Do other kids get their breath back?

But really, who could blame him? After 10 days of a cold, suddenly late last Thursday night, every breath seemed like he was getting hit in the stomach followed by the sound a sick baby whale. When he started throwing up, we took him to the closest hospital where they gave him mysterious vapors (no time for translation) and a suppository (in the 15 seconds I was retrieving Bear Bear).

With his abdomen still contracting into a ball every time he breathed, they admitted him. We stayed the day and night. On the heels of sleepless nights, we had to take turns listening to nurses and doctors as it was hard to focus on anything but Max. We finally learned he had an infection and probably an allergic reaction. With an IV in his wrist, we played a couple of awkward games of chase the wheezing child with the giant metal apparatus attached to him.

Was it awful? Yes. But every half hour they eased his discomfort with something not found in our medicine cabinet. We had a private room with a sofa, Baby TV and salmon for dinner. A physical therapist came in a few times to stimulate coughing with percussive thumping and massage. And I had free wake-up taps through the night to prompt me to hold the oxygen or vapors over his mouth. By morning, he was cleared to go home.

Rest insured
Insurance is nice. The peace of mind that comes with knowing your family and child are covered is enormous. This week I submitted hospital receipts and doctor bills to my employer-based insurance company, which should reimburse 80 percent of the costs.

But for the millions of people without insurance; how do their kids get their breath back? Up to 50 percent of the labor force has no contract, and thus no health coverage through work. According to a 2006 World Health Organization (WHO) report, as much as a third of the population had no health insurance coverage at all. Under the new public health scheme, patients pay up to 50 percent of their own medical bills. So another family in our position making less than we do would have paid a small fortune to ease their child’s breathing. If asked to, they would give away their house. Believe me.

For free vaccines and immunizations, we take him to a public clinic across the street from our building. They are in the business of preventative care, something the new health reform law has already begun removing from the state system in favor of privatized family medicine. And the government has begun shutting down clinics like these that provide free and low cost treatments.

For some good news with unknown implications... last year the Istanbul Municipality began providing free care to women and children through health clinics that include free breast and uterine cancer screenings and gynecological services. I called the hotline to see what they offer a foreigner mother. Any woman or child is welcome in the 40+ centers around the city: All that is required is a passport or Turkish ID. They also provide consultation services, monthly check-ups during pregnancy and monitoring children’s health and development from ages 0-6. Call "153" to find a clinic near you.