Consequences of Stress on Children’s Development

One stressor I encountered as a child was poverty, but not to the extreme.  I came from a low-income family, living pay check to pay check, and only one parent working.  At the time when I was younger I didn't understand why I couldn't have some of the things the other kids had.  We lived in government apartments for several years until my dad purchase our first moblie home.  However, we struggled to pay that and to pay other bills.  Living in poverty effects the learning of some children.  Not having the materials needed and now to do most project slows a child able down.  They are limit to what they can learn and do because they might not have a computer or afford internet.  I remember growing up and we didn't have a computer in the house until after I went to college. 

Another stressor I encountered was my parents drinking alcohol, smoking, and fussing.  I remember saying when I grow I will never be like them. I hated when they smoke the smell of smoke made me sick.  Then the scent that say on your cloths was just nasty.  The fussing was over stupid stuff because of the alcohol that they couldn't control. 

I haven't came across anyone who has experience another the other stressors. 

I cope with those stressor by just staying focus and self-motivated.  I always told myself that I will be better and do better then my parents and they would want the same thing to.  When I went off to college I never that was my way out.  Not saying I wasn't coming back home forever, but it was my out of poverty and to begin my life.

Africa

Poverty is a cycle that repeat itself.  It contnuie to keep going and going.  It does matter where at in the world poverty seem to be everywhere.  Africa and other counties have areas of poverty just like the United States.  War, disease, hunger, and environment pollution play are key factor in other country that  contributing to their poverty.  These major stress factor are the key factor of death and the increase of food prices contribute to poverty as well. 

Child Development and Public Health

I chose breastfeeding because I breastfeed all three of my kids.  I feel that breastfeeding helps with that bonding and attachment that the caregivers and infants needs.  Also, breastfeeding is cheap and it is best for the baby as well as the mother.  I have heard that it reduces the chances of a woman catching breast cancer.  For some mothers who are on the WIC program it save the government a ton of money on formula.  However, different part of the world do not have a choice to chose breastfeeding or formula because the country is so poor. Some countries frown upon if you don't breastfeed.  In Ghana bottlefeeding is for orphans. In Nigeria breastfeeding is encouraged for the first 2 years of life and exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months. However among a lot of the working middle class, they supplement with formula or choose not to breastfeed either due to work or ignorance.
  I wish that all mothers would breastfeed for at least 6 months. Just my opinion, but it should be a law that requires a mother to breastfeed her child for at least 6 months. Yes this might cause some problems for working mothers, but their should be a law for working mothers to receive pay for six months while they nurse their kids. 

Childbirth- In Your Life and Around the World

I would like to share my own experience with my first born son.  It was the most amazing thing that could have happen to me.  It was the most exciting thing that I have experienced along with the experience of carrying twins.  Have the ability to carry another human in my tummy was a priceless adventure.  Seeing my tummy growing each and every month was shocking, it felt unreal.  Hearing his heart beat for the first time bring tears to my eyes and seeing him for the first time on ultrasound.  I remember the first time he moved and it was in May of 2008 right before I was leaving from work.  The journey in my first pregnancy was very special to me because I never thought in a millions a little human being could grow inside of me.  However, both of my pregnancy was excellent and healthy.  I worked full time, continued my physical activities, and made sure I was health and the babies by providing prenatal care for them.  I didn't have any birth complication or postpartum depression.  My first son I have natural without any meds.. and the twins I had to have C-section. 

Around the World-China

As many know already that China is limited to one child per household unless there is the first born is a girl or have disable.  When the child is born and if it have any deformed its the mothers fault.  In a study they have found that a lot of couple are having a procedure done or taking meds..to have multiples.  In the Chinese culture there are a lot of things they do and say differently.  Here is the website so you can read some of the information: http://www.4panda.com/chinatips/culture/baby.htm