Consequences of Stress on Children's Development

In todays society children are exposed to or experience domestic violence day in and day out in many ways. They may hear one parent threaten the other, observe a parent who is out of control or reckless with anger, see one parent assault the other, or live with the aftermath of a violent assault. Many children are affected by hearing threats to the safety of their parent, regardless of whether it results in physical injury. Children who live with domestic violence are also at increased risk to become direct victims of child abuse. In my opinion domestic violence poses a serious threat to children's emotional, psychological, and physical well-being.

As a child I think the biggest stressor for me was domestic violence.  My father was an alcoholic and would take his anger out on my mother.  Having to see and hear the pain that my mother went through was very hard for me.  It was hard for me because I really loved my father on one hand and hated him on the other.  I think that in order to survive I shut myself off from the world.  I would stay locked up in my room and would not socialize much with people. 

Exposure to domestic violence has also been linked to poor school performance. It is said that children who grow up with domestic violence may have impaired ability to concentrate; difficulty in completing school work; and lower scores on measures of verbal, motor, and social skills.In addition to these physical, behavioral, psychological, and cognitive effects, children who have been exposed to domestic violence often learn destructive lessons about the use of violence and power in relationships. Children may learn that it is acceptable to exert control or relieve stress by using violence, or that violence is in some way linked to expressions of intimacy and affection. These lessons can have a powerful negative effect on children in social situations and relationships throughout childhood and in later life(Dotinga).

References

Dotinga, Randy. Parental Stress, Domestic Violence May Affect Kids’ Development: Study. Retrieved November 23, 2013 from http://news.health.com/2013/11/07/parental-stress-domestic-violence-may-affect-kids-development-study/

Breastfeeding

The topic I choose this week is breastfeeding.  I choose breastfeeding because it is very near and dear to my heart. I breastfed both of my older children.  This process was hard for me because I had a mother in law that was very against it.  She would do and say things to me to make me not want to nurse my children.  I think that breastfeeding was one of the best things I’ve ever done for my children.  They walked at early ages and have been very healthy children.  Breastfeeding is truly a sacrifice for the mothers involved.  It has become a lot easier now than it was 17 years ago.  There are many public places that actually offer private areas for mothers to nurse their children.  During the time I nursed it was sometimes embarrassing because although I was always covered people choose to stare.

In North America and Western Europe, breastfeeding in public is not generally accepted. Even if women are determined to breastfeed, they are often uncomfortable exposing their breasts in public because breasts are culturally associated with sex. In many other countries, breasts are seen as functional, so it is not immodest for them to be uncovered. It is very natural to breastfeed in public and women are very comfortable doing so. Some cultures may have a taboo against women breastfeeding in the company of men(Breastfeeding, Culture and Attachment)

I use the information and first hand knowledge that I have learned about breastfeeding to encourage and support new mothers in my program to breastfeed their babies.  I also ensure that we have provided a private and comfortable place for mothers to nurse their babies.

Breast milk helps keep your baby healthy.

*It supplies all the necessary nutrients in the proper proportions.

*It protects against allergies, sickness, and obesity.

*It protects against diseases, like diabetes and cancer.

*It protects against infections, like ear infections.

*It is easily digested – no constipation, diarrhea or upset stomach.

*Babies have healthier weights as they grow.

*Breastfed babies score higher on IQ tests.

Breastfeeding, Culture , and Attachment - Attachment Across  Retrieved November 2013.  www.attachmentacrosscultures.org/beliefs/bfeed_culture.pdf 

Why is Breastfeeding Important for your Baby? Retrieved November 2013 from:  http://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/nutrition/wic/breastfeeding/importance.htm

Child Birth Around the World

The  personal birthing experience I chose to write about is that of my sister Brittany, when she had my nephew Kaden.  Kaden was her first born child.  During childbirth myself and his father were present in the room.  Although I have three children of my own and have been present for all three of their births (smile) I had no idea how amazing childbirth was.  During the time she was in labor I was there to help her breath and to keep her calm.  Once she started the actual pushing process it really became real to me.  After a few pushes there was a head full of hair that had crowned.  Shortly after a bouncy baby boy weighing 6 lbs 13 oz the exact weight of all three of my children.  Actually being in the room and watching him come into the world changed the way I saw childbirth.  Even after giving birth myself previously I never really realized the power of the human body and natural childbirth.

                                                               My youngest daughter Ari and I with Kaden

The country that I decided to write about is China.  It was interesting to find out how their babies are born and how foreigners have a totally different birthing experience that locals.  I choose China because I read about how males were banned from the labor room.  I am glad that this is not a rule here in the U.S. because I wouldn’t have wanted to give birth without my husband, nor miss the birth of my nephew.  In China, all the ob-gyns are female. Men are not allowed in the delivery room. Even when you wish your husband to help you as an interpreter, the nurses will tell you to leave the labor room. In one hospital, they had a camera set in the labor room and the husband was only able to talk with his wife over the screen with a phone conversation.

Childbirth of the world. Retrieved 2013 http://www.angelfire.com/wi/caretheworld/english/ebirthworld.htm