HW 41 - Independent Research

This wedsite  is about  the process of adopotion  and  who gave/ giving brith  that would like to adpote.
http://staging.americanadoptions.com/

An adoption story: A women name Cherly was not able to ferterilze due to many atamps with her husband.  Cherly always thought about adoption  but her husband wanted to creat an creation of his own and not someone elses. But this began to change when Cherly wanted a child.. So they went to look for adoption.  They waited for about  six years to have a child. And they finally had a boy name  Chase.

"Once Cheryl completed their last round of infertility treatments without success, she knew that was it – she had had enough. She had no issues moving from infertility to exploring the prospects of adoption. Craig, however, wasn’t as keen on the idea as was Cheryl.

“The hardest part for me was deciding to adopt. I was opposed to it from the beginning,” Craig said.

Craig, like many other men who have dealt with infertility in their marriage, was against adoption because he didn’t want to raise “someone else’s kid.” Naturally, Craig wanted to continue his bloodline.
( http://www.americanadoptions.com/adopt/story_view/testimonial_id/231)


Thsi article is about women who felt the need to adoption because they were froce and told they couldnt be mothers  -
Dr Hames said the mothers were not allowed to bond with their children, were often heavily drugged with medication and had barriers placed between them and their babies.

"They weren't told the sex, they certainly weren't allowed to see or touch the baby,'' he said.

"Many of these women have not gone on to have children. They have been so traumatised.''

Dr Hames said the apology was not about compensation for the mothers or a criticism of parents who adopted the children.

"What they (the mothers) say to me is not that they want compensation. It is that they want to have somebody recognise that what happened to them was wrong and, hopefully, will never ever happen again,'' - (.http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/western-australia/wa-government-apologises-to-unwed-mums/story-e6frg14c-1225940839634)

HW 59 - SOF Prom 2011

If you participate in prom this week, please write up a 2-4 paragraph analysis of how the experience you and others shared relates to what we've learned. Which ideas or observations from the course resonate with what you noticed in real life? Which ideas or observations seemed off-base in light of Thursday night? What insights seem more available to you as a direct-participant rather than just a student of the ritual? What costs and benefits did you notice from having thought about the topic in a scholarly way before experiencing it for yourself? Did prom feel magic & transformative or did those expectations strike you as hype?

Going to prom, was a fun night. It went the way I planned to have fun and not be self-conscious . I felt nice and well dress that day and I didn’t care much what people thought.  People even brought their friends and it was not a big deal to have a date or not.  My boyfriend enjoys himself too (I was hoping he did because he did not know anyone) and it was welcoming. The way prom was set up and the value of our school made prom seem a comfortable event. We all supported each other to go; it was not to get drunk or laid, but to have a good night. And for those who did not go, should not feel guilty but to think there will be another event in their life they will enjoy.  I don’t think anyone felt the need to feel like a celebrity.. Yes people came in limos but it’s not even like anyone paid mind. It would have been different if we were all in a bigger school and there is a prom king & queen which put pressure on the students.  Yes I wanted go because it was something to  do and a day to dress nice but I did feel like if I did not go it will be a night that I missed.  Not magical but sweet night, everyone made sure they had a good night.  That day all the guys dress up and ladies get to see them in something different, as well the ladies to feel special in a school event. Our unit of prom did not change my mind set of prom because I did not grow for prom to be a night to lose my virginity, drink or mini wedding. But to be part of a school event.

Hw 56

Leticia,

I like the way you offered a summary of the tale. I think your connection to the death unit is valid. It is important for us to look at this unit as a way to interpret our own fears and wishes for ourselves and those that we love. I know that my own recent experience with my Grandmother's death was bittersweet. She died at age 94, in her sleep. Her wish was to finally be with my grandfather who died nearly 25 years ago. It was a profound experience for me, as often times, it is through a person's death that we find the most meaning in our own lives. i know you enjoyed "Tuesday's with Morrie" and I wonder how you might connect this film to that text and the experiences and different point of view that the author had in contrast to this lesson.

Here are a few questions to think about: Do you think that it is human nature for people to find ways to survive, even under the most stressful situations? Why do you think the story-teller use a father-son relationship? Would it have been less touching if it would have been friends or strangers? Can you think of another book or movie that uses non-relatives to tell a story about survival?

Why do you think it is significant that they were able to share a meal together and that made the son think that everything would be ok? What is it about a family meal that offers comfort to people, even in a dire situation?

Melissa .

Hi Melissa,

Thank you for commenting my blog,  =)

In Tuesday with Morrie, I like that fact they had a connection for years, it was like nothing could have broken there bond. It was important for Morrie to stay in touch with Mitch, and through their conversations and their own experience, they both taught each other what it feels like to have somebody grow emotionally and mentally for years. Morrie being sick and not afraid of dying, made things ease for him, but for Mitch a friend/ father/professor figure.  They both have such positive influences in on each other, which make one look after the other. In the Road, The father did not want to get comfortable or have a sense of hope, like the son. He wanted his son to not be emotionally weak. To be prepared to kill someone or to act aggressive, but the son felt since everyone is in the same conditioned there is no need for negativity.  Morrie taught Mitch to be aware of his feelings and to talk about whatever is on his mind.  In The Road, The father taught his son about the things he never thought he had to face, Killing and fighting for survival. It was important for them to have good meal time even if it was a piece of bread or a big meal, it was a time for both the father and son to forget/ remember able moments, dinner time was a time for them to be great full. Which how it is for my family we enjoy the food that’s given to us.  In Tuesday with Morrie, Tuesday was a special day to have lunch and it affected them for a life time. In Tuesday with Morrie and The Road, both explain the difficulties to lose someone close to you.   For me that’s what I am most afraid of. Each Character had to face the reality of someone’s death.  I think it explains the importance of having relationships with people, it feeds our souls. Meeting people teach us how to eat, think, value things differently.   It’s also very intimate and personal. When things become personal it becomes harder to break and it just keeps growing.

HW 58 - Prom Interviews

Mitchel 28
leticia: Heyyyy
Mitchel:  whats up letty
Leticia:  So can I ask you some thinngs about prom?
Mitchel: sure
Leticia:  What is prom to you?
Mitchel:  Prom.. I think its suppose to be  and could be a special event. The reason why I say that because  media and my friends talk about its like if its a big deal. They told me they had a good time, but I didn't go because I did not have date.  But I do wish I went...
Leticia:  if you went,  it would have been rite passage/an adult?
Mitchel: No,  it would have made me feel like I was part of something. I do go out to partys and look formal when I have too. But I was really mad that all my friend had a date, but me. So I just went to the after party, because at parties it would have not matter if came With some one or not.. It would have just been a party. But prom is different its not just a party, you are gathering with students from school that travled and grown with for a couple of years.
Leticia: If you went, what would have happen?
Mitchel: I think I would have a good time, with the girl of my dreams or not. I just wanted to go with a girl
Leticia:  So you regate not going to prom?
Mitchel: I do.. Thats why When i have kids, i will support them to go, even if they going with a friend.. why not?. just have a good time.

