I was part of a birthing experience recently. I held the mother’s right leg as she gave birth to her little girl. And I saw EVERYTHING! Lol. I’m surprised that I did not faint during the process lol. But it helped me to understand life just a little bit more. It helped me to understand how beautiful it is to bring a child into this world. It helped me to understand how some mothers are so attached to their children. It helped me to understand a little bit more just how serious pregnancy, labor, and child-rearing are and that they should not be taken lightly. I will never forget that experience. And I am looking forward to giving birth one day in the near future, God willing. I’m attached to children anyway so just imagine when I have my own. I believe that will be a very happy day after all is said and done. I chose this birthing experience because this is the only one I have so far. But that will change soon...I hope!
Not so long ago in Jamaica, many children were born at home, which is different from the United States. Birth rituals were overseen by nanas or midwives, and varied from place to place, depending on race and class. All, however, reflected a deep sense of connection to, and respect for, the spirit world. Today, retentions are strongest in rural areas.
To prepare for birth, the room had to have an open bible on display. The nana would anoint the mother's belly with castor oil which would later be given to both mother and child. This is certainly more pleasant than having the mother drink a glass of water in which her mother-in-law's toe had been dipped, as is the custom in Bihar, India, or having her drink beer in which a purple onion has been boiled, as in Guatemala.
Following the birth, Jamaican nanas dressed the child's navel with nutmeg. The nana also blew smoke into the child's eyes, often from an old clay pipe which these women traditionally smoked. (In many Native American and Amerindian cultures tobacco is regarded as food for the good spirits). The nana then washed her own face with rum and sometimes she herself took a stiff drink to give her 'eyesight,' since the witnessing of each birth was said to affect her sight.
To prepare for birth, the room had to have an open bible on display. The nana would anoint the mother's belly with castor oil which would later be given to both mother and child. This is certainly more pleasant than having the mother drink a glass of water in which her mother-in-law's toe had been dipped, as is the custom in Bihar, India, or having her drink beer in which a purple onion has been boiled, as in Guatemala.
Following the birth, Jamaican nanas dressed the child's navel with nutmeg. The nana also blew smoke into the child's eyes, often from an old clay pipe which these women traditionally smoked. (In many Native American and Amerindian cultures tobacco is regarded as food for the good spirits). The nana then washed her own face with rum and sometimes she herself took a stiff drink to give her 'eyesight,' since the witnessing of each birth was said to affect her sight.
I like what I found out about births in Jamaica because they have respect for the "spirit world" and the process is so unique. I did not see an open Bible when I was in the delivery room. Nor did I see any rituals take place that I know of. I may take on their way of child birth when I decide to have a baby. I view life as a spiritual experience anyway. I am really intrigued by this...I do not believe that I have any additional insights on development by doing this comparison but I still believe that a child's birth plays a major part in his/her development, and that goes for children all across the world.
Welcome to the wonderful experience of birth. I know it must have been difficult for you. I know that you did a good job supporting the mother though because from working with you previously I know that you are a strong and determined person. I didn't know that Jamaica did home births. I did my blog on Austraila and they also give home births. Midwives play a very important role in both. Over all great job Brandee.
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ReplyDeleteThat really was a great experience. I have to agree with Terrance and say that you are strong if experiences a birth makes you want to have a baby soon. When I became pregnant, I was terrified. I was so scared. I guess I can blame it all to my cousin passing while delivering her daughter.
Births in Jamaica is awesome. I too see it as being closer to the spiritual world.
This was a great post.
Brandee I was part of a birthing too with my daughter I went all the way with her when she had my grandson, I went with her through her labor pains holding her hand when she was delivering, I was so shock the baby’s head was long like a cone head I had never seen nothing like that in my life the doctors shaped his head, the doctor’s ask me if I wanted to cut the baby’s umbilical cord I was scared I said know.
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