Currently, I have no children of my own. My fiance would like at least one and I'm working on enough courage to someday give him a child. The birthing experience was scary to me but precious at the same time. I do have a fear of having children just because I know that with each one of my siblings there was always complications and i just fear that I too may have some. I chose this experience because it taught me how to be a team mate and have patience. My nephew father wasn't around when my sister was pregnant and I had the opportunity to be a good support to my sister even at a young age. From my experience with my sister I think that the classes we took together, going to her prenatal appointments, and the activities we did help with the healthy outcome of my nephew. He is extremely smart and he learned how to read a very young age.
Japan has different views and beliefs when it comes to child birth. What I have learned from the research is that Japanese mothers are not allowed to have anyone in the room but the doctor, nurse, and significant other. Here in the US I along with both of my parents were permitted to be in the room. When giving birth vaginal deliveries are preferred without pain medication or an episiotomy (surgical incision made to prevent tearing of the vagina). As soon as that pain start kicking in my sister requested pain medication. I don't think she would have agreed to a natural birth. Listed below are some more key things about the Japanese culture.
After the child is born the following things happen in the Japanese culture:
- The mother is not to wash her hair for 1 week because it is not
good to flex her neck.
- In Japan, the new mom usually goes to her parents home for about 20-30 days. The grandmother will perform all household duties, because the new mom is not allowed to touch water for washing dishes or doing laundry. She is also not allowed to drive anywhere. After that time period, the postpartum mom returns home to her husband with their baby.
- Between 30 and 32 days, the family will then return to the shrine
to pray, pay respect, and to offer thanks for a safe delivery and
healthy child. The ceremony is called "omiya maeiri".
- In Japan, the babies are frequently named after their grandparents.
- An ideal family would be made up of a married couple with 2 children. If a couple were to have 3 or more children, they are thought to be wealthy.
To find out more visit http://www.hawcc.hawaii.edu/nursing/RNJapanese_04.html
Wow! Such differences in cultures. It is interesting that the women are to stay with her parents for a month! As amazing as it sounds to have someone help you with all the work around the house, I feel bad for the dad not being able to be apart of that growth period.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like it was an amazing opportunity for you to be able to take apart with your sister.