Childbirth Customs

My little sister Jasmine was in labor for the first time in her life. I was anxious, nervous and excited all in one. We had known since the beginning of her pregnancy baby J’Mir was breeched. She was giving birth to a boy, although I already have 3 nephews he is my first from Jazz. The doctor and Jasmine previously decided to attempt to turn him around with an exterior virgin procedure. This procedure is performed by attempting to turn the fetus around by placing one hand on the head of the fetus, the other hand on the buttocks of the fetus forcing him to turn around.  Jasmine describe this as an extremely painful procedure.  I was feeling bias about the procedure as the doctor explain the percentage of effectiveness, I supported my sister choices. I was on edge during the entire labor and delivery because I never experienced a cesarean birth. As to say the exterior virgin was unsuccessful. The doctors prepared everything for the delivery, only one person was allowed in the delivery one while the cesarean took place. Jasmine choose J’Mir father. During the entire procedure I was anxious it felt as though hours had passed in actuality it was thirty minutes. J’Mir was healthy baby boy 6lbs 9oz. Jasmine was extremely exhausted afterwards and in abundance of pain as well. This birth experience holds dear to my heart because I share a special bond with my sister. I was with her the entire pregnancy any issue or concerns she had she confided in me prior to speaking to anyone else.  

In Korea childbirth customs and beliefs are very different than what I would consider the norm. During the labor and delivery the mother is not allowed to show any signs of pain. The actual birth of the child is what is considered to be the normal American way. A Korean belief is boys are special and to be treated as so where birth of all girls would be grounds for divorce. They also believe the post-partum is the most important period. The mother is required to recover for 21 days. The mother should not bathe, rest and eat hot foods. Learning about the Korean customs and beliefs causes me to be open minded. I agree the post-partum period is a crucial part of childbirth. I did learn some beliefs are considered to be “old traditions” Over the years as Korea has developed to more modern beliefs such as the acceptance of medicine.