Brideget 18:Leticia:  Bridget!.. Have not seen you since you moved to long island
Bridget::  Hi, omg Leticia. Thats how it started, later into the converstation  I ask.
Leticia:.  How was your prom?
Bridget: It was crazy, There were cops a fight happned, my dress!!.
Leticia: Cops!, right, your dress?.. details.
Brideget: Well let me frist tell you that I spent about 800 dollars on my dress.. I looked like a queen, That was out theam at my school.  Fairy tale.  I was also  the prom queen and my boyfriend was the king.
Leticia: You must have been excited, was there any hensitation about you going to prom?
Brideget: No, I was so happy that I was prom queen, I had to go. I was really nervous.
Leticia:  So nothing could have changed your mind?
Brideget: Nope, If my boyfriend & I broke up.. I could have went with another boy. .. Maybe a pimple would have stoped me... I was really hopeing I did not get my period.
Letica: Is there anything you would like to change?
Brideget: No, I really did enjoy my prom.. Im glad I went, I would have still gone if I was not prom queen.
Leticia:  Was there any regret?
Brideget: Nooo, I did drink after .. but I do remeber somethings and I had fun with my boyfriend .
Leticia: So you think following the American triadation of prom, is imporatnt?
Brideget: Yes, but I do aslo think that everybody should have a prom no matter what background. Its a thing to enjoy. Some adive, dont think to hard, just let the night flow.
Leticia: Thanks Brideget.. This was a great conversation, we should meet up soon.

HW 57 - Initial Thoughts on Prom

When I think of prom , I just think of a whole bunch of students from Sof looking really nice and enjoying each other company.  I actually was not thinking about prom until about 2 months ago, my friends kept talking about it, so I started to think about it more. I was not sure who I wanted to go with, even if I do have a boyfriend.. but I wanted to go with someone else, but no one had the balls to ask me out.. & I figured everybody in my school and class was already paired up with someone, so I ask my boyfriend to come with me and he was cool with that.  I am excited because I will be in a different environment with the students in my school, I will be not another at prom, not just because its prom but because outside of school, I can say I’m different.   This also a chance to see people in other situations and not just in school, which I think is pretty interesting.  We have different characters once we are not in school.  I feel like mine is not going to be a fairy tale, I know it’s not going to be. I am not taking a limo but a cab, I just in special occasions when I have too, I spend my own money, so i choose wisely on what I going to buy.  I do want the night to go well, just like any other night.  I look forward to seeing people there. 

  Prom List for me:

1. I can't go crazy because my teachers are going to be there

2. I am going to have some heals on, don’t want to bust my face open

3. I don’t want to mess up my dress.

4. I just would like to have a good time A question I have , is how do the people who get to go twice feel?.. Is it a different feeling or the same?

Do people really lose their virginity on prom night? And why?

Having prom does it cause people to become closer? Is there a difference?

Can prom really have an impact?.

xc - COTD2. Watch "Harold & Maude"

Well, if you want to sing out, sing out
And if you want to be free, be free
'Cause there's a million things to be
You know that there are - Cat Stevens

Harold:

Does not take death serious... He would fake his death all the time. He is very sarcastic and gets pleasure of faking it, it’s kind of like he playing with his mother emotions. He takes casual visits to funerals. I think Harold does this to get attention, because funerals and death are ways people come together to think about the good times they had with this person. Harold is his mother only child and they are wealthy, this could be a way for Harold to show his mother, his way of communicating.   Harold meets Maude at a funeral and they become good friends.  He questions her why does she do wrong things to people... she says people can’t get attach to things to it’s the right thing to do. Ever since they met, he wants to live life the fullest.  I soon discovered that his death obsession happened when he was in boarding school, in science class, a fire happened   everybody in the school thought he died. He came home but his mother did not know he was home; the police came and told her that Harold he was dead. His mother reacted in such sad way, which trigged him to enjoyed acting dead.  When he told Maude the story she said “People enjoy being dead, but they are alive”.  After a while his mother became immune to his behavior, even though she does not enjoy it.  His mother wants to help him, so she thinks taking him  to the army will help, When his mother sent him to meet the Sargent, he faked  acting mad  towards killing someone,  Maude showed up .. and She fell into a “hole”. Now he does not have to go to the army.  When Maude died, he felt very sad for couple of days, but he coped with her death by making his car jump over the cliff, and playing Cat Stevens

* Every one as the right to make an ass out of them, can't let the world judge you all the time

*He meets sunshine, and she is actors, he plays a death joke on her.. But she acts along, so it does not work.  She was not fooled by his actions.

He propose to Maude and she tossed it in the river, she told him.. She accepted and she is happy, so there is no point of having a ring.   Their marriage is in her house in a room full of the same flowers, but  I do remember  her saying  that  she does not want to be like everybody else, but she gets married? He told her, he loved her, she said go lover some more.

Maude:

An older woman about (79) also is obsessive over deaths/life, she makes visits to church and funerals, and they meet at a church. She is a wild women, does what she wants breaks the rules, steals people cars.  She says people don’t need to attach to things but, in her house she holds things she likes.  "She does not want to be a daisy because they are all the same" They spent the whole day together and did crazy things.

* I like to watch things grow, change and bloom. And turn into something else.

*Take life as it is. Don’t hold on to things, when change comes it would be even better.

*IF you want to be free, if you to be me, and if you want to be you be you. There is a million things to do.

Harold mom:

Seems to traditional mother, having people over for dinner most of the time, she dresses proper her attitude cares of what people think.   Harold mother dealt with Harold behavior for a while, she does not react in a way that she cares but does not wish he does that, so she send him to a psychology.  She wants her son to be "normal", she sets up dates for him, while he plays death jokes on them, and he smiles.  His mother drafts him to the army.

I thought it was weird how her reactions to Harold behavior were normal, but then again she wanted to help him. She did not tell him to stop, she ignored his actions.  I think that’s why he continued with his death behavior. I also think the reason why Maude became friends with Harold was because she needed help coping with her own feelings, and Harold fell in love with her, even though in her mind she was not looking for that. When she turned 80, she took a dose of a drug, she wanted to die, even though she explained to Harold life goes on.. So then why she wanted to end it?. She said she was happy?, but by her coping with her own feelings, she also helped Harold with his own.

HW 55 - Culminating Project - Care of the Dead

The Road

"A post-apocalyptic tale of a man and his son trying to survive by any means possible. "-
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0898367/

Movie Trailer:
http://youtu.be/hbLgszfXTAY

The Road is about a father and a son surviving for their life every day, this seemed to be the most important thing when the "world ended", the people that survived is facing everyday tackles.  As the father and the son, live each day their appearance change, eating habits change and their morals change.  Both try to survive for food and emotional strength.  There was a scene in the movie, they entered a home and thought they no one was in the house, as they search the house looking for hope, the herd noises down stairs.  The dark room, had people in eating each other and crying for help. Once the father and son saw this, they ran upstairs and hid in the bathroom, where they saw other people body parts and bath full of blood.  At this point the father freaked and pulled out a gun to kill his son because, he did not want him or his son to die, due to people eating them alive.

