What are some things you wish you knew during labor and after giving birth?

Question

What are some things you didn't know about labor and birth and after birth and all that, that you wish people warned you about? Idk im due in April and am actually frightened because I don't know what to expect. Natural birth and C-section! I sometimes feel overwhelmed because there's no handbook on how to do this stuff

Answer

Modesty is gone, there is a chance you may vomit during labor. If forceps are used you'll be bruised and recovery is the worst... My advise is to stock up on ice pack pads. They have  been a life saver!!!

Answer

The emotional wreck I was after getting home with my new baby. All I did was cry and not for any actual reason.

Answer

I wasn't aware that some women shiver after delivery. I wasn't cold. A warm blanket helped it go away, but I was totally unprepared for it.

Answer

This is gross but no one warned me how much I'd bleed after the birth (I know it seems so obvious now) but because I had a water birth, not long after I was sent to shower, and how could I possibly wash and get clean with all this blood running down my legs?! Next time, I will take Bikini bottoms, take a big sanitary pad and wear that as I shower so that I actually feel and get clean!!!

Answer

If you have end up tearing/getting cut down there, stitches are required and going to the bathroom is hard. You have to make sure you clean yourself. They will give you what you need! Make sure you understand it before leaving because infections are deadly. Remember, all modesty goes out the window. Good luck!

Answer

That a c section might be necessary even if you have a low risk pregnancy. I never thought I would have one so I didn't prepare for it and I wish I had.

Answer

The pp bleeding was the worst for me.... Was not expecting it to be that bad. The first 2 days i was soaking a pad every hour

Answer

I'm following this! Due in 2/2016...

Answer

The recovery was worse than anything I imagined

What are some things you wish you knew during labor and after giving birth?

The Top Baby Tracker App: Embrace New Beginnings with Tender Care

The Top Fertility Tracker App: Your Path to Achieving Pregnancy

The Top Pregnancy App: Nurturing Your Journey to Motherhood

The Top Period Tracker for Empowering Your Menstrual Health Journey