Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP
Posting-Version: version B 2.10.PCS 1/10/84; site mtuxo.UUCP
Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!burl!ulysses!mhuxr!mhuxt!houxm!mtuxo!smuga
From: smuga@mtuxo.UUCP (j.smuga)
Newsgroups: net.kids
Subject: Re: Learning about Life
Message-ID: <955@mtuxo.UUCP>
Date: Thu, 12-Sep-85 13:31:58 EDT
Article-I.D.: mtuxo.955
Posted: Thu Sep 12 13:31:58 1985
Date-Received: Fri, 13-Sep-85 04:20:10 EDT
References: <29700001@ISM780.UUCP>
Organization: AT&T Information Systems Labs, Holmdel NJ
Lines: 39

>      I've been reading about pregnancy and childbirth for several
>   months.  I have a fair amount of book-knowledge now, but no
>   people-knowledge.  I decided recently that I would like to get
>   into some kind of a childbirth class (or even beter, an
>   ongoing discussion group) where I could talk to experienced
>   people and ask questions.

Experienced people are all around.  They're parents.  Surely you know
some who would be happy to share their thoughts and experiences with
you. (I'd be happy to tell you every detail of mine, but I can't seem
to send you mail.)
> 
>         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?
> 

Personally, I would not have welcomed onlookers at *my* labor and
delivery.  For one thing, I was working too hard to be sociable, and
besides, I wasn't dressed for company :-).  As far as handling the
newborn goes, I think most parents are fiercely protective at first,
perhaps with reason.  Maybe you have to go through the experience to 
earn the reward.

Anyway, I have seen labor and birth on public television (some people
aren't shy).  Of course, every delivery is unique; mine certainly
didn't follow all the rules!
> ******************************************************************************
> 
> 		      Joan "the VMS group is moving mountains" Alexander
-- 
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Janet Smuga			I've had a great many troubles in my time,
ihnp4!mtuxo!smuga		and most of them never happened.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -