We come from a culture that highly relies on medical & scientific knowledge. This results in a high degree of faith and dependence on the US medical system. I recently read an article by a man in a similar field of work as us, who held a strong view that our trust and reliance on medicine, as Americans, results in our idolizing medicine. Being a nurse by training, I often get defensive of our medical system in the states. But this gentleman had a great point which highlights my recurrent struggle of where I am putting my faith; in the US medical system or in the Creator of it all? I will say, the Creator has given us much wisdom and ability. As my father-in-law would say, "We are to use our brain and look both ways as we cross the street." On top of that, I believe, by His grace, the Creator has given us great ability to use and do amazing things with medicine. But, in the end, who is in control, doing the actual healing? So where should I be putting my faith?
This struggle of mine is intensified by living overseas as the medical system here is very different. We recently learned a fascinating fact; less than 0.5% of the population here has Rh negative blood. In the states, 15% of the population has Rh negative blood. Which results in the states, in screening for the Rh factor and special precautions for blood transfusions and in pregnancy. Here, on the other hand, the Rh factor is rarely considered. For example, I have O negative blood. This means I can only receive O negative blood. Further more, during pregnancy, if there is a chance the baby could have Rh positive blood, I need to receive two shots of Rhogam, for my own health and safety. We have had two very positive check-ups with a doctor in the big city. During the first visit, we asked about Rhogam shots. The doctor said they usually don't give them and they are difficult to get, needing to be ordered well in advance. At first we were shocked, but really it is no wonder as 99.5% of patients will be Rh positive. We feel immensely blessed because as it turns out, we can't have a Rh positive baby since both John and I are Rh negative. So no need for Rhogam shots! It still leaves the lingering concern of getting the appropriate blood should I ever need it. But that is a big if and when. So again, where am I putting my trust?
In other areas, we continue to learn cultural ideas concerning pregnancy. For example, if you desire your baby to be a certain sex, you should steal, yes steal, but from a family member, clothing of the desired sex and place it under or above your bed. Neither pineapple nor durian should be eaten during early pregnancy, some say late pregnancy as well, as they are believed to cause miscarriage. Cassava also should be avoided. I was recently asked if Sprite is ok to consume in early pregnancy. The most interesting and challenging for us to react respectfully to, is the belief in a creature or spirit that can suck out your baby through your belly button. Therefore, pregnant women should not go out in the evening and they should carry onions, garlic, or another specific spice I am unfamiliar with, EVERTIME they go out. Does anyone watch Grimm? I can direct you to an episode that is a pretty accurate portrayal of this belief. This is an area in which we hope to show our trust in the power of the Creator, but we are also challenged to be respectful of those that are seriously concerned about this creature.
