It was interesting to learn the differences of the birthing experience in New Zealand. For instance, the most common care provider is a midwife. Although they are not uncommon in the United States they are also not the most common care provider. There are different levels of care facilities as well, primary, secondary, and tertiary. Although there are only six tertiary facilities in New Zealand, they are also the least needed. These facilities are for women who experience complex issues during pregnancy and need access to multidisciplinary specialists. The commonalities and differences from country to country and region to region are definitely an interesting area to learn about.
Saturday, January 11, 2014
Birthing Experiences
The closest and most personal birthing experience I have to share is that of my dear friend Danielle's. I threw a baby shower for her and due to the fact that the child's father wasn't in the picture, I took on a role to provide support and comfort during her pregnancy. Finally, the day had arrived! We did not know we would be waiting in the hospital for close to 22 hours waiting for Maliyah to arrive. Tears of joy streamed down my face the first time I saw Danielle hold her daughter. It is such a personal and intimate moment, something I do not know if I was fully aware of prior to this experience. My hope is for my own birthing experience to be a happy and healthy one.
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Thanks for sharing your personal birthing experience. You are a good friend to be that supportive no matter what the situation was. One day when you give birth you would know what to expect and your experience will be a happy and healthy one as well. It is very interesting to read about the commonalties and differences from other countries and regions. The one I choose midwifes were very common during there deliverers as well.
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful for you to have been able to share such a meaningful experience with your friend. Having a strong support system is invaluable in many circumstances, but giving birth and caring for a newborn puts it in a whole new light.
ReplyDeleteI was curious about the tertiary facilities in New Zealand that you researched. Are these facilities only used for women who know in advance that they are "at risk", or can these facilities also be used for emergencies if/when complications arise? It seems that to only have six in the entire nation they must be pretty exclusive. Thank you for introducing me to the process.
it is interesting to know about the facilities in New Zealand. In Hongkong, all the babies deliveries have to be done by doctors rather than mid-wives. Further, it is rare to have babies delivered at home since home setting is very different from the facilities in hospitals. Everybody will prefer to do that in hospitals instead given the medical facilities in HOngkong is actually quite good.
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