Consequences of Stress on Children's Development

                                                 

Racism

racism[rey-siz-uh m]  

noun

1. a belief or doctrine that inherent differences among the various human races determine cultural or individual achievement, usually involving the idea that one's own race is superior and has the right to rule others

.

2. a policy, system of government, etc., based upon or   fostering such adoctrine; discrimination.

3. hatred or intolerance of another race or other races.

In my early years, I lived in a community that was made up of mostly Caucasians. There were two black children in my first grade class and I was one of them. Every evening after school, I liked ride my bike. I was not able to leave my street but one day decided to ride around the block. As I was riding my bike one street over, two little boys were  standing on the opposite side of the street. While riding by, they began to throw rocks at me and chant, "Get off my street nigger girl!" I had never been in that situation before but I knew by them throwing rocks that something was wrong. In my head, I wondered what did I do? They don't even know me? So why are they throwing rocks and yelling at me? I was so confused. I rushed home and told my dad what had just occurred. I could tell by the look on his face he was furious. We got in his car and went to go find these boys. They were no where to be found but I did show my father which house they we standing in front of. He left me in the car and told me to stay there. My father knocked on the door for what seemed like forever but no one answered. We went home with no answers. After we returned home, my father asked me some more questions and then explained to me, his seven year old, why people do mean things to people the don't even know!

It was my first experience with racism but sadly not my last. Talking with my dad that day made me aware of racism and taught me how to handle the situation when it happened to me again. Our conversation went something like this: "Darling, you have to fight ignorance with kindness. If you stoop to their level, you are as guilty as they are. This has happened to so many people and although it is not fair it will continue for the rest of your life. Wether it be you, me, or someone else around the world." 

Racism Around the World

Racism is everywhere around the world. Below is just a few links on racism in other countries:

1 Racism In Europe

2 Racism In Australia

3 Racism In Africa

4 Racism In The Middle East

5 Racism In Asia

6 Racism In North America

"Research done by Ausdale and Feagin in 2001 suggests children as young as three are able to tell racial differences and discriminate against one another based on race. It also suggests that early childhood may be a crucial sensitive period when stressors such as racial discrimination affect a person's long-term well-being. These stressors affect how the young brain develops and forms neural connections between different regions ("Children and racism: the long-term impact on health - AboutKidsHealth," n.d.)."

References

Racism | Define Racism at Dictionary.com. (n.d.). Retrieved from      http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/racism

Racism — Global Issues. (n.d.). Retrieved from 

            http://www.globalissues.org/article/165/racismTesting For Intelligence

Breastfeeding

When I was pregnant with my first child, I was unsure of whether to breastfed or give him formula. On one hand, I had heard different types of horror stories about it and was scared that those things might happen to me. But I also knew about the benefits it would have on my new bundle of joy. Once I had given birth to a premature baby that weighed two pounds, I didn't second guess. I felt like he still needed me to help him grow, since he was born at 28 weeks. The doctors informed me that it was the best for my child because it contained vitamins and nutrients the baby needed. It was also easier for his stomach to break down and digest. They also informed me that my milk would help build his immune system because it was filled with all the things I had been exposed to. As a result, I breastfed all three of my preemies.

Most babies do not grasp the concept of suck, sallow, and breath until they are about 32 weeks gestational age. Too young do this, they were given my breast milk through a NG tube. This is a tube that is placed in the nose that leads to the stomach. Around 34 weeks they latched on and we were able to have great bonding time. When they were first born, they were allowed to stay out for about 30 minutes before they had to be placed back in their incubators. During this time I did Kangaroo Care with them. Although this was a great way to build attachment, breast feeding to me was a better bond.

Breast milk only contains 22 calories which is not enough for premature babies so doctors placed them on a supplement called Neosure. Therefore, I had to pump my milk and either refrigerate or freeze it. I breast fed all of my children for about 8 months. I am glad I chose this method of feeding. It was healthy for the babies as well as myself. I didn't seem so helpless and distant when I nursed them. 

Today, my children are all happy and healthy and I know part of it was because I chose to breast feed. They are all doing well in school and are actively involved in sports and other activities within our community. 

I am always encouraging expecting mothers to consider breasting. It has so many advantages and is the best sources of food for a newborn, especially the colostrum. This is a thick, high calorie fluid secreted by the mother's breast at birth (Berger, 2012). It is filled with high concentrations of nutrients and antibodies that is excellent for the baby.

Breast feeding in Germany

The National Committee for the Promotion of Breastfeeding at BfR recommends that a mother should breast feed their infants until around six months old("How long do mothers breastfeed in Germany? - BfR", n.d.). This is very similar to the recommendation I was given by my doctor. This is a good amount of time to give the newborn a jump start on building a strong immune system. around 90% of infants are breastfed in Germany during the first days after they are born. According to the Department of Health in Germany: 90% of new mothers breastfeed but the rate drops to 70% after only two months and to 60% after four months. Only about 45% and 40% of infants were exclusively breastfed at the age of two and four months respectively and at six months around 20%.(Department of Health | Germany, n.d.). Although, I know several mothers that have breast fed their child all the way up to 2 or 3 years old; these numbers are similar to American mothers.

