Consequences of Stress on Childhood Development

Violence is the stressor that I chose.  The reason is because my best friend parents always fought and exchanged hurtful words.  My best friend hated when her parent fought.  We lived next door to each other.  When her parents fought, they woke everyone in the neighborhood.  This was very embarrassing for my friend.  She would always share with me how she felt and I would comfort her reassuring her that everything would be alright.  This made her feel somewhat relieved even though she was depressed not knowing what would become of her parents.  She loved both her parents and wouldn’t take either sides when she they asked for her opinion when the argued.  In school, she was an average student but with her parents constant bickering among one another, her grades gradually fail.  However, she didn’t have time to study because there was too much commotion in her presence blocking her concentration.  My mom and her mom associate on a regular basis because of our friendship that we had.  My mom would ask her mom could she spend nights at my house with me so we could study together.  She didn’t want her daughter to be at their home anyway so she was thankful and agreed every time.  Eventually, as her parents got older, they learned how to cope with their problems without fighting and hurting each other feelings.  My best friend made a promise to herself after going through such an ordeal that when she marries her and her husband will compromise and an understanding way greater than her mom and dad did.  Today, she and her husband are doing great due to the circumstances that she went though in her childhood.

Africa is a country that I would like to know more about concerning poverty.  From the research that I obtained, I found that in sub-Saharan Africa the number of peoples living in extreme poverty grew from 217 million in 1987 to more than 300 million in 1998.  In Sub-Saharan Africa nearly one third of children are underweight.  Measles takes the life of a child nearly every minute of every day.  There were about 2.3 million people died from AIDS in 2003.  The water that they drink is not safe and they do not have adequate sanitation.  Only 57% of African children are enrolled in primary education and one in three of those do not finish school.  There are a few things that are being done to minimize the harm despite the challenges.  The partnership between African and donor nations increased aid flows is being more effectively.  The New Partnership for Africa’s development and AU aim to tackle HIV/AIDS reduce poverty and sustains long-term economic growth.

                          Fight Poverty Give Them a Hand to Realize their Dreams
                        http://www.fightpoverty.mmbrico.com/facts/africa.html

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Child Development and Public Health

Breastfeeding

One of the public health measures that impact children’s development all over this world is breastfeeding.  I chose breastfeeding because I can relate to this topic in many ways.  I believe breastfeeding is the best way to ensure that children are getting the proper nourishment to grow healthy.  The mother must eat properly as well too, in order that her child is given the nourishment needed to grow. 

I breastfeed my youngest child, Diamond for a little while after giving birth to her.  It was a great experience for me because the bond between her and I is like a stamp on an envelope. I really believe that when a child is breastfed, it brings you and your child close in every way.  I also like the fact that when a mother breastfeed, it decreases the chances for you and your child sickness.  Then too, on the other hand, it helps you to save money because formula and feeding supplies are very expensive.

In other countries throughout the Nation, breastfeeding rates are extremely low, especially among low-income Mexican Americans.  There are several reasons why Mexican Americans don’t breastfeed.  They believe that it is painful, no supportive environment, embarrass to nurse in the public.  They have concerns about it is restrictive and inconvenient and the need to return to work or school is something that requires them to take care of their family.  Mexican women said that breastfeeding makes their nibbles soar so that is why they chose to feed their babies formula. 

Mexican and I share a lot in common when it came to breastfeeding.  I wanted my child to be healthy so that is why I choose to breastfeed.  Like the Mexican mention, breastfeeding was not easy.  It hurt my nipples too.  Then on top of that, I took a leave from work to have my baby.  I breastfeed during that time but after my six weeks was up, I had to return to work so that I could provide a living for my children. 

 American Academy of Pediatrics. Breastfeeding and the use of human milk (RE9729).  
      Pediatrics.      1997;100(6):1035–1039. [PubMed]
  
J Perinat Educ. 2004 Summer; 13(3): 39–50. doi:  10.1624/105812404X1761
     http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1595211/

Childbirth

I have three children but I didn’t have either naturally.  I will tell about the birth of my first child.  At the time, I was only fourteen but I gave birth to him when I was fifteen.  Being so young, this pregnancy was called an at risk pregnancy.  I remember during my pregnancy how my mom would make sure that I eat nutritious meals.  Every morning, she would fix me a big breakfast.  She even assisted that I drink white milk every day.  I hated white milk, especially the kind that I received from WIC.  She said this will make my baby healthy.  I remember all the trips to the Woman Clinic for prenatal care and getting blood drawn.I remembered the different people telling me how birth pains are indescribable.  I was blessed because when it was time for me to have my child, the doctor had to take my child.  The only thing I remembered was the gas mask over my face. When I woke up I had a heavy stomach and barely could move and walk.   

Even though, I got pregnant at an early age, I had family that cared and loved me.  I chose this example because I was young and if it wasn’t for my parents, I don’t know what I would have done to make it.  I was blessed to have such caring love ones.    

My thoughts regarding birth is that I feel that no matter if you are young or old, it is important that you take care of yourself because you are not only looking out for your well being but also your unborn child as well.  My view on the impact of child development in this case is it great to have someone there that cares and supports you. From eating properly, my son was born healthy with a head full of hair weighing 6lbs and 10oz.  His name is Jack Anderson Jr., after my husband.

When comparing childbirth with that of the women of China, I realize that we share certain beliefs. Chinese women’ gets pregnant shortly after marriage.  Then their husband have to carry them over a pan of burning coals before entering his home for the first time in order that the women have a successful labor.  In China, they don’t believe in baby shower because it is said to be bad luck.  My family also doesn’t believe in buying clothes for an unborn because of the same reason as Chinese.  They also don’t believe in naming an unborn child.  The Chinese wait until their child is older before they name their children.  Their children are given four to five names: one for childhood, one for school, one for after graduation and even one for after death.  Our family names our children shortly after they are born.