I think this movie relates to our care of the dead and illness unit, both father and son has seen people die in front of their eyes. The father is very ill and the son lost his mother when the world ended, they both struggle emotional, while the son feels he is the only young boy and wants everything to better for him and his father; the father does not feel the same. The problem of this survival is that the father is very sick; he wants to reach to their desire place, where things are much better. But due to his sickness his son might make it alone, and he reminds his son every day that they could die. They want to believe that things could be better for them, try to keep a happy mind set, but due to no food they might not make it alive. There was scene in the movie, and they found abandoned house with a whole bunch of food and a place for shelter, the son was very delighted and felt that they will survive because of this new place they found. The father did not want the son to get too comfortable because this will not be place where they will be staying. As they both snacked on food they hadn't had for couple of months, this is something that helped with their emotions by having all this food, it was like hope.   The son was tired of just having a piece of bread and sharing between the two and that will be their only meal. As this is going on the son does not realize that he so far just sink and bone, he knows that he gets hungry but does not notice his outer appearance while his father does, when the son saw an image of himself, he got scared and ask his father was that really him and why is he so skinny the father responded, you always been skinny.  As days go's by the son notices that his father is coughing blood and is getting  weaker, they soon walk to a beach, this made the father happy as though this what he was hoping to see, a peaceful ending for him. They stayed for about a couple of hours and the father is near his death. The son is heartbroken, the only friend and caring person is leaving his life, they both survived through many things and now his father will not be there no more. This part of the scene when his father dies and takes his last breath was something that trigged my heart, the only close person to him, the person he looked up and spoke to everyday have died.

I think it’s sad and beautiful how the father died, he died by the beach, it seemed this is where he thought it would be peaceful for him to die due to the condition they were both in, but what was  that his father real death wishes?. What if the movie made it where the son survived and spoke about him and his father survival? Did his father died because he was already sick or because lack of food.  This movie made me think about the people close to me, and how if they were to die I want it to be, how they wished their funeral to be.

HW 52 - Third Third of the COTD Book

Précis:  Each chapter contains a new experience that June accoutered.  Overcoming Tragedy, The son who learned from his mother’s Suicide, The New Born Whose life was stolen.  A mortician's Diary......~~~

 Published: 2006

Morticians Dairy:

1. "In This way I learned that even though life sends us difficulties, it also sends small comforts to help us along the way".(pg 64). The reason why I like this quote is because even though her mother was very ill, she didn't want to show sadness, she wanted her mother to become a stronger person. And when difficulties come into our life, I feel like we have to figure out ways to make the outcome better.

The Son Who learned from his mother's suicide:

2.  I explained to him that I'd heard of other suicide victims who had seemed happy once they'd made the decision kill themselves, perhaps because they feel relieved that their pain will end soon"(pg70).  When I heard this I was confused, but it makes sense, When I'm sad, I rather pain be taken away for a second then a whole hour.. & my Mind does it, by the end of the day I would have forgotten what happen... But if someone was to bring the subject again it would have made me sad again because its sensitive. His mother taken her life away was a second she wanted her pain to go away.

The New Born Whose life was stolen:

3. " Dr. Dixon inserted the forceps to turn the baby; the forceps evidently got tangled in the cord and ripped it out of the umbilicus. The baby bled to death before it could be born"(pg73). This quote made think about the movie Business of being bore, when the midwife did not know that the baby, was going to be 3 pound, and if the lady would have delivered the baby naturally it could have died.  This relates because we believe in doctors and midwives, this case they both made mistake.

Reading this book, reminds me of when I read Tuesdays with Morrie, because Morrie was an old man disgoused with ALS and he didn't let that interfere with his life. Kept a close relationships with one of his students Mitch. Every Tuesday Morrie and Mitch will meettup and talk about life, things that happen to Morrie and in Mitch life too.  Morrie wanted Mitch to understand that it never the ends of things because they are plenty of ways to make things better. In Mortician Diaries June, has been around death her whole life, she felt that growing up in a farm helped her understand nature’s way of letting things die. June also dealt with situations in her life, which she learned instead of it letting it take over her life. Her being Mortician , was her way of helping people that she would her best job to make the funeral of a friend or family member a good experience, she tends to relate what happened to a patient to herself, if it was a kid that died, man or women... I think it’s because a lot of people in her life died (So I think she feels connected) this is why she ends up being close friends with the person that lost a family member. Us people connected our own emotions to help someone else cope with their own.

HW 51 - Second Third of COTD Book

Precis: June Nadel a mortician, Finished talking to a mother  who lost her  new born son  his  because esophagus  was swallon and  the doctor came to late.  In this part of the book, she spoke about people coping with the death with a family member or a friend.  This will also be the frist time she buried a dog and losing a close friend.

Qoutes:

" Jim opened his car door for me. I laid the baby on the seat." How'd you do it?" he asked. My larynx hurt as though hands were clasped around it like a vise. Hoping he couldn't hear my sadness, I said softly " When you become a mother, you won't ask such dumb questions"pg 24

"Admired her for wanting to give her childern a lesson on death and showing them one way to cope with it. I acquiesced,  I never  done this before, but its not impossible." pg 27

" My own childern were to work with me on occasions.  It was simply  a part of their lives. Without my prompting, they chose their own caskets by the age of ten." pg 30

" I was angry with God for not " taking care" of Erma. Her death seemed grossly unfair." pg 41

Analysis: 

This chapter explains the cope of someone’s death, She nerved buried a dog before but she did it because she liked the fact that the lady violet wanted to teach her children about death.  June realized she rather have someone cope with death than have a misunderstanding about it. When June helped the lady with the child that died because she is a mother herself, she wanted the lady to understand that her baby died and it’s time for her to let go, but while she took the baby, she felt bad because of the sadness she will be dealing with. What I noticed about June is that even though she is a mortician, it was hard for her to deal with her friend’s death, she had the same thoughts of a person who misunderstands death, which I thoughts was interesting.  June does not seemed confused about death, or have lack of knowledge helping people with death. She is a kind and sincere to people that have anxiety about death.

HW 49 - Comments on Best of Your Break HW

Hi Amon this is Leticia,

In Your blog i liked how you mentioned that its more about respect of the dead, then the actual death. “I’ve seen both the traditional American way as well as the Japanese way, and they both mainly focus on paying respect to the dead". This probably explains why people say rest in peace and they are in a better place... To devote to the person that they are being appreciate. I can relate, to not feeling the same way when a person died, because my friend could be sad, and I feel weird because I'm not sad. “This made me feel guilty, not because of the loss but because I did not feel the same way”. When I saw this sentence It made think about the many times I felt uncomfortabl

Hi Dima This is leticia
"Death still the most terrible thing in the life and I am sure a lot of the people thinks in the same way and this is the most part of the people in the world who scared about the death and don't want to discuss this topic at all because everyone feels differently"
I disagree with the frist line because I think death is natural and its something that happens daily. I think how a person dies could be a terrible thing death but not death its self. e because someone was crying or when I didn’t feel bad about something.

