Health/Anemia (prenatal care)

Health  is a  broad statement , however  it can be narrowed down to a specific topic or concern.  Health care is  essential for pregnant woman and their babies. Access to adequate health care  services provides educational information that encourages healthy eating habits, immunization, and parenting skills, which leads to healthy babies ,who might later manifest into healthy adults. In the USA  most families are insured privately or enrolled in  a State Health Care Plan. Similarly no one is denied healthcare services despite  their socieconomic status. For example in the city of Bridgeport, Ct. Americare operates a free clinic where residents receive immediate health care free of charge. The clinic partnership with hospitals and other health facilities that meet the need of the residents.  In countries like Jamaica healthcare is accessible with limitation. The Jamaican residents who rely on the government for healthcare services aren't lucky to receive adequate care as those who can afford private insurances. The cost for prescription drugs and the lack of availability put  a continuous  financial  strain on the residents. Hence I read an article  about anemia and the effect it has on pregnant women and their babies. There was a  study done on pregnant women in Westmoreland, Jamaica. The result detected a high rate of pregnant women that were anemic. My concern is, what happens to the percentage of mothers who are not  able to pay for the prescribe iron pills? Do they eat products that contain iron or do they stick to their own cultural belief ? I firmly believe all neonatal health facilities in the island should have trial iron supplement at hand to offer these women.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2995917/
http://www.jamaicans.com/articles/primearticles/health-care-in-jamaica.shtml
http://www.americaresfreeclinics.org/newsroom/news/weisman-clinic-opens-in.html
http://www.who.int/maternal_,child_adolescent/topics/newborn/en/index.html

Birthing Experience

On November 1,1996 I welcome the arrival of my first child into this world, I recall  her dad holding my  hand and trying to comfort me the best way that he could. My aunt help me to switch positions as if it would eliminate the pain. I had labor pains for four days, I had no idea of what to expect even though others shared their child bearing experiences. I was not until the fourth day that I realized that I was in labor. I didn't see that infamous plug/membrane, my water didn't break as I was told.It was the unbearable lower back pains I was not mentally prepared for. The hospital team, my family and obstetrician  were very nurturing and supportive during the delivery.The first journey of motherhood was one of the  worst pains that I've ever experienced but holding my daughter and hearing her take her first breath was worth all the pains I had endured. Before leaving the hospital vital records were prepared and my child's photo was taken, the first initial keepsake  for me. Before leaving the hospital the medical teal made sure I had a car seat for the infant and if I didn't the hospital would have had one donated  to me. The medical expenses was covered 100% by my Health Insurance. My experience might sound like a fairytale to Margaret Wanjiru a  mother from Nairobi Kenya, who shared her child birth experience in one of the country's health facilities. Women were  being disrespected as they're giving birth, nurses yell at them saying,  "Open your legs like you did for your husbands". They had to pay before they enter the facility to give birth, they had  poor record keeping, therefore documentation of births and deaths are often missed or undocumented. These were health facilities operating under the government. Expected mothers had to pay 30,000 shillings(US$448) before they are allowed to give birth in the government operated facility. Thus there are private practices in Nairobi that does treat the mothers with respect . Hence others who aren't able to afford the clinics or private practices , has no choice but a home birth  with the help of neighbors. No immediate medical intervention for the cutting of the  umbilical cord and the mother had to render her own care to herself and the newborn. It is very shocking to know how one's Social Economic Status in Nairaobi Kenya can affect the quality of care a woman giving birth and the danger that hangs for the newborn. Luckily in the USA quality care is given despite your SES.

Resource: Kenya Environmental and Political News Weblog( Agony of giving birth in public clinic)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XKrIeMRNAA