Childbirth in My Life and Around the World

Childbirth in My Life:
I had the opportunity to participate to witness the birth of my granddaughter.  Labor was around 101/2 hours. My daughter was in so much pain and had to get something for it.  Once it was time, she pushed for another hour and a half.  It seemed like every time we would see the top of the babies head, it would go back in. This went on for almost 2hrs.  The doctor could not figure out why the baby was not coming out.  Finally, my daughter said, "It seems like something is tugging on me on the inside". They finally figured out that the baby was holding on to the umbilical cord.  Well, the doctor decided to give my daughter a little snip.  And with one push, out popped Sydney, with the most started look on her face as if to say, "Hey how did I get here?".  And when I held her for the first time, she grab and took hold of my clothes, it was amazing!

Childbirth in Ghana
After reading about how women in other countries give birth, I can really appreciate what we have in the United States.
When in labor, women in Ghana lay on the floor and endure the pain in silence.  (There was no silence when my daughter was in pain.)
Once it is time for the baby to come, the mother sit into a sqatting position. The midwife is there to assist while supporting her back and to catch the baby. It is said to be a gentle birth. (My daughter was laying on her back, and pushed with the assistance of the doctor, the nurses and I. We were all there to support, just in case there were complications.)                                                                           [Hiller,2003 p.3]

Code of Ethics

In the NAEYC code of ethical behavior, there are several key core values that are deeply rooted in the history of the field.  I really have taken notice of a few, they include:

• Appreciation of childhood as a unique and valuable stage of the human life cycle.  It is important that we not only recognize this but help others to understand this very important statement as well. So many do not look at early childhood as something that should be invested in.  That is why our teachers are so underpaid.  I once hear an elected official make a statement that he did not want to invest in a particular program to train providers because if they were to get their licence or certification, they would have to be paid more money. I could not believe what I was hearing.
• Recognize that children and adults achieve their full potential in the context of relationships that are based on trust and respect.  This is something that I live by, I strive to build a relationship with the families.  I want them to know that I can be trusted and that they have my respect.  Parents know that when their child is in my care, I will care for them as if they were my own.  Parents also feel comfortable coming to me to talk about concerns, they do not have to fear that I will be judgmental.
• Professional Development and Preparation is critical in providing the most effective services for young children and their families. It is my duty as a professional to stay on top of current issues.  When I train parents and providers I often refer to the latest issues in early childhood.  If I don't stay on top of things, I can inform them on what is happening.

Helpful Education Resources

Helpful Education Resources:

Websites:
The National Association for the Education of Young Children
http://www.naeyc.org
Harvard Education Letter
http://www.hepg.org/hel/topic/85
National Child Care Association
http://www.nccanet.org

Professional Journals:
YC Young Children
Early Childhood Education Journal