HW 50 - First Third of Care-of-the-Dead Book Post

HW 48 - Family Perspectives on the Care of the Dead

Brown beautiful old lady Stella (80):

Leticia: Hi Stella, How are you.

Stella: I'm Fine darlling , What bring you here today?

Leticia:  Stella, Can I ask you couple questions?

Stella:  Yes, What is it about?

Leticia: The care of the dead....

Stella:  Hmm interesting...ask all you want I got all day.

Leticia: What do you know about death?

Stella: I know that people die in many ways.... Some good and some bad.

Leticia:  What do you think is the proper way, someone should die?

Stella: Ollddd like me... But to be filled with happiness.

Stella: You don't want to be lonely when you die... you want people to know that they care for you and you care for them.

Stella: I know I’m going to die, I’m not scared though. I have done what I had to do in my life. I traveled, got kids and got married. I' m alright. I just thank god, that I’m just aging...

Stella: But I do miss my wonderful husband...

Leticia: How did his death effect you?.

Stella: I was not ready for him to go.. But nothing that I could do, but be by his side and love even more each day.

Stella: He died of an heart attack...

Stella: but my kid were older when he died, They understood the condition he was in... It was hard for all of us.

Leticia: How was his funeral?

Stella: Beautiful... He is buried by the beach under a tree.. by his home country.

Stella: This was the hardest part in my life...

Stella: I made sure, everything went well and peaceful. No music just sound of the ocean.

Tia Rosa (60):

Leticia: Son Tia,

Tia: Dios te bendiga.

Leticia: Tia, Can ask you couple questions?

Tia: Si

Leticia: What do you think about death?

Tia: Its natural.. But some people die of being sick, which is why when someone die of being sick can be sadder, than just someone dyeing of old age...

Leticia: What do you think should be done about death?

Tia: I think people should show respect and their kindness to the family and that died... Things feel better when people show that they care.

From Interviewing Stella, I can tell that she was not a sad woman, she didn't cry when she spoke about her husband, or seemed scared about death. What seemed to bother her was that her husband died of a heart attack instead of watching him getting older with her.  I liked the way she describe his funeral, it seemed like it was peaceful and filling. Stella was with her husband for about 35 yrs, she never thought that her husband could die like that, that’s what she felt was disappointing.  What I got form my Tia was that it was more about the family being together after someone died, to respect that they died and life continues living.  She mentioned that a person should die of old age instead of being sick; this was what Stella was talking about too. I think it’s because it more scary to die of an sickness than dying naturally. Knowing someone that is sick involves more personal feelings because you see a person suffering and there not much you can do. MY aunt and Stella, rather a person die of old age than any other thing, and that the family should be together.

HW 47 - Peer Perspectives on the Care of the Dead

 A Barista at Starbucks

I spoke to her when I was on my 10 min break:

Juiliana:

Leticia :Hella busy out there right?

Juiliana : Yeahhh like always. ughh

Leticia: Can ask you couple questions?

Juiliana: Sure, Whats its about?

Leticia: Death!..well the care of the dead.

Juiliana: So0o.

Leticia: What do you think about When people die?

Juiliana: Like are they really dead?... Are they going to heaven?

Juiliana:  I believe people continue living, kind of like Karma, what goes around, comes right back.

Juiliana:  I don't know, because my parents are not that old. My mother is like my friend.

Leticia: Have gone to funerals before?

Juiliana: Yeahh it was sad, but I did not lose my friend, she is still on my mind all the time, is just I can't see her.

Leticia: If you don’t mind me asking....Where do you think you will go when you die???.

Juiliana:.. I hope Heaven.... I'm not sure if I'm able to make that choice.

 Tyron Another Barista

While, I was on my Half.

Leticia: Tyron. Let me ask you a couple questions.

Tyron: Whattt Do you want to ask?.. I hope is a appropriate  questions.. Cause I am not your mother.

Leticia: relaxxx.

Tyron: Ask away.

Leticia: So what do you think about death?

Tyron: Childdd. How old are you again?... Girl I have seen death.. In Harlem things happen.

Tyron: Things happen, for a reason. This is why people need to be smart on what they do in life.

Tyron:. I been to funerals.. Cried, laughed.. And questioned.

Tyron: They all say, Rest in peace and they are at a better place...

Kristen one of my close friends:

Leticia: Hola Kristennn.

Leticia: What do you think about death?

Kristen: I think it’s scary

kristen:  I Think it’s sad for people to die

Kristen: I think people should live for many years...But through the movement of the future? Like people from dinosaur’s days, they don’t live with us now. But What if they were still living among us?

Leticia: So like life never ends?

Kristen: The earth changed in many always... It never ended.. .But people have..

Leticia: Do you believe in heaven and hell?

Kristen:  Noo… People bodies do deteriorate. But since there is no heaven or hell, the person goes into the next living thing.

Leticia: So do you think people should celebrate a person death?

Kristen: I don’t think celebrate is the word... But a presentation of the person.

Leticia: So what do you think, you would do.. If a person close to you die

Kristen : Hope their next life is beautiful.

After interviewing these people, The conclusion seem to be that, things happen for a reason,  and life works out in mysterious ways.

The care of the dead?.. Sounds like it’s part of the history channel (it is)... I don’t know where it came from or When people start having funerals….And who said it people need to wear all black?.  

My mother is not a religious person, but she believes there is a heaven and hell.   My mother never force or tried to make me be religious. But This year, I put into thought.. Not that I don’t believe, but being part of a religion is safe, because there is a backup.. A person or something looking out for you.. This is why I respect people for continuing their belief. I think and I Hope that there is a person or something looking out for me, even though I’m not part of dominate religious practice. I thought it was interesting how Kristen mentioned that humans Die, but the earth does not die. Which, I think it’s true the person is not in the same body you knew them in, but they are still living their life.  It’s kind of like…You think you saw them in the street…Or a person reminds you of them. 

HW 46 - Initial Thoughts on the Care of the Dead

The care of the dead?.

The reason why I put a question mark in the end of that sentence is because this is not something that I think about.  As a little girl, I did not know people who died, just knew about animals dyeing. But what i do know is that people respect them and believe their souls continue living. What I don’t understand about it, is that people need to feel sad? Most of the people I know, told me about someone in their family or a friend dying and it’s a sad story, this is probably why i don’t like going to funerals or listening about someone death. But why does it has to be sad that the person died?.. .Well I do think it depends on the situation because If someone were to die because of an illness, accident or old age.  Those incidents come with different emotions, especially   when it’s unexpected. Unexpected things are the worse, but also when you expected can be just as worse. Different religious handle the care of dead in many different ways, I know that in Mexico there is a day where they celebrate dead which is called the day of the dead and in Santeria it involves spiritualty.

