I was in labor for quite a few hours. My contraction were coming every fifteen minutes or so. A few hours later they were a little bit closer and off to the hospital we went. Upon arrival at the hospital they did a couple of test. My water had not broke and I had dialated only two centmeters. They sent me back home. The next morning about 5:30 the contractions were stronger and closser together. Off to the hospital we went again. More test were done my water still had not  broke and I had not dialated any more. I was in labor for another six hours. My son became distressed he had turned his self around and the umblical cord was wrapping around his neck. I was told at that time that i had to have an emergency c-section. When I heard that news i cried. We had taken classes preparing to have a natural birth. On march14,1979 a 9lb 2ounces baby boy was born.It was one of the happiest days of my life.That is why I choose this birth my first child. I feel birth has a great implact on child development. Beside having to have a c-section the birth was great. I believe if he was not taken he may of had developmental delays. I also feel if the mother takes care of her self the child has a better chance of developing properly. The region of the world i decided to compare was china. In China during the pregnancy all of the furniture has to be left alone and no pictures should be hung on the wall because they belive it can bring harm to the baby.The first born childs birth the father is not allowed to be present or plays any role in labor or delivery. The father is allowed at subsequent births. The pregnant womans mother is present at the first birth.They do not give any pain medication instead they drink a special tea to help with the pain.They are taught to breath and are given messages to help reduce pain. It is believed if you eat only hot foods and beverage it keeps the balance of Qi (life force or spiritual energy).
The difference is that we encourage dads to be part of the labor and delivery process. We are also taught how to breath during labor to help relax you. I feel the chinese culture has a lot in common with our birthing techniques. Using other methods instead of drugs is wonderful.