I viewed a video of a kenyon mother who gave birth to her 8th baby at home on the floor due to extreme poverty in one of the poorest slums in Kenya. I noticed that the baby hit the floor because the mother was still standing while she was in labor. Unfortunately, Jane is too poor to pay hospital fees so all of her children were born like this. Her neighbors help out as much as they can, but none of them possess any medical skills if something went wrong after the birth of her baby. Jane works at an illegal alcohol brewery making $1.00 per day. Jane states that "Giving birth is the easy part, but trying to feed 8 kids is a daily struggle." The childrens' father travels a lot and does not want to be involved in family planning. He only shows up for surprise visits. I think seeing the video has helped me to appreciate where I live and what is available to me in the United States. I think Jane is a strong person who doesn't have the tools that she needs to be successful.
I also noticed that Jane's family did not have access to a phone, electricity, or even nutritious foods. This will have a negative effect on both mother and the child's development. I was relieved to know that her baby did not have any medical emergencies after birth. However, my sister's infant did have a substance called meconium in her lungs and she was able to be treated. So, Jane in some instances, is fortunate.
Tiffiney,
ReplyDeleteThat was an interesting video. Thank god for modern medicine. I wonder why women continue to have so many children in those conditions. I know that birth control is not an option in that area, because of the lack of health care.
Tiffiney,
ReplyDeleteIsn't it amazing what we are capable of if we don't have any other choice. I would have to say Jane is one strong woman. I feel so sad that she will continue to have such limited resources and that these children don't have the care that they need and the opportunities that they deserve. I do find it interesting how much we rely on medicine when in some cases we could probably do with out it. Thanks for such a great post.
Sara