This makes me think about the people close to me, How would I feel if they were to die???.. Or what they would think when I pass away? I wouldn’t want people to feel sad, but not happy because I pass away. But that life continues (does that sound harsh?).. I know people that died, I can’t say that I was really close to them, but I knew them well enough…are they watching over me? (I don’t know). If knew they were watching over me, I’ll probably be more aware of what I do in my daily life.  But I guess, us humans need to figure out what our own mistakes are, and what can we do to better ourselves. If someone we knew died, told us what we are doing wrong. Will we still learn from our mistakes??. I am not dead. But when I do pass maybe I can answer these questions myself.

HW 45 - Reply to Other Peoples' Comments

Thank you guys for commenting my project, what you guys found interesting about my project, was that I put my personal thoughts and emotions into my story. Allwyen mentioned: "I also enjoyed how you made the project personal to you, and you didn’t leave out any feeling, this made the project feel more real, and shows more of your own personality coming out". This explains that my project made him feel connected, because it could affect how he view doctors or maybe not. He also wanted to know, what I wanted to be different about my doctors visit. Sarah C mentioned:  "Your project gave an extremely emotional personal narrative. You showed a parallel between your experience with the United States medical care and the standard prenatal stores".  When Sarah told me this, I felt that that what I was trying to get with my blog, and I’m glad, she got that while reading my blog. They both questioned how they wanted to know pregnant   people in the prenatal care.

HW 44 - Comments on Other People's Projects

Hi sam,
This is leticia

I enjoy reading your blog about the importance of having a baby and its part of our human nature. I really like the part when you mentioned "I believe that family have the most conscientious approach to raising a child, as they see it as a responsibility and not a toy. Friends look out for your best interests in terms of life style changes and possible career implications". Especially the line when you mentioned believe that family have the most conscientious approach to raising a child, as they see it as a responsibility and not a toy. Because I see my brother raising his child, he make sure his child is good and has the things he needs, I could he will be raised well, since the fact my brother is in his 30's and so is his wife.. But I have question for you. What do you think about young adults such as 14-20, They spend most of the time partying and not focusing on their child life? Are they responsible? Do their friends and family members support them? What do you think about that?

Also from your blog I like that you based it on religious views too. I think that’s also a part of people families and how they will like to raise their baby.... Is your religion view going to influence on how you would like to raise your baby?.. Do you think religion is important in peoples life .




Hi Rossi,
I don’t know you and I don’t think you are in my grade?..I’m in 12th you?.
Well I was snooping around and I saw your name and I said Why not!. MY name is leticia.
I really liked your blog because I never heard a prospective from a nurse. I liked the questions you asked because; it gets into details with what the nurse thinks. For person #1 ... I like the line when she mentioned "used “judiciously” and to a doctor or patients liking. She claimed that patients may have a cesarean on a certain day just so that they would not be in the hospital on another" I think that explains, the point of doctors ability to do what they please and get the mothers out as soon as possible.

For person # 2 I liked how she backed up the hospital, it explains she is either against it or with it but she is scared, she could lose her job "When asked about C-section rates, she said that Roosevelt hospital has the lowest C-section rates in the city. “Do you think if you interview outside the hospital it would have been different.


For person #3 I liked how she was honest and straight forward. I liked she compared Jamaica and US she was not saying one is better than other. I also liked when she mentioned “it’s not that the doctors are not properly trained, they just are not fully educated.” In saying this she agreed that they handle situations as if they are in emergency and said that the trainings for doctors should be different. During her training she was trained like a midwife and working in the field that she does, surrounded by doctors and many unnatural births she said that they are just accustomed to the emergency situations" Which made ask do doctors want to know how to do natural birth? or are they force to not be educated about it.?.

Overall I think you did a good job, Its nice to hear from people who work in the hospital,. This made me feel that doctors of a sense of people views.

Hi megumi,

This is leticia

I liked how you focused on c- sections in the United States, and it became high practice in the birthing process.

While reading your blog I liked how you explained the statistics on C-section rates in the United States. And how you explained the statistics but you added your ideas, which made the blog more interesting.

This matters to me because, From reading your blog and doing some research on my mine. This makes me think about was it because they mother needed or was it because the doctors just wanted to do?

Hey  Matthew its me Leticia

I liked how you start your blog in poem format “One America…”but gets into guide information too. I think your point of view on single mothers are very important because I am raised by one parent and I do think how much a difference it would be if, I had both parents.  I think it’s important for both partners to be involved in the child’s life even If they are not together. But what about the views of single dads?... I think that would have been a cool thing to add.... Overall I liked your blog.

HW 42 - Pregnancy & birth culminating project

 Experiance in the Hospital:

The reason why I’m talking about this is because I feel like it explains dominate Social practices.

So I went to the doctor Thursday, and I don’t like going to the doctor because of the long waits ( 4hrs) just to see a doctor for about 20 mins.  So I finally got to see my "doctor" in April, when I made an appointment in October. So  I go to the hospital ( Bellevue hospital) I have to go  to 2 B. That’s what my mother told me.  This will be the first time me going to the adult clinic, because I’m 18 yrs. So I’m thinking maybe this will go faster (I guess wrong).  I go to 2B wait on line for about 5 mins (okay not that bad.) I go to the lady at the desk, she told me I need to go to 2 A (roll my eyes and go).  I walk to 2A another 10 mins on line, (appointment was at 12) its 12:20.  I go to 2 A, the lady with a big bun in her hair, told me I have to go to 2C (I got angry).  I'm finally here 2C. She asked if I had my Metro plus card, I said No I left it home. Usually when I go, if i do not have my metro plus card, they just find in the system. Now this lady, she got long fake nails did not want to find in the system, so she told me I have to go to the 3rd floor. At this point I was really mad.

The whole time I had to be at 2A.

