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From: pmd@cbscc.UUCP (Paul Dubuc)
Newsgroups: net.kids
Subject: Re: Learning about Life
Message-ID: <5876@cbscc.UUCP>
Date: Wed, 11-Sep-85 09:12:34 EDT
Article-I.D.: cbscc.5876
Posted: Wed Sep 11 09:12:34 1985
Date-Received: Thu, 12-Sep-85 09:55:55 EDT
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Organization: AT&T Bell Laboratories <SCCS>, Columbus
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I tried to mail this response, but it bounced.  So here it is:

Joan,  I think the problems you are experiencing stem from
the fact that the desire to learn (and the extent you wish
to persue the knowledge) is rare (and exeptional, in my opinion)
for people not involved in having a child of their own.

If you plan to have any children of your own in the future,
then time may take care of some of your frustration.  If
your desires or circumstances prevent this, however maybe
I can offer some suggestions.

        1) I want to know where a person who is NOT pregnant can
           go to learn about childbirth and discuss it with other
           people.  Either general suggestions or specific names
	   and places in the Los Angeles area will be greatly
           appreciated.

I don't know of any specific groups.  Maybe a school of nursing?
One thing you could do is talk to a couple who has recently had the
experience.  Do you know anyone who is going to have a baby soon?

        2) I want to know how all of you feel about the way we
           treat childbirth in America.  Is it good that most of
           us have never seen a woman go through labor?  Is it
           good that most of us have never touched a just-born
           baby?

I think that missing these experiences deprives one of something
very valuable.  I'm glad I live in a time when I could see my daughter
(and any future children) being born and help in the process.  I am
sorry that childbirth is a matter that has become more removed from
the public mind and experience.  I think the prevailing view emphasizes
the burden and responsibility of having children for not being able
to express the tremendous joy (even awe) of the experience.  A human 
life is truly a wonderful being.  Each one unique in her abilities,
potential and character.  The experince of birth is tremendous.  It's
hard to describe the joy and wonder that my wife and I experienced when
we finally got to meet our daugher, for whom we had been waiting nine
months.  I guess missing that kind of experience can't help but leave
a hollow spot in our human being.

My wife volunteers and a local Pregnancy Distress Center which provides
help and counselling in alternatives to abortion.  We have had two
teenage girls who wanted to place their babies with adoptive parents
stay in our home during the latter part of their pregnancy.  My wife
was able to be their Lamaze coach and witness the birth of their
children.  If you are interested in providing this kind of help, perhaps
you can get in touch with a similar agency where you live.

Regards,
-- 

Paul Dubuc 	cbscc!pmd