What They Don't Tell You About Labor

Ø  The pain is unexplainable…and there’s a reason. Old moms don’t tell moms-to-be what labor is REALLY like, because we don’t want to scare you! LOL

Ø  Showers really do help with back labor!

Ø  Breathing is key! Slow deep breaths help. Also avoid high pitch screams. Screaming tenses up your muscles, if you must let out noise in pain, try low grunts as you exhale.

Ø  A small number of mommies-to-be actually feel their waters break! I wasn’t one of them L the doctor had to break my water once I was in active labor. IF you have an epidural, you don’t feel it; I can’t speak for nature births however.

Ø  Epidurals are a gift and a curse. Don’t feel bad at all if you make the decision to get one. Science and medicine is much more advanced than it was in the ice age; take advantage of science…and medicine. Downfall…after the epidural you can’t move from the bed and your entire lower region is pretty numb…hey but you don’t feel contractions. Pick your poison! (I will post an entire post on epidurals later)

Ø  After hours of laboring, when you get the OK to push you go into deep “focus mode” and supermommie powers surface!

Ø  You have to be 10cm dilated before you are allowed to push. Active labor is when you are 4-7cm dilated. You can be in early labor for weeks and sometimes months. I found out I was 2cm dilated on Valentine’s day (February 14^th) and didn’t give birth until March 5^th. (I was actually 3cm when I was admitted into the hospital that morning.)

Ø  If you push the “wrong” way…the baby isn’t the only thing that will come out. (Use your imagination)

Ø  Once you are admitted into the hospital, you are not allowed to eat, so labor at home as long as possible. Put a lil something in your tummy if you can because there is no telling how long you will be in labor and you need all your energy for the long day ahead.

Ø  Ice chips really are magical!

Ø  Sex can induce labor…semen softens the cervix and can possibly speed things up a bit, but it depends on the mommie and her body.

Ø  Giving birth is serious! If you are experiencing anything abnormal be sure to alert your health care provider immediately! You don’t want to put yourself or your child(ren) at risk.  

Ø  C-sections are only advised in emergencies due to the serious nature of them. Yes it is considered surgery and you are awake.

Ø  Pitocin is a drug that speeds up labor and contractions.

Ø  Some doctors advise against holding someone’s hand because there have been reports of broken hands in the delivery room. I held on to Derek’s neck! LOL

Ø  It’s is one of the most wonderful, mind boggling, memorable, painful, pleasant, life bringing experience!