1000 Words: Wonders of a Father and The Gift of a Newborn.
The miracle of an embryo developing into a fetus and ultimately resulting in the birth of a new human life has attracted attention and challenged contemporary science since the dawn of the human race. Exploration of the hereditary material, DNA, only dates back to the 1800s, and it was only little over half a century ago when the official discovery made to the scientific papers. Decoding the secrets hidden inside this small molecular structure is still in its infancy and will provide innumerable scientific breakthroughs. Adding to the mystery, in the grand scheme of things, the structure, equilibrium, harmony, and order of this universe offer even more complex phenomena that surpass human perception, challenging our intelligence and conscience. This short article is a gift for The Gift (Hibo, newborn), and it will reflect in detail a wonder I continually experienced throughout her gestation which finally just came to an end.
Every living being is potentially endowed with the means to reproduce its own genetic make-up, either solely (as in some non-human creatures) or only with another biologically compatible being. Ever since the creation of Adam, father of humanity (peace be upon Him), life on earth, after the Mighty’s will, has principally being dependent on the continuation and succession of the human race. Without the perfect working of a divine, complex reproductive system, life would have been inarguably extinguished. The science of reproduction, as any other branch of science, is the product of our very own intellectual reflection and appreciation of the perplexing, marvelous interplay of forces underlying the birth of a genotypically-related individual. This very individual willingly or unwillingly later becomes our own successor in life, assuming the role of the administrative deputy and representative on earth.
Even though human reproductive potential exists at birth, for obvious reasons, these remain dormant until around the age of puberty when an influx of hormones begins a complex process of physical and emotional changes. At this critical juncture, ideally driven by values and compatibility, human beings seek to engage in an everlasting contract with a potential life-partner. In the monotheistic world, the pathway and the mechanics of establishing this contract is usually culture-dependent but within the realm of morality. Here we create a family – a house of love whose motto is of union and solidarity. By virtue of this sacred partnership, it is amazing how the new couple tailor to each other (i.e. as a garment fits the body), soon transitioning into a lifestyle of compromise and kindness. Add this to another great gift of marriage, the formation of new mutual relatives (i.e. in-laws), just by default of this union. Aspirations follow. Dreams continue. Ambitions are pursued. Among these is the question: Who will carry the family torch?
In this day and age, usually a missed cycle, or more accurately a positive home test (or doctor’s office), marks the beginning of the honeymoon phase of pregnancy – at least the norm for the majority. Overwhelming feelings of joy and happiness surround the couple, introducing even more harmony and love. Following the tradition of the prophets, this natural excitement is almost always coupled with well wishes in the form of prayers for the incoming newborn; a wish for a successor who will truly represent the predecessors and that of the posterity of eman (faith). From the moment of conception, the different stages and changes of both the female body and the fetus itself is indeed worth contemplating. This continuous process of change during gestation is mind-bogglingly complex. Discussion of the said process is obviously beyond the scope of this article; nevertheless, for the parents-to-be, it is a subject of great design, beauty, order, majesty and mysteries well worth reflection.
Early pregnancy brings physical symptoms such as nausea and vomiting better known as “morning sickness”. Despite the fact that these symptoms might make the pregnant woman more miserable, surprisingly some authorities refer to it as a sign of a healthy pregnancy. In an effort to discern a cause, some studies even postulate this to be a protective mechanism against pathogenic microorganisms. This in-built hypersensitive immunity is in full effect during embryogenesis, the most vulnerable period of pregnancy, after which (by around week 14) symptoms then subside. The first trimester is indeed the beginning of a challenging period when the mother-to-be starts experiencing a continuous spectrum of annoying physical symptoms, the inevitable price of motherhood. A caring, ideal father-to-be is never devoid of his equal share of emotional pain during this tough time. Nevertheless, admittedly, with all these extra burdens, it makes sense that sweet Mom comes in first, second and even third place when it comes to the question of who (mom vs. dad) is most deserving in maintaining good relations with.
As the pregnancy progresses, a whole array of other ailments soon follow, namely acid reflux, lower back pain, urinary frequency, among others, essentially affecting and encompassing the whole body system. The fetus starts to move and kick, grows in width and length, and finally begins to descend in a head-down fashion, the best position for the baby to deliver when true labor sets in. The intensity of the pain of childbirth is variable, mainly depending on nature of the delivery, experience of the mother-to-be, and length of labor. Despite the advance of modern pain management, some would still describe the oxytocin storm (power of the labour hormone) as excruciating and severely painful experience. It made Maryam make a wish for her death during Prophet Issa’s birth (peace be upon Him) when she cried in pain leaning on the trunk of a palm tree. However, these feelings are quickly reversed and replaced with laughter and tears of joy as the new Mother witnesses ten tiny toes! The first cries of the newborn also trigger a sigh of relief from the Obstetrician assuring him of the peaceful delivery of a healthy baby. The new father, covered with goosebumps from the adrenaline rush, is cordially invited to cut the umbilical cord bringing the symbiotic relationship between Mom and her newborn to an end. Congratulations never cease. The statement of faith is whispered into the ears of the newborn, testifying oath of the monotheist doctrine. May Allah bless our parents and our newborns. Aameen.
Dr.Hassan Haji-Abdirahman