The Birth Of My Second Child.

The Birth Of My Second Child.

My youngest daughter was born with a cognitive disability that makes life sometimes a struggle for her.  I choose to write about my pregnancy with her and the day she was born because this was the most significant experience in my life.  I can remember the moment that I conceived her I actually felt it (believe me this can happen it is a feeling like no other), I told my husband “I’m pregnant" and I was.  This pregnancy and birth experience was remarkably different compared to my first pregnancy.  For the entire second pregnancy, I was physically and emotionally drained.  I had a lot of emotional baggage; I think I cried and fought with my husband the entire pregnancy.  I was about two weeks overdue with my first child, A great-aunt called me and said “girl get up and move some furniture around I bet your labor starts then" so I did and I had my first child that night without complications.  Because I did not want to go past my due date with my second child, I started moving furniture on her due date.  This did put me into labor, but she was not in the right position and had to be turned manually (with help from doctors and my husband) in order for her to move down the birth canal.  This took awhile and was very painful I think that I should have been given a C-section.  She was born very angry and fearful as well as cognitively impaired.  I believe if I had been emotionally and physically fit with my second pregnancy her birth would have went differently.  In addition, had I waited until she was ready to be born and not made my labor start; she may have not been born cognitively impaired.  I will always carry this painful guilt.  I believe that a parent’s emotional well being, physical health, proper prenatal care, and sound decision making has a tremendous affect on a child's development

"My Supports"

My family and close friend are whom I depend on the most for support; I have a strong family and friend’s support system.

            My husband: who collaborates with me in keeping our household intact in regards to decision-making, and problem solving and is truly my best friend.  We have been together all of our adult life; I cannot imagine life without his love and support.  I depend on him to do his share of the housework, start the coffee maker, he supports me in furthering my education, and he is my spell-checker, my proofreader and critic. 

            My oldest daughter supports our family without complaining, she cares for my disabled daughter during the day while my husband and I are working or whenever I need her to sit for her sister.  She supports us by living three minutes away.  I know that I am blessed to have her support. 

            My youngest daughter reminds me of how blessed we are as a family.  She supports me by being so funny.  She is anal in regards to her disability I could write a book about her; I love her so much.  She never lets me forget my work badge or lunch, she can find any and everything that has been lost if it’s in the house, all you have to say is “ I can’t find….” and she’s on it until she finds it, and she will find it.  She wakes up at the same time everyday (even weekends) except when she is sick, so because of her I never over-sleep and rarely miss work.  She keeps us focused on our conversations because when she is around she repeats everything to everybody.  I have seven brothers and sisters who, because of being separated as children we are very supported of one another.  My friends are caring, understanding, loud, crazy, thoughtful, and supportive.  Life without the support of family and friends would be very sad.

             I am also supported by technology such as, my computer, laptop, cell phone, microwave, notebook, and TV/ DVR.  Because of my busy schedule, I am not able to watch my TV shows during the week so I watch them on weekends.  The DVR supports me in keeping up with my shows.  I am also supported by the neighborhood convenience store that is exactly right across the street from my house where I have been living for twenty-five years.  The proprietors are like family, the store comes with a lot of baggage, but I would really miss having the store just across the street.