Just finished the book “The broken cord”, taking about a father’s journey to realize, deal with and advocate for fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) or effect (FAE).
Michael Dorris is the author who adopted an American Indian boy Adam who had FAS. As a single father, he experienced Adam’s unexplained signs and symptoms. He had been looking very hard for a diagnosis of FAS. It is not difficult to understand the occurrence of FAS when considering the life and cultural features Adam’s genetic parents experienced. Both Adam’s biological parents were American Indians in which community drinking is one of the most prominent characteristics in the culture. If one, as a guest, turns down drinking offered by the host, it is “tantamount to a slap on his face.” Women don’t stop drinking nor at least limit the amount during pregnancy. When extra alcohol can’t be metabolized by mom’s liver, it transfers through placenta and gets into the amniotic fluid. Babies are literally bathing in alcohol as a consequence. The toxicity of alcohol will lead to a number of problems such as specific facial features, seizures and mental retardation. Michael, Adam’s father, struggled to teach Adam things essential for him to lead a basic life. Luckily, with the help of his wife, Michael and Adam managed FAS fairly well and Adam did his job well.
I never learned the culture among American Indians. What’s worst is women abuse alcohol even when carrying their babies. More babies with FAS or FAE in American Indian population than in other ethnic groups. It is a long term cultural effects. Michael Dorris made effects to help American Indians realize the negative effects of drinking, especially during pregnancy. This book was first published in 1990s. We unfortunately still don’t have a guideline to advise people the safe amount of alcohol before or during pregnancy until now. I hope American Indians as well as people with other ethnicity choose to be abstemious especially when making a baby.
