A reflective journal essay is a type of written work in which the author reflects on personal experiences or observations. The purpose of a reflective journal essay is to examine the author’s thoughts, feelings, and reactions to a particular event, experience, or situation. Reflective journal essays typically include an analysis of the author’s personal growth and development as a result of the experience, as well as any insights or lessons that were learned. Reflective journal essays are often used in academic and professional settings as a way to reflect on learning experiences and to document personal growth and development. They allow to think critically and make connections between personal experiences and new knowledge. Reflective journal essays are usually written in the first person and use descriptive language to create a personal narrative.
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-Sample Assignment-
DESCRIPTION:
Reflective Journal Essay You may (a) consult with your parents about your own birth, (b) interview a new parent about her birth experience, or (c) consider the birth of your own child(ren). Please address the following in your essay: • Was this your first baby? How did you find out you were pregnant? • How did you feel? Were you working? When did you see a doctor? Did you take vitamins? • When did you start feeling the baby? When did you begin wearing maternity clothes? What changes did your body go through? • Did you have any prenatal tests? Did you know of any preexisting conditions? • Did you smoke? Drink alcohol? Drink coffee or tea? Take any drugs? • Did you know the sex of the baby before the birth? Did you have a preference for a boy or a girl? How did you feel when you found out the sex of your baby? • Did you attend any special classes or workshops about childbirth, nursing, etc.? • Describe the events leading up to delivery. Where did the delivery take place? Who was present? Was any medication used? Was the birth experience as you expected it to be? • What was your initial reaction to the newborn? How soon were you able to hold the baby? When did you name the child? If you stayed in a hospital, describe your experience after the birth. • What were the first weeks at home like? What problems did you experience? How was having a baby different than you expected?
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This reflective journal essay will address my experience of giving birth to my first child.
I found out I was pregnant after taking a home pregnancy test. I was overjoyed and excited, but also a bit nervous as it was my first pregnancy. At the time, I was working as a teacher and continued to work until the end of my second trimester. I saw my obstetrician regularly and took prenatal vitamins as prescribed.
As the pregnancy progressed, I began to feel the baby move around 18 weeks into the pregnancy. I started wearing maternity clothes around 20 weeks. My body went through many changes, including weight gain, fatigue, and frequent trips to the bathroom.
I had several prenatal tests, including an ultrasound, which revealed that everything was progressing normally. I did not have any preexisting conditions that would affect the pregnancy. I did not smoke, drink alcohol, or take any drugs during my pregnancy. I did continue to drink coffee and tea in moderation.
I did not find out the sex of the baby before the birth. I did not have a preference for a boy or a girl, but I was excited to find out.
I attended several special classes and workshops on childbirth, nursing, and parenting. These classes helped me to feel more prepared for the delivery and the challenges that would come with having a new baby.
The delivery took place at a hospital, with my husband and my mother present. I did not use any medication during the birth and it was a natural delivery. The birth experience was intense and difficult, but also incredibly rewarding.
My initial reaction to the newborn was one of pure love and awe. I was able to hold the baby soon after delivery and we named him soon after.
The first weeks at home were challenging, as I adjusted to the demands of being a new mother. I experienced problems such as sleep deprivation and difficulty breastfeeding. I found that having a baby was more difficult than I had expected, but also more rewarding than I could have imagined.
