Birth experiences throughout the world

This week we are asked to discuss our own personal birthing experience, and also research childbirth in another part of the world.

My daughter Julianna was born at just a mere 31 weeks gestation.  She was 2 lbs. 12 oz. when she was born.  She was our miracle baby, despite her early arrival, she was pretty healthy.  My husband Justin and I had tried to have a baby for many years before I found out that I was pregnant.  My pregnancy was far from easy.  I had complications from the very beginning.  I had low progesterone in the beginning.  I had to supplement the low levels just to maintain my pregnancy.  I had allergic reactions to an antibiotic I was given, and by 18 weeks I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes.  Throughout my entire pregnancy, I had high blood pressure (stressful job didn't help), so at 31 weeks I was put on bed rest.  Over the course of those 30+ weeks, I was extra careful for my baby's sake. I followed the doctor's instructions and cautiously went to work. I was terrified. At 31 weeks 1 day, I didn't feel my daughter move in my belly.  I rushed to the triage and was given an immediate ultrasound.  Julianna was in distress, and my blood pressure was gettting extremely high. 


Julianna holding my "pinky" finger

At that point, my doctor looked at me and said "I think it's a good day for a baby".  I was shocked!  As they had my husband and I signing consent forms, a nurse comes in to tell me that the NICU was full, and that they would have to transport my daughter to another hospital 45 minutes away as soon as she was born.  Thankfully, it worked out for her to remain at the hospital where I was.  I had an emergency ceasarian section that day.  She had very few complications, however, she did have to remain in the hospital for 30 days, enough time to allow her to gain weight.  She came home weighing 3 lbs. 14 1/2 oz.

I am so thankful that I had the appropriate medical attention during my pregnancy.  I can almost guarantee that if I lived in another area of the world, I would not have received the same care.  I have attached pictures of Julianna when she was in the hospital.  I have also attached more recent ones.

In Latin America, I have learned that mortality rates are significantly higher for mothers.  According to United Nations population fund, in Latin America, the maternal mortatlity rate is nearly 190 out of 100,000 live births (2003).  In addition, education for new and expectant mothers is lacking in particular areas of Latin America.  Many of these mothers did not receive appropriate education on child birth or child rearing.

References:

Rondon, M. (2004, June). Childbirth is not only complex: it may also be dangerous. World       Psychiatry, 3(2), 98-99.

Maternal mortality update 2002. New York: United Nations Population Fund; 2003.

Week 1- New Class

I'm looking forward to this class.  Finally, I am able to discuss my own experiences with children of all ages.

NAEYC Code of Ethics

The National Association of the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)

Code of Ethics

NAEYC. (2005, April). Code of ethical conduct and statement of commitment. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from    http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/PSETH05.pdf

There are many ethical considerations when teaching and dealing with young children.  Some of the most important codes of ethical conduct that I believe are below, however I believe the core values have to be of the utmost importance. 

Core Values

-Appreciate childhood as a unique and valuable stage of the human life cycle
-Base our work on knowledge of how children develop and learn

-Appreciate and support the bond between the child and family

-Recognize that children are best understood and supported in the context of family, culture, community and society
-Respect the dignity, worth, and uniqueness of each individual (child, family member, and colleague)

-Respect diversity in children, families, and colleagues

-Recognize that children and adults achieve their full potential in the context of relationships that are based on trust and respect

Principles and Ideals of Ethical Conduct

Principle 1.7- We shall strive to build individual relationships with each child; make individualized adaptations in teaching strategies, learning environments, and curricula; and consult with the family so that each child benefits from the program.  If after such efforts have been exhausted, the current placement does not meet a child's needs, or the child is seriously jeopardizing the ability of other children to benefit from the program, we shall collaborate with the child's family and appropriate specialists to determine the additional specialists to determine the additional services needed to ensure the child's success.

Principle 4.7- When we become aware of a practice or situation that endangers the health, safety, r well-being of children, we have an ethical responsibility to protect children or inform parents and/or others who can

Ideal 1.1- To be familiar with the knowledge base of early childhood care and education and stay informed through continuing education and training

Ideal 2.2- To develop relationships of mutual trust and create partnerships with families that we serve

All of these ideals and principles are important in my career because it is the driving force for me on a daily basis.  We utilize the code of ethics within my program.  We have posted these guidelines and principles in each of our classrooms.  In addition, to posting these ethics, when I hire staff, we go over the code of ethics.  This way all staff in my program understand the importance of leading an ethical career working with young children.