References

Berger, K. S. (2011). The developing person through the life span. New York: Worth Publishers.

Nursing in public in Germany - PhD in Parenting - PhD in Parenting. (n.d.). 

          Retrieved from http://www.phdinparenting.com/blog/2010/7/8/nursing-in-public-in-germany.html

Department of Health | Germany. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.health.gov.au/internet/publications/publishing.nsf/Content/int-comp-whocode-bf-init~int-comp-whocode-bf-init-ico~int-comp-whocode-bf-init-ico-germany

Childbirth In Your Life and Around the World

I have three children and they all were preemies! 

Ashton (8) was born @ 29 weeks weighing 2lbs11ozs

Cailah (7) was born @ 34 weeks weighing 4lbs1oz

Courtney (4) was born @ 28 weeks weighing 1lb14ozs

They are my miracle babies!

Their Story

At 32 weeks Cailah had run out of amniotic fluid and the doctors felt it was time to deliver. She was smart enough to position her body the a location where only 2cm of fluid was left! (face down hammock style)

Ashton and Courtney's births are somewhat similar. With both of them, I was seen by a perinatologist and had to go to the doctors for a check up twice a week until delivery.  These doctors specialize in the care of the fetus during complicated high-risk pregnancies. The team of doctors are the most amazing people I have ever met. They truly care about you and want to make sure of a healthy delivery.

Before giving birth to Ashton and Courtney, I was hospitalized. With Ashton a month and Courtney two months. 

  I development preeclampsia during my 28th week with Ashton. This is when your blood pressure is extremely elevated and protein is in the urine. As a result, my kidneys started to shut down. I was placed on magniesium which helps lower your pressure. I was also given steroids to help his lungs development because he was going to be born early. As the doctors put me in labor, his heart rate began to drop so they decided to give me an emergency c-section. I was whisked away to the operating room when he started to flatline. I was scared out of my mind! No time for an epidural, I was given a gas mask and the last thing I remember was he had no heartbeat before I went under!

When I came to, I was told by the nurses that he was in the NICU and doing fine but I was not going to be able to see him for three days due to the medicine they had given me prior to the birth. I was livid, but understood I had to do what was best for me at the time. One of the nurses was nice enough to go and take a picture of him for me because I was having a hard time producing milk. The picture helped a little bit but not much. It is funny how the body works. On the third day, I was allowed to go see him. The nurse in the NICU asked if I wanted to hold him and I was elated. The moment he was in my arms I had to give him right back because my milk had come in! I breastfed all of children. After a long month and a half in the NICU, I was able to take him home!

  

Courtney's story is a little different. Around 21 weeks, during a routine check up, the doctor discovered that her umbilical cord was not working. As a result, I was sent immediately to Labor and Delivery where the same doctor met me an hour later. Once I was settled in my room, my doctor tested me for a number of things, which all came back negative. They determined that it was best for me to stay in the hospital under their care. Jumping forward two months later, her cord completely stopped working all of a sudden and yet again I was rushed to the ER, put to sleep and delivered. Courtney stayed in the NICU for a little over two months before benign released. Although my two oldest were young it was hard to leave them most of the day to be with their new baby sister. Because strict hospital roles, they were not allowed to visit the NICU and did not meet the newest member of our family until we brought her home!

The doctors and staff at all three hospitals were amazing. They treated me like family and made my stay as well as the babies much easier to deal with. Although these births we difficult and very emotional for my spouse and I, we got through it and have three beautiful children who are determined to make their mark on the world! 

Germany

I chose Germany because I visited there a year ago!

In Germany, pre-natal checks are normally performed by OB/GYN doctors and midwives. Check ups are once a month until 32 weeks then increased to every two weeks until the baby is born. Three ultrasounds are performed in each trimester. During weeks 10-12, the mother is given a Mutterpass (Expat Parents Network, 2012). This is a booklet that contains due dates, blood test results, and details about checkups. After week 15, most expecting parents take classes. Even if it is not their first child. Germans see this as a great opportunity to meet others. 

"In Germany, midwives play a larger role than in some other countries (Expat Parents Network, 2012)." One can have your own or request one from the hospital. Most women go the outpatient to have their baby. They go home the same day after giving birth and are taken care of by a midwife. Others chose to stay for couple of days before being released. Women can also go to a birth house or just stay at home. In the hospital, there are 2-4 women in a room with no dividing curtains and the baby stays with you (Expat Parents Network, 2012). They use the same pain relief as the US, like epidurals, water births, and acupuncture. After giving birth, there are specific classes you can attend (often with baby), called "Rückbildungsgymnastik". These classes help new mothers in dealing with their baby. 

References

Having a Baby. (2012). . Retrieved September 4, 2015, 

from http://www.expatbabies.com/frankfurt/need-to-know/health-medical/having-a-baby/1259/