 Alright, now I ‘m waiting for the doctor (1:30). The nurse called me; she asked if this is my first time being there I said ‘yes’, Took height and weight. So here comes the doctor Dr. Tanner, Some tall white dude, looks about 48.  Me: Hi. He replays back “Do you speak English"? (I’m thinking in my head, I said Hi, in an English accident, loud enough for him to here).  Me: Yes I do, Dr. Tanner: "I will be your doctor today. I’m like alright cool, a male doctor for the first time...let’s see how today goes. While Doctor Tanner is talking to me, there this Asian dude with him name Kevin. Dr. Tanner than said, Kevin will take me to the room. After that I did not see Dr. Tanner, he left somewhere else (wtf). Alright, I thought maybe doctor Tanner had something to do real quick (I guess wrong).  Kevin (not my doctor) said he will be asking me questions, to have an idea about my health. Me: where’s doctor Tanner, I thought he is my doctor?.. Kevin:  Dr. Tanner is in the other room doing paper work. By this time I’m confused.... I asked again, Where’s Doctor Tanner... Kevin: I will be actually taking care of you today.  (What! this dam Asian dude is not touching me, he just a dam intern, I thought Dr. Tanner is my doctor. I was mad). The first time I was being in this clinic and my "doctor" not even taking care of me.   After, he was done asking me a lot of question. Kevin: I will let Doctor Tanner, What I did. By this point I just wanted to leave. Kevin: I will be checking you today.  Me:  Where’s Doctor Tanner? Kevin: he is dealing with someone else.  Kevin leaves the room. Comes back, with some lady, I don’t even know. Kevin: she will help me guide to check you. Me:  but I though Dr. Tanner will be doing this. Lady:  No, sorry...Is everything okay? Me: Well, you guys told me that Dr. Tanner will be my doctor; he is not present at all. Lady: I am a doctor too, I will help you. By this time I’m quiet and annoyed, so I go with the routine, but I’m not very nice. I did not let her do, what she wanted, and I told her I felt uncomfortable with Kevin being in the room.  When she was done, I told her prefer a female doctor, the lady said: Sure, we can do that, sorry that you were not able to see Dr. Tanner today.  It was nice meeting you. When she said," it was nice meeting you", shows there is no connection between doctor and patient.  I will never see her again, When Dr. Tanner told me he will be my doctor, and he was not ever present in the room.  Asian dude, I will never see again, asking me personal question. Ugh. I waited 6months, to not see my doctor.  By this time it’s already 3:00, he sends me to get blood work done. I go back at 2C, another 20 mins, saw nurse; she is some angry Jamaican lady lecturing me, talking about her son. Leave there at 4:15... What a long Fin day at the dam hospital

 My doctor visit: I waited 6mths to not see my doctor, I was supposed to my see “doctor at 12" saw him at 2:30... Do not see him at all!!!!!!. left hospital at 4:15. O yeah to make another appointment. I have to wait 6mths.

 I connect this with the birth unit, because with my experience at the hospital and the doctor, just saying hi and walking away does not create a bond. This is why, when I read Ina May, and the women talking about their experience giving birth in the hospital. The women spoke about how they didn’t feel connected with their doctor Autumn Apple Windseeds's birth- November 11,1970 by Kim Trainor: The birth of my first child in manhattan was standard-procedure hospital birth. I was frist put in room by myself,left to my own fears, and had my amniotic sac ruptured by an attendant. Then I was stuffed  in a ward of screaming and yelling women in labor"(pg19) The fact that this women was left alone, and it was her frist time giving birth she had no doctor or nurse support. It should not matter, if I was switched to the adult side.  I don’t know if it was because he was a male doctor, or that’s how the system works in the adult side. But I just saw him and he left.. there was no piont him saying he was my doctor, if he was not even going to be in the same room with me. My other doctor (female), I can say I had for  16yrs, she knows me well.  She spoke Spanish too; I and my mother enjoyed her.  From reading the book, the mothers explain, their experience at the farm and with the midwives, each once explained they had a good relationship with the midwives. This also made think about what my sister in-law told me; in the Dominican Republic she would have had the same doctor through the whole thing. When she came here, she had different doctors even when she had to give birth.  My personal experience visiting the doctors, I feel like it’s part of dominate social practices because everything is rushed, it can’t get personal.  This also happens in public hospitals, they can’t provide the personal experience, with the patient I have to wait another 6mths to another doctor. What made, me angry is that It was not my doctor who saw or spoke to me. When Was I supposed to see him? When I make another appointment? What if this kept happing? In the end, the visit to the doctor I was not happy. It would have been nice if Dr. Tanner actually took care of his patient.

HW 40 - Insights from Book - Part 3

I seem to have found myself at a cocktail party, when in walks Ina May, the author of the book, Ina May Guide to child birth which coincidentally, I have just finished reading.

Leticia

Hi my name is Leticia and I wanted to say thanks for writing:

 Ina May Guide to child birth.

Ina May:

Do I know you?

Leticia :                                                                                                                                            

  No, but I am a student at School of the future learning about birth and my teacher Andy assigned me this book.

Ina May:

Well isn’t that nice, what did you like most about my book than?

Leticia :

 What I liked about your book is that you show statistics data, you go beyond of your information. As well the pictures and the background information about birth, it was not just your opinion, but showed information base on your experience and others peoples.  

Ina May surprised to be talking to someone who actually rephrased the main idea of the text instead of sharing their own birth story, replies curiously.

Ina may:

Really? Which parts were most effective or important to you?

Leticia:

Well, in the middle if the book, you were talking about the natural high that we humans produce, oxytocin, Which furthers your thesis. You explain your point of the book, that women should be natural through their baby birth and pregnancy.  On pages 147-166, where you mention that women need to feel the things that their body can do.

At this point, Ina May has realized that she's having a unique conversation with a serious reader of her book.

Ina May:

I see that you did enjoy the book; do you have any suggestions of how I could have applied more information about birth? Or anything else?

Leticia:

Yes, I think that you could have added the midwives experience with given births instead of the patient. I think that would have help to see both sides of the story, the happy moment of the women giving birth , but what is the whole process of the midwife being there, how she felt her experience with others births. As well your background, what made you want to be a midwife? Yes you do show information about hospitals birth and how their system births, but have you ever felt that you or any midwife could not let the women give birth vaginally or intend her.

Ina may:

I can see why you ask these questions and have these suggestions, I guess the reason why is because I want women to feel comfortable with their body, even if their first time having a baby. I want women to understand what their bodies can do. To be aware of other options not just the hospital but this could be something that can help them emotionally and to be informed. I want women to not feel lost, and to be involved and know the procurers that are done. I am not saying that are hospitals are bad but to be aware of what doctors do and what midwifes can do too.   Maybe adding formation about the midwives experience would have been a good idea and adding mine too. Thanks I will keep those to in mind.  It was nice talking to you Leticia.

Leticia:

Thanks for answering my questions and responding to my thoughts about your book. Have a wonderful day.

HW 39 - Insights from Book - Part 2

1. After MLA citation list several topics/areas the book has taught you about that the "Business of Being Born" either ignored or treated differently or in less depth.

Mays, Ina. Ina Mays Guide to Child birth. A Division of Random House, Inc New York, New York.
Publshed: By Bantam Dell 2003
 The Powerful Mind/Body Connection ( Ina Mays)

From early in life, Most of us are bombarded with messages that teach you to think that your thoughts and feelings don't matter when it comes to the functioning of your body. In the same way, Western medicen assumes a total separation between mind and body. Thoughts and feelings are considered irrelevant to physical welfare. When something goes wrong with the body, our culture teaches that pharmaceutical medicines or surgery will be necessary.Pg.134

" For years women were told they can't give births" (business of being born)
" If the women is not moving the way the doctors want them to be at they put them on "pit" to rush the labor, Which is lacking the oxygen on the baby, which makes the baby a little high.( business of being born)

The hormones that Regulate Labor  and Birth:
 " I mentioned earlier that natural prostaglandins act on the cervix to soften and thin it in readiness for labor. Oxytocin causes the uterus to contract.  Later on, when the bulk of the baby passes through the vagina, a sudden rise in oxytocin levels in mother and baby stimulates the chain of instinctual dance between them that is most often called falling in love" (pg147-148)
"Ebiderl slows down labor" (business of being born)
" They give mothers so much drugs it becomes an experiement" (business of being born)

2. The major insight the book tries to communicate in the second 100 pages (1-3 sentences) and your response to that insight (2-4 sentences).

