Childbirth––In Your Life and Around the World

A PERSONAL BIRTHING EXPERIENCE

I remember when I gave birth to my first child.  I was 21 years old and I was single.  My family was very supportive, especially my mother.  I was taught by the best on how to be a great mother. My mother was there with me from the 1^st contraction through the delivery of my daughter.  I had my daughter  natural without any pain medicine. When my daughter was placed on my stomach, I looked at my baby and tears begin to form.  I was very happy and knew with the help of my mother, my daughter would receive the proper care.  I consider the birth to be successful.  I learned a lot from the child birth class and from my mother and grandmother.  I chose this birth because it was very special to me especially with it being my first experience.  I think it is extremely important to receive proper prenatal care and moral support from your family to make the delivery good.

The difference of birth between the United States and The Netherlands

United States (American)	Netherlands (Dutch)
Expected mother see an Obstetrician  once a month for the 1st and 2nd trimester and once every week in the 3rd trimester	Expected Moms will only see a doctor if there are complication.
Births are delivered at the hospital by a midwife or doctor	Most births are delivered at home by a midwife.  Expected mothers are required to pick up a kraampakket that include all of the medical supplies necessary for home birth.
Expected mother can go to the hospital whenever they need to .	Expected mothers must get approval by the midwife before going to the hospital for labor and delivery.
Epidural are given if requested by the mother at anytime	Epidurals are given if it's convenient for the anesthesiologist schedule.  Natural birth is the vast majority of Dutch women.
Infants will remain in the hospital for 1 to 2 days.	Infants can go home within 2 hours after delivery if there are no complications.
A nurse  will be available by phone  if needed to answer any questions	A nurse will go to the home to provide medical care, clean the home, cook and provide parenting skills.