- Simpkin P. Birth 1992 Jun;19(2):64-81.
"Twenty women who attended the author's natural childbirth classes between 1968 and 1974 were the informants in this study of long-term memories of their first childbirths. The data from each informant consisted of 1) a labor and birth questionnaire, including an open-ended account of her labor, written shortly after her baby was born; 2) a similar questionnaire and account written in 1988 and 1989; and 3) a transcribed interview during which her memories and perceptions were discussed and any discrepancies between the questionnaires were explored. The questionnaires were compared for consistency of recall, and the interviews consulted for further clarification. Specific memories were excerpted, compared, classified, tabulated, and summarized. Findings were that, years later, women's memories are generally accurate, and many are strikingly vivid, especially of onset of labor; rupture of the membranes; arrival at the hospital; actions of doctors, nurses, and partners; particular interventions; the birth; and first contact with the baby. Most memory lapses or confusion were minor. Evidence of a halo effect was observed as well."
I thought this study was interesting. A lot of my projects in the past have dealt with the distortion of memory over time. Many of our memories become either hazy or take on a whole new life of their own. Many of the memories we have from childhood are probably very different form the actual experience. In this study, it was found that woman can remember their labor accurately. Their memories weren't glorified or distorted and unclear. Rightly so. Child birth is one of the most life changing and important things in a woman's life. I also find it interesting that, for the most part, no one can remember their own birth. There is a disconnect here between the mother and child. And this cycle can come full circle. Just as your mother was there to witness the first few moments of your life, which you are unaware of, you can witness your own child's birth and first few moments in the world. Looking at this study just reinforced my feelings for this project. The amount and intensity of emotion and memory that come with child birth is fascinating. Everything I read or study or look at that deals with my subject matter brings gives me a deeper connection to my subject.
I thought this study was interesting. A lot of my projects in the past have dealt with the distortion of memory over time. Many of our memories become either hazy or take on a whole new life of their own. Many of the memories we have from childhood are probably very different form the actual experience. In this study, it was found that woman can remember their labor accurately. Their memories weren't glorified or distorted and unclear. Rightly so. Child birth is one of the most life changing and important things in a woman's life. I also find it interesting that, for the most part, no one can remember their own birth. There is a disconnect here between the mother and child. And this cycle can come full circle. Just as your mother was there to witness the first few moments of your life, which you are unaware of, you can witness your own child's birth and first few moments in the world. Looking at this study just reinforced my feelings for this project. The amount and intensity of emotion and memory that come with child birth is fascinating. Everything I read or study or look at that deals with my subject matter brings gives me a deeper connection to my subject.
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