Labor and delivery

Just some FYI’s for some of my soon to be moms. Especially my first time moms! I was totally blind when I had my first child. And I honestly wish I would have done more research. Here are some things I did not know until after the fact.

First of all, I don’t want anyone to think I’m bashing or shaming csections or medical intervention because that is not my intentions! Sometimes a csection cannot be prevented and if that’s the case, you are not any less of a mother! It just happens. However you decide to give birth, csection or vaginally YOU ARE AMAZING!

- 9 times out of 10 your body will not grow a baby it cannot birth. Even a 99 pound women is capable of delivering a 12 pound baby (most of the time)

-Ultrasound growth scans are not accurate (most of the time) If your doctor opts for a csection because of a growth scan, you can tell them NO.

-Laying down while laboring can cause your baby to get stuck. If your in labor and you have an epidural you can still birth in a different position. Speak up and get help to move in a different position. We were not meant to give birth lying down.

-Eating in labor helps! We need that energy to get through it. The information for not eating during labor is totally outdated. Eating in labor can also cause your labor to be a bit shorter.

-cervix checks especially before your in labor are not a necessity and you can say no

-a vaginal delivery does not ruin your lady parts and the extra stitch AKA the husband stitch shouldn’t even be a thing.

-If at all possible, once your baby is born do skin to skin. Also try to delay a bath for baby for atleast 8 hours after birth. Leave the vernix on your baby (just look up all the positives effects)

Here are some more things to do your research on to decide if it’s right for you and your baby.

Pitocin for if your water breaks or if you are induced. Strep B positive antibiotics (sometimes it is not necessary even if your strep B positive)

Vitamin k shot and eye ointment (research why they are needed and if they are right for your baby )

-Last but not least, you can say no! Your doctor is there for you and working for you as a patient. Sometimes your doctor has your best interest but a lot of times that is not the case. Keep in mind that In some cases they want you to deliver on their time and doctors get paid about 15% more for a csection then they do vaginal delivery. Whatever you decide to do, it is your labor! It’s your body and your baby. You will remember it forever but your doctor will not.

Please do your research when it comes to giving birth!