" I have seen many laboring women go from hell to heaven within seconds as they moved from stark terror to realization of how to work with the energy of birth."(pg 152) Our Births is natural, the more you freak out , the pelvic won't be relaxed and it will be harder for the baby to come out. We just need to relax and let out body do what it has to do".

From this birth unit I am still thinking about, what makes a women have a natural births? What are the steps I can say I want a natural birth... But what do I have to do? Do you have to be rich?, poor?, or Middle class?  Ina May did not state this in her book. But what is the outcome? Yes you help me delivered this baby natural with a grate support team, but when does the money come in? Will the hospital help with full coverage and have a natural birth? What if I want a baby, but cannot be able to afford it? Do you guys help in that situation? Turn women down? I think Ina may will not turn a woman down, but how does the woman know everything is okay? I support this method, I support the natural births, the ability for women to go beyond what the (Society here) think they can't do, but that’s totally wrong.  This book shows the women hood of our ability and that there’s no need to stop our natural process of birth.  What I also want to know, Is what made Ina May talk about these methods? What made her feel that women need to know about this?  I did reasearch it does not explain her background of where she came from etc...? http://www.inamay.com/?page_id=14..

3. List 5 interesting aspects of pregnancy and birth discussed in the second hundred pages that you agree deserve wider attention (include page number).


Orgasmic birth(pg.157)

Scary Births Get high Ratings (pg.164)

Sphincter Law(pg.168)

Techono-medical model(pg.185)

Many studies agree that fewer than ten percent of women require labor induction for medical reasons (pg.207).


4. Independently research one crucial factual claim by the author in the second hundred pages and assess the validity of the author's use of that evidence.

http://www.lewrockwell.com/orig3/h-carson4.html    

• These sphincters cannot be opened at will and do not respond well to commands such as push or relax!
• When a person's sphincter is in the process of opening, it may suddenly close down if that person becomes upset, frightened, humiliated, or self conscious.  Why?  High levels of adrenaline in the bloodstream do not favor (sometimes, they actually prevent) the opening of sphincters. 
• The state of relaxation of the mouth and jaw is directly correlated to the ability of the cervix, the vagina, and the anus to open to full capacity.

HW 38 - Insights from pregnancy & birth book - part 1

1. The book I'm reading is Ina May Guide to child Birth: So far in the book, its mostly babies stories of women given birth. Each page explains that each woman has a different birth experience and that women should feel connected to their bodies and overcome this great experience of having their baby.

2. I don’t think my book is trying to question anything, but so far it’s saying that women should be control over their bodies and to have support through their pregnancy. Each women stated that midwifes supported them and they felt relaxed.  Not only do women share giving birth naturally but some of these women tell their experience of having birth in the hospital with their first child and how much they did not feel control of their own body.  So far reading the book, I feel that the midwives do treat their patients with respectful and security.  They don’t want the women to feel alone.

3. " Imagine a flower blooming," said Pamela, while I was in the bath. “As the flower blooms, the baby is being pushed out” I thought that motive, was important and meaningful l.  Flowers are beautiful and for the midwife to say that shows there is support and personal connection. This is not what hospitals do, they just want you in and out, and the doctors are in control not the women.

4.  Watching the movie, what I found most interesting is that doctors are not worrying about the women, it just becomes a whole big experiment, and the doctors take control. For example, “Pit” this is something they make women take to make the labor faster if the women are not meeting the hospital’s needs. This makes me feel like hospitals don’t have respect of the importance of a women giving birth.  I think of my aunt and my sister-in-law and each one had a bad birth experience.  My aunt had her  second baby when she was 35 yrz old ,my little cousin came out with down siddurim she was supposed to have a C-section  just like her first child, but when she arrived they told her she will have to vagnal delivery ( she was not happy).  My sister-in-law also was supposed to have a C-section and but the doctor told her no it will be cheaper to have a baby vagnal (she came from the Dominican Republic) this was her first baby. When she was in labor she had another doctor she did not know, this is not the doctor she saw threw the 9months.  Through the TVs and Shows, they make birth seem not women like, but a scary thing to experience.

5. This book is written like a documentary, it’s the women point of view while she is in labor, which makes things more personal.  It also seems like everyone had a connection, it was not like I never “saw her again” the pregnant women would become very good friends with the midwife.  As well there were some historical points; she did research in the back of the books shows information about the women and techniques each chapter build on women labor and the process of it.  Her style of writing is insights of the women, no sugar coding but realistic…  

Cool baby information:

http://www.babycenter.com/2_inside-pregnancy-weeks-28-to-37_3658874.bc

Hw 37

To Ben:

I think you did a good job expla,ing your mothers birth experiance and aswell describing how your father felt through the pregnacey. What caught my attention was when you explaing that your father took notes.during the whole thing and they took birthing classes."Througout a large part of the nine month period, my father took notes during my mother's pregnancy as well as in the classes they took on the Bradley method" From this shows that your parents, were on the same level of thinking on having a child and becoming prepared. This also made think about how much pregancey goes well when two people are involved and not just the women dealing with the whole thing. This is probably why your mother felt fine through your birth. I think something that could have been cool if you could have recored your mom talking and your dad. or took a picture of the notes he took. Overall this was a great post.

To Wille:

Im not sure who you interveiwed, which made the blog post  unclear. I did like the part where you mentioned, "Then i would take long walks to help my body get stronger. I also rubbed and talked to my stomach" because it explains that the person you interviwed was careful on how they took care of the baby. I think next time you should mentioned the persons name and put a little bit more depth, because I noticed you just kept repeating yourself. Hope next post is depthful.

