LUKY;
I DON'T KNOW WHETHER IT'S THE SAME WHERE YOU'RE LIVING, BUT I OFTEN SAW POSTERS WARNING PEOPLE NOT TO HAVE BIG FAMILIES.
Perhaps I'm unduly sensitive, but I take exception to posters showing hordes of neglected-looking children and implying they're the victims of parents who lack a sense of responsibility.
Has it occurred to those disseminating the posters that some of us might like to have big families?
Why try and shame us out of that perfectly natural desire?
Old-time picture
When I went for my smallpox injection before going overseas, I saw a large poster on the clinic wall promoting family planning. It showed an old family photograph, taken I suppose some seventy years ago.
To me it looked terribly sweet: father, mother and eight or nine youngsters aged from two to twenty. It was, however, meant to serve as a grim warning.
There was also a photograph of an attractive young couple playing with their children in a playground.
The caption pointed out that they only had two children, not because of God or nature or natural birth control, but because the wife regularly paid a visit to the outpatients clinic of a hospital for her supply of contraceptives.
Sarcasm regretted
I was up in arms at once. As the nurse pulled back my sleeve, I sweetly offered to supply a more recent photo of a large family for her art gallery - my own family. "Maybe you could use that for your awful warning", I suggested.
She smiled uncertainly and I felt instantly ashamed. Sarcasm is the lowest form of wit, after all.
However, my shame was shortlived. Reading a magazine on the plane to my destination, I came across an article entitled "Your child costs R60 000".
I boiled over that article. For goodness' sake, can you work out the worth of your child in rands and cents? If not, why work out its cost?
More than we do
Besides, when I read how the R60 000 was made up, it soon became evident that I spend a lot less than that on my kids; we just didn't earn that kind of money, and there's nothing healthier for a child than to have to do without certain things in life, provided he receives the necessities and a lot of love.
But I can see how a struggling young couple could be frightened silly reading that article. No wonder contraception plays such a large role in people's lives.
It's your decision
So do I feel everyone should have a large family? On the contrary. Just as the boat was missed with sterilisation programmes, so would anyone who veered the other way. The ultimate decision as to the size of a family rests with the parents concerned.
Moreover, health authorities, an intelligent mother or an understanding doctor should be the people to approach for advice on one's family planning.
But why can't natural ways of family planning be offered like the Billings method, instead of merely supplying contraceptives paid for by the taxpayer's money?
There are thousands of single or widowed people leading celibate lives, no matter what the media tell you to the contrary. Are married couples deemed incapable of making a sacrifice?
Catherine Nicolette
Having grown up in a large family, I can attest to the distinct benefit thereof.
There is always at least one of your siblings who will talk to you; it is possible to fall out with five siblings.
The full six I never yet managed.
Family Reunion
My cousin who is an inveterate party thrower had a family get together last year.
The family count was as follows; Auntie Elly and Uncle Johnny had five children.
Uncle Josje and Auntie Bren had five.
Uncle Roks and Auntie Mieks had three children, while we Whittles number seven [six on earth, one in heaven].
Add to the party number the in-laws and fiancées and the get together [with the addition of many grandchildren] was a hectic event.
There were people everywhere. I kid you not.
It was the best night ever.
We celebrated with adult relatives whom we have known from the moment of the exciting news of their impending arrival, the nine months of which were counted until the great event occurred.
That is a bond like no other.
Truly a reunion to remember.
Joyous Event
I thus have openhearted acceptance of big families.
The introduction of a new baby to our community is a joyous blessing.
Notwithstanding this optimistic viewpoint, many find themselves unable to support large families today due to the constraints of a stretched economic climate.
Spacing children evenly according to economic ability is a responsible attitude.
Contraception
I am somewhat hesitant, however, about forms of contraception which can reportedly prove injurious to the woman.
Birth control pills can reportedly have side effects such as blood clots, heart attack, high blood pressure and stroke. [1]
The risk is held to be low, but it is tragic when a nineteen year old has a stroke and can only speak with the left side of her mouth while her right arm and legs flop uselessly at her side.
Depo Provera may reportedly result in loss of significant bone mineral density, increasing the risk of osteoporosis. [2]
Depo-Provera may allegedly also have an abortifacient effect [prevention of the implantation of an already conceived child]. [3]
The Mirena Coil reportedly has the risk of Organ Perforation, where the device perforates or penetrates the organ's walls. [4]
Natural Family Planning
So what is the answer? Responsible spacing of children is essential for a struggling couple, so they may have peace of mind.
Then when their personal bundle of joy comes along, they will know they can care for the little one.
Natural methods of responsible family planning can be used.
These methods are reportedly chemical free and internal device free..
More information can be found at the link below. [5] & [6]
Ovulation Home Tests can prove helpful. [7]
The Billings Method has been used by many. [8]
So if you want to space your family, why not consider the natural options?
Your health is your wealth ...
[1] Medline Plus; Birth Control Pills - Overview, Alleged News
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/007460.htm
[2] Web MD; Birth Control and Depo-Provera, Alleged News
http://www.webmd.com/sex/birth-control/birth-control-depo-provera
[3] Depo-Provera - Human Life International - Alleged News
www.hli.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/PLTP-Depro-Provera-Inject... · PDF file
[4] Mirena IUD Organ Perforation, Alleged News
http://www.drugdangers.com/mirena/organ-perforation.htm
[5] FPA; Natural Family Planning, Alleged News
http://www.fpa.org.uk/contraception-help/natural-family-planning
[6] Fertility Awareness; Natural Family Planning (NFP), Alleged News
http://americanpregnancy.org/preventing-pregnancy/natural-family-planning/
[7] Medline Plus; Ovulation Home Tests, Alleged News
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/007062.htm
[8] Billings Method, Alleged News
http://www.thebillingsovulationmethod.org/
With thanks to Nlm.nih.gov/ WebMD/ Hli.org/ Drugdangers.com/ Fpa.org.uk/ Americanpregnancy.org/ thebillingsovulation ethod.org
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