Tips for first time laboring?

Question

So, I’ve now passed the halfway point in my pregnancy and I’ve started to think a lot about the labor and delivery process. I know it’s an incredibly unique and individual process that’s can’t be the same for every person. 
That being said, what are some things that helped you? What are questions I need to ask my ob that I may not think of? I don’t even know where to start.

Answer

I would recommend listening to some hypnobirthing, take things to the hospital from home that you know will relax you and make you feel less like you’re in an hospital. I bought my own labor and delivery gown off amazon, I’m bringing a small essential oil diffuser with lavender, I got wireless earphones so I can continue listening to hypnobirthing during labor, make a birth plan and discuss with your OB. I want the lights dimmed during labor and delivery, only essential staff during labor and delivery with minimal interruptions. Know whether you want to delay cord clamping/cutting - I am doing delayed until it stops pulsating. Lastly remember that you are NOT sick, pregnancy is natural and our bodies were designed for it. I think when we choose to give birth in a hospital we sometimes forget that.

Answer

Embracing the pain of contractions but redirecting my thoughts to positive thinking helped me get through them. 
Instead of focusing on how bad they hurt and the discomfort I was in, I breathed through them and thought about how each one helps bring my little one down and is temporary.

Answer

it fucking hurts. it’s no joke. i was in labor for 4 days. don’t listen to people trying to get you to do this or that. you know your body. you don’t have to get an epidural, there’s other stuff. i got one and it just made me shiver like i was cold. some people will tell you crazy shit. if you decide against it remember people have been having babies since the beginning of time without epidurals and pain meds. when you think about our existence they have only been around for such a short time.

Answer

I loved labouring at home. Much more relaxing, I put Netflix on. I liked doing it alone as well until I couldn't take it anymore.

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I watched so many YouTube videos of birth vlogs and found some online birthing "classes". I felt very prepared going into it and I researched so many kinds of births and prepared for a c-section as well just in case. I ended up being induced at 41 weeks. The contractions were so horrible that I finally got an epidural. I must say, I'm very thankful for modern medicine and how quickly I was able to get relief after that. My baby was born an hour after getting the epidural because I was finally able to completely relax and allow my body to do its thing without pain and frustration.

Answer

Honestly what helped me was remembering that for every single person on this planet, someone went through labor to birth them. I figured if all these other moms could do it 7 billion+ times, I could do it too. It helped me keep things in perspective and not take things too seriously.

Answer

Take a class! They should be offered at the hospital you go to, it ask around. I’m soooo happy we went! Even with all the advice from our family/friends it was very helpful. 
But controlling your breathing was also huge for me, as well as keeping as calm as I could. Through the pain you need to trust the doctor and nurses and focus on breathing, and the next steps. Whether that be pushing, or adjusting, or just getting through the next contraction.
Also, I got an epidural :) helped me rest and gear up for delivery. I had a 15 hour labor so I’m not one bit sorry I got an epidural. 
Good luck! Try not to over think it or stress to much. It’ll be what it’ll be :) your body can do amazing things!! Good luck momma!

Answer

I like to labor alone. I stayed at home for as long as I could. Unfortunately that caused us to not make it to the hospital. But figure out what you prefer when you’re in pain, and make a “wish list” for what you will need or want. Then take it from there! Best wishes! I loved both of my labors so much and I pray the same for you!

Answer

Breathing helped😂 sounds odd but the whole way through I just focused on breathing didn’t need any pain relief but I did have my vagina numbed when she was coming out as i wouldn’t push through the pain! I loved labour tho! Go with the flow no one gets a medal for no pain relief! Keep as active as possible if you can! I wasn’t aloud to move off my back as soon as they sat me up half a head was out😂🤦🏼‍♀️ went from 6cms to that in seconds!

Answer

Just be open to things being completely different than you imagined in your head. Listen to your body and try different laboring positions that the nurses might suggest to you.

Tips for first time laboring?

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