HW 36 - Pregnancy & Birth Stories

So I did not have time to interview pregnant people but interviewed people who already had babies
2/22/10 After I clocked out.
Jocey my manger at strarbucks 32
did two years of old college:
Me: So how are you today?
Jocey: Tried, you know the deal leticia. Eight hour shift or more. I miss my childern right now.
Me: Yes your childern, How old where when you had your first child?.
Jocey: 20 and I was still working in starbucks.
Me:  How did you feel working while you had new born baby?
Jocey: What can I do? I had to support my child. My mother took care of him while I worked and I spent time with him on my days off, It was hard , I missed him and I wish I could have been there through whole time, not just the 4months of his life but through the days where I did have to work. 
Me: Did the same feeling applied when you had your other three kids?
Jocey: Well, This time I knew how to deal with it, And I was more stable because I had my mother support and the father of my kids support. I knew my childern would still love me even when im not home. You know. I wanted to work and have kids. My job is my job, but my personal life is something that I had to build. And my kids are everything to me, they make me smile when I come home.
 Jocey:  I work hard though, I went from a Brista, to general Manger I love this store and im glad im back, But just sometimes I want to be home with my kids.
Me: Thank you Jocey
Jocey: Your welcome lettie, Now your working tommrow   right ?
 Me: yes

2/24/11
A friend of mine
Jillian 20 years old
Finished high school.
When I went to the store
Me: Heyy  Jillian
Jillian:  Whats up leticia
Me: Can I ask you a couple questions for school?
Jillian: Yeah, ask all you want.
Me : Arlight, Well old where when you had you first child,
Jillian : I just had a baby
Me : Do you work?
Jillian :  No,  But before I had the baby I did, I worked at foot locker, That's when I was doing pretty good.
Me : Is everything okay now?
Jillian:  No  but yes. Yes because I have my child. But No because I'm supporting my child on my  own.
Jillian: I don't have somebody to take care of her right now. My mother works and the father of the child is no around. So Its just me.
Jillian: This means for right now, I will be with her. When she gets a little big, I will do what I can to find a job and I can probably find a night job so I can work. And when my mother comes home she can watch the baby.
Me:
Jillian : Well I  have to go now
 Me: Alright talk  to you later, Thank you
Jillian: Your welcome


I stoped by after I got off of work it was about 12 in the afternoon
12/24/11
Mcdonals Manger
Finshed highschool but wants to go to college:
Stephani 19
Me : Hola stephani, Stephani can ask you couple questions for school?
Stephani: yeah if its for school but chop chop, I have to be in the clock in a few.
Me. Alright.
Me : How old where, when you had your baby?
Stephani: You already know 18 years old. Ask me another question.
Me : How did it feel to work while you have a baby?
Stephani: Well since, im the baby of the family, My mom takes care of the baby and so does my cousin because they have kids too. And the baby of my father is around, So when I work  he does not have to. But because I have the support I can work.
Me:What did you do, while pregnant, to prepare for giving birth?
Stephani: I made sure that I was still able to keep my job.
Me : Do feel that you had enough time off to take care of the baby?
Stephani:. I was gone for about 3 months, but I had to get back to work, even though I have people taking care of my child. My mother wants  me to have my own apartment and I have bills to pay. But its okay. The job needed me back anyways.  If I wanted to stay longer I couldn't.
Me: If you where able to have a longer break with your child, would  you take it?
Stephani: Yeah I think so?, I had three months off I think another month would have been okay, I felt like I needed sometime to myself too.
Stephani: Everything seems fine. It gets frustrating, baby and work. Its like im working double, and manger
Stephani: Time is over, Thanks for asking these questions.
Me: Thank you, have a good night.

This unit made me think about the process of women having a baby, but doing these interviews also made me think about what about after they give birth? what’s happens?  These interviews answer that question. I interviewed women that work for living and are trying to maintain they child or children.  They had to get back to business with or without support. From interviewing these women no one sound they were ready to give up but sound the accepted their life even though it might take an extra push, but a push they are willing to take to support their baby.  I noticed that these women, didn’t seem extra happy or sad about their boyfriend, not that it didn't matter but sounded they were okay with just being the parent of their child. In our culture the "happy family", are couples that are married and the husband worked but the mother is a house wife and has a little business of her own. But what about the women who are doing well, without a husband or boyfriend, who work very hard for their kids, No one seems to really support that figure? Why? Why women and men need to be together to show a stable family? I know women who are just a single but some look for that male figure or feel bad that their child don’t have that. Just living with my mother, my mother never mentioned "if only your dad was around" she never even bothered to make me have a male figure. She just wanted to maintain her kids the best way she can. I support that. Yes in the future, I would like the father of my child to be part of my child life and mine as well, but I don’t think if the father was not around it would make me mentioned " if only your dad was around".   We all wants best for our child… That’s what we all say.

HW 35 - Other Peoples' Perspectives 1

Rosi Alvaraz

Birth:.

How did you feel when people asked to touch your belly? Did you mind?

I did not like it when people touched my belly. I felt that my baby did not like it as well, he would move and it bothered me. I felt scared that the baby didn’t like it. I was not asked that much of random people to touch my belly but family members yes.

What did you think about birth when you were little?

My mother told me that babies only happen when you get married and they will just grow in your stomach all you have to do is just keep eating. I thought this for a long time when I was about 17.

When you saw your siblings having kids did you want one?

They are 10 of us 9 females and 1 boy.  When I saw my sisters having kids I  liked talking and helping care of my nieces and nephew. Feeding them, playing, and teaching them how to do things.

What age do you think is appropriate to have kids?

For me 30 years old. Thats when I thought I was ready, but about 25 years- and up thats when your more of an adult.

 How was birth scene in the Dominican Republic?

You have to get married.

In the Dominican Republic if a girl was pregnant and even still today they will be kick out of school.

This is why I made sure I was done with school and found a man that loved me.

How was your pregnancy?

The whole pregnancy process was a pain, my back hurt and my foot was swollen for about Four months. I ate a lot of tomatoes and Buffalo wings. I hated it; I wanted him out already in the 6 month. He was past his due date, he was supposed to be born May 8 but he was born May 19.  I kept saying to my self Zavi did not want to leave he felt happy where he was at, but I wanted him out already. I had to stay in the hospital for about two days until they broke my water, and it took about the morning to about six at night. I was so tried but I wanted to see my son. In the end was worth it.

Henry Alvarez:

What’s the first thing that comes to your mind about Birth?

Blood and a beauitful baby…That was something I did not want to see, but know its natural. A baby that been there about 9 months is ready to come out.

How did you feel when your first child was born?

Happy but scared. Happy that he came out already and he is my child and scared because I know rasing a baby is not easy.

How did you feel when rosi was pregnant?

I felt bad, but I still thought she was beautiful. I even pretend to be pregnant I guess i have an idea how she was feeling

What made you want to be there during the Birth?

I wanted to be there for my wife. I never saw anything like that, Well I saw on tv but not in person until my son was born. And man she looked like she was in a lot of pain

You felt like you were ready to be a father?

No, But who is? You don’t know what you’re always getting yourself into, until I held my child as he grew each day so did I.

Asking These questions from two people that had a baby not too long ago, Makes me think about how much people grow during the day and night. From Zavier arriving home from the hospital, to him now thinking he can walk is a beautiful thing. I love his little pamper butt and head full of hair, each day he grows and learning new things every day. I feel like I have an understanding why parents get over protective as we get older or more worried, but than that’s the beauty about growing up. I can't wait until Zavier gets bigger, I would always like to teach him things and take him to interesting places.  But I do see the difficulties of having a baby it is not easy and it’s a learning process for the mother, and for the parents working together to raise a child.

From watching movies and shows, Birth always been a beautiful thing but its up to the parents and support from friends and family, is what makes things better.  To have both parents involved is something that can make the baby progress.

ZAVIER AlVAREZ