Natural vs. Cesarean:

            Both of my children were brought into this world using the natural birth method. I had done research and wanted a drug free birth assisted by a mid-wife. Their birth was done in a hospital setting in case of emergency. This choice was needed with the birth of my second child.

            The labor of my first child lasted nine hours, three of those hours were done at home.

Through researching births from other areas I found in Brazil during the time my oldest son’s birth in 1989 cesarean births were 40% in public hospitals. In private hospitals cesarean births were being done at a rate of 100 percent. This was the technique of choice by doctors because the time to do a cesarean was a great deal shorter than using the natural technique.

            In 1998 the government stepped in on the Brazilian birth process. The public hospital rate of cesarean births dropped to 25%. This was done by placing a penalty on hospitals whose rate was 30% and over.

A BIT OF A LightER Hearted Side:

Mothers in Germany are encouraged to adhere to an “accepted list of names” when naming their child. If they wish to name their child an unusual name the mom must present a compelling reason why she should be allowed to use the name. With the birth of my first child, I wanted to name him JaBari after an African ruler. I had this name on my heart since I was a teenager and then at 28 years of age here was my chance. At least, so one would think. In the delivery room the pleas began not to use the name I had chosen. A team of very convincing people consisting of my mother, my husband, and a sprinkling of nurses.

While in recovery after my son’s birth, the team went into action with a barrage of reasons for not naming him “Jabari”. Exhausted from the birth I gave in and named him, “Ian” which I guess was on the acceptable list.