Labor and delivery:
1. You don't really see the actual doctor often, it's mostly just you and your nurse. Make sure you like your nurse, you want to feel comfortable with them. (I loved my nurse, Keely!) If you don't feel comfortable with your nurse, consider asking for a new nurse, however, give them a chance, some nurses take some time to warm up to!
2. You can't eat while in labor (besides popsicles and chicken broth), eat before you go in!
3. If you are even considering the epidural, sign the consent form before you're in the heat of labor! By the time I decided I wanted it there was no way I could have signed a piece of paper!
4. Being in labor can make you shake (like full body convulsions), this is totally normal.
5. You might throw up while in labor. It's ok, just let your nurse know you're feeling nauseated, they'll hold a bag for you.
6. Getting an epidural hurts, but it sets in pretty fast.
7. Things won't go exactly as planned. Find peace with that before giving birth and it'll be a lot more enjoyable.
8. You will probably poop while pushing, you probably won't even know it.
9. During pushing, the doctor will probably use a finger to stretch out the hole around the head. This hurts, but it means you're close!
10. Even with an epidural, pushing hurts.
11. The moment they put your baby up on your chest is indescribable.
Postpartum
1. All the stuff in baby crib they use (receiving blankets, burp cloths, diapers, etc.) are free game, take them.
2. Breastfeeding causes menstrual-like cramps.
3. Breastfeeding is hard and is a lot of trouble shooting. You will figure one thing out and a whole new problem will come up.
4. Get a lot of disposable breast pads (the reusable don't work as well), you will leak A LOT once your milk comes in.
5. Personally, I think the recovery is worse than the actual birth. You'll probably be in significant pain for days.
6. I promise the pain will get better (I think I started feeling noticeably better around day 5).
7. If you're in a lot of pain, ask your nurses for stronger pain meds (they can even give you a prescription to take home).
8. Take your stool softener. After your first few bowel movements, continue to take the stool softener.
9. No matter how prepared you feel, there will be a time when you feel like you don't know what you're doing. I promise you and your baby will be ok!
10. Babies smile in their sleep. It is the cutest thing ever.
11. Postpartum depression doesn't necessarily mean you'll feel sad (although it might!). For me I felt apathetic and cried at the drop of a hat. Talk with your spouse about how you feel, it really helps to just acknowledge it!
12. You will probably receive a lot of unsolicited parenting advice. The most gracious response I've come up with so far is "This is what my husband and I have decided is best for our family".
13. Paper plates, bowls, cups, and silverware are a lifesaver when you're at home. Nobody wants to be doing dishes those first few days...
All in all, having a baby is hard, but it is SO worth it!
Babies also laugh/giggle in their sleep
ReplyDeleteSometimes they have nightmare like episodes where they will cry as if they're awake for about a minute sometimes two an then fall back asleep (at least this is what my baby does)