they turned out well. I think women that give birth at home or in a hospital without a doctor present are to be highly regarded. Giving birth is a life changing experience, and can be done drug and hospital free when everyone is healthy.
Hi Emily,
ReplyDeleteI used the same website and focused mostly on the Netherlands as well. I too noticed that most European countries use a midwife rather than a doctor or an obstetrician. This week I read Celeste's blog post, her traumatic experience made me think about how terrifying giving birth at home without a medical team or equipment would be if something were ever to go wrong. Unfortunately in poor countries many mothers to be don't even have a midwife present during labor. If something were to go wrong- these mothers and babies just wouldn't make it. I have never given birth myself either but I applaud all of the courageous women who have.