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I am not pregnant.
Let’s just begin with that disclaimer because I do not want to start any rumors.
But I have been. And I’ve given birth. So I’m pretty much an expert. Humor me.
Last week a close friend of mine delivered a bundle of joy. I’ve been thinking a lot about her lately and how fearful she was regarding the big moment. Just like many of us (or all of us) when you’re pregnant with your first child there are a lot of unknowns. And people aren’t afraid to tell you things that can be downright scary. Thanks for that. Really.
My friend was told that after delivering her baby she wouldn’t be able to poop for two weeks and would be in an enormous amount of pain as a result. Eew. And no. I’m sure that’s the case for some but come on, people. Know your audience. Please. Why dump all your bad experiences on someone who is already nervous and seeking your counsel? The baby is coming. She can’t avoid giving birth to said baby. Don’t pile on with your drama and make things worse.
So the truth is that labor and delivery is hard. For me, it was only really painful during an hour or so. Yes, it was the kind of pain that you can’t even fathom surviving but you know what? I did survive it. When I look back on the day my little boy was born I consider it the absolute best day of my entire life. Do I remember the pain? Sure. Do I remember the rude nurse who talked to everyone else in the room and never me? Yep. Do I remember that the doctor arrived in his {insert college sports team because I can’t remember what it was} game day attire and proceeded to talk at length about the big game while I had contractions? Uh-huh.
Would I do it all again? Abso-freakin-lutely.
Moms-to-be DO want information. I know I spent quite a bit of time online while pregnant and pestering my friends for details of their own labor and delivery. Here are some tips that proved helpful for me.They’re not unnecessarily terrifying and they’re 100% true.
I've never had any kids, but I LOVE this post! I am honestly so tired of hearing people talk about labor and ther birth stories like it was the worst thing ever. I mean – for some people, it was really bad. But I'm so glad you've chosen to focus on the positive and the not-really-disgusting details.
I think a lot of people will really appreciate this!
Ah! Thank you! Thank you! I am expecting my first, and wasn't worried or nervous at all about delivery. I knew it would be hard. Knew it would be painful. But knew it would be worth it. BUT then everyone wants to share the most terrifying stories, and worst case scenarios, and now that I'm 11 weeks away from it, I could pee my pants in fear. But even just reading your practical things (especially the wasting time worrying, because I am sadly great at that) offers encouragement. Thank you! I look forward to reading along.
This is great! During my first pregnancy, I remember these (funny now, not so funny then) moments where moms would corner me and frighten me to tears with their horror delivery stories. So true about the doctors discussing lunch! Ha! That happened to me! Oh and you better believe I got my hair done the day before I knew I was going to be induced and I got a mani and pedi! LOL Love this list!
Thanks so much, Melissa! That's so nice to hear. And, yes, I know sometimes it can be awful but I feel like that's all we really hear about. It couldn't hurt to know that this isn't the case for everyone!
Congratulations! Only 11 weeks to go! How wonderful! Being a Mom is amazing and I really truly mean it when I say that the day I gave birth was the best day of my life. And know that I say that as someone who is a total prude so I had tons of fears too! Ha. No really. I hope your experience is just as lovely!
Thank you, Lydia! I got a mani/pedi too! I figured it was going to be my last shot at some free girly time for a while… and it was. 😉
Sooooo TRUE!!!! And if I can reiterate…be willing to change your plan. I've had two babies and they were VERY different. Neither went according to plan. Go with the flow. Modify. Accept whatever is thrown your way. Because in the end, you get that wonderful, gushy, mushy baby-perfection. Nothing else matters in the end. Nothing.
100% agree, pretty girl!
Oh gosh, all babies have a mind of their own indeed! I have 4 children and no delivery was the same. While I believe in plans, I think it's best to be flexible to prevent meltdowns and disapointment 🙂 Great post! Visiting from http://www.christcenteredhomemag.com
Love this! It's funny being pregnant with the second. The whole birth process is the furthest thing from my mind. It could be that my experience was so easy peasy and my birth plan was just “have a baby”, which I highly recommend!