As the new age era approached using technology as its number one source, my nephew was on his way into the world. His mother went to her regularly scheduled appointments and followed the orders of her OBGYN as suggested. As the advancements of ultrasounds and amniocentesis emerged, his mother learned of the devastating news that her prenatal test came back abnormal and that there may be something seriously wrong with her unborn child. Unfortunately, he was born with severe autism and physical deformities. I chose this experience because of the impact it had on me personally as well as my family. It brought us much closer together knowing that we had this fragile life in our hands that we all had to come together to take care of. Everyone in my family committed to the role of being a positive figure in his life knowing that his survival and success relied on us and our roles were vital in his critical life. The research done on prenatal care and child development was essential to us. Becoming educated on the possible affects and life that my nephew would lead better prepared us and accommodated our questions and concerns. The doctor’s diagnosis was that he would not live past the age of two, but I am happy to say that he is now 24 years of age.
As I was reading about the births in the Sub-Saharan countries of Africa, the death rate of children under the age of five was heart stopping. These deaths were due mostly to malnutrition and diseases. Because this region is under developed due to the war, lack of resources and medical technology, many of these deaths could be preventable if the mothers had access to proper health care services.
Reflecting on prenatal and child development, I realize how essential it is. We still have other regions in this world that do not have the necessary measures of providing preventative services to mothers and their unborn fetus therefore increasing the death rate caused by the lack of neonatal care. In my experience, it was neonatal care that implicated the condition for which my nephew would be born 24 years ago, and yet it is still not available to all expecting mothers. This has an astounding impact on my perception of child development. Having this science available and not using it is one thing, not having it and needing it is another. I cannot imagine how these mothers might feel losing a child born or unborn.
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Mothers losing their unborn babies, because they don't have the funds or medicine to be taken care of. GOOD, GOOD Post!
ReplyDeleteThis is still so very true in other regions around the world. I cannot grasp the fact that many mothers go with out prenatal care while it being essential and available in the United States. It is disturbing to know that fetus die due to the lack of neonatal care.
DeleteIt is so great that with technology and family support you and your family were prepared for the birth of you nephew. It really is very sad that prenatal care is not available to all. The birth process is difficult in itself with a typical delivery. I can't imagine what it would be like to experience such a great lose. Congratulations to you and your family for your continued support.
ReplyDeleteThe support from child development and prenatal care has been indescribable. Because of the research of this science, we have been afforded the opportunity to provide him with the best health care available. He is leading a healthy and productive life and my family and I are so grateful.
DeleteHearing the story of your nephew just goes to show how important the social culture in which you raise a child has such a profound affect. Your nephew is now able to have a life enriched with people helping him reach his full potential. I am sure his mother is also grateful from the amount of support she receives in order to help with the stress of having a child with special needs. Children with special needs are a true gift to the world. They have special treasures which will impact our lives more than we will ever realize. It is crushing to hear about the death rates in Africa. The amount of stress the mothers go through and to love a child so much, yet to be devastated with a tragedy due to circumstances beyond their controls is heartbreaking. It is important to understand what is happening on a global perspective so we can all help out in any way we can.
ReplyDeleteLack of resources is a global perspective that is faced by many underdeveloped regions around the world. It is unfortunate that individuals are not allotted the same opportunities for health care, medicine, and education.
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