I had my first child at an early age. I contiued to go to school and I graduated from high school. My birthing experience was very scary, because it was my first child and I was young. I had very little support from my mother. When I first got pregnant I didn't really know I was pregnant. My mother was always working so we never really talk that much. I felt alone, during my preganacy. My childs father was still in the picture, but that was when I was pregant. When I had my daughter, he was there, btu after four months he disappeared, from her life. He wasn't very supportive. I would be so tired from going to school and then coming home to take care of my daughter. She would keep me up at night, because she either wanted to play or she was crying. I had very little complications when I was giving birth. I didn't stay in labor long, becasue when I arrived at the hospital I was already 5cm. Having my daughter wasn't the difficult part, it was rasing her. I was a mother with no help from the baby's father. I had very little support from my family, but I did the best I could do and we survived. My daughter, despite the environment she grew up in or the situation she is a very educated and dependable person. I was told that I wouldn't finish school, because I had a baby. I didn't let what people said about or to me, get me down. I continued to have a positive attitude. I have proven people wrong, because I have two degrees and I am now obtaining my third degree. I don't regret having my child at an early age, because I believe that everything happens for a reason, and sometimes we may not know what that reason may be.
In Kingston, Jamaica there birthing experience is different from the American culture. They use to be limited on epidural medication, but it is available for the mothers in Jamaica. In the labor rooms mothers give birth together. They support one another during child birth. When they start to deliver they are placed in a room with another mother who is giving birth. The mothers give birth as a community, by guiding and supporting each other, not being concerned about privacy. This is different from the American culture, because we are put in a room by ourself to deliver our children. The Jamaican culture loves the value of being able to give birth as a community experience.
How old were you when you had your first child? I was sad to hear that you and your Mother were not close at the time you were pregnant or even before. It sounds like she worked alot and you didn't get to see or talk to her much. In what ways did that affect you, your pregnancy, and the way you raised your children? Because your Mother was always working, didn't put an effort to truly make time for you- are you the opposite with your children? I find it amazing that you had so many people in your life leave you yet you still managed to raise your daughter and now you're attending school- bettering yourself! *Give yourself a big pat on the back!* You should be proud! Thank you for sharing your story!
ReplyDeleteI was 16 when I had my first child. I learned about life on my own. Not having the support of your mother, when I was pregant was very painful. I felt alone and hopeless. I was always crying or feeling depressed. I had to change my emotions, for my unborn child. I didn't want my child to hear or fell any of my pain. I raised my children to talk to me about anything. I am always there for my children. We have very good communication amoung each other. I do a lot of things differently than how my mother did it. Thank you for your comment.I am proud of myself and my children are proud of me. I believe in family values. My children and I support each other and we encourage each other to be the best that we can be and never give up.
ReplyDelete