How to Rock Labor and Delivery
Labor and delivery are a pretty intense culmination of 40ish weeks of baking a baby. And while I wish I had the secret to making it easy, I don't because it’s not meant to be easy. It is a life changing (for the better) event that words can’t describe. But there are ways to make the experience easier on yourself and your significant other, and I think it starts with sharing experiences and knowledge so that in the moment there are fewer surprises. I was massively underprepared for my own first birth, and wasn't aware that, along with the pain, vomiting is also normal (now you know). Vomiting and nausea are my achilles heel, and this really threw my birth plan for a loop. And while I ended up having almost every intervention under the sun to eventually get my stubborn firstborn out, I didn't realize there were choices in what interventions I could have. Here are some things I learned from my first birth experience that I wish I had known before the big day. I hope you can use them to 'rock' your own experience!
Your birth plan is probably not going to align with what actually happens. The baby is coming out however they are able to negotiate themselves thru your pelvis or abdomen, and he or she doesn't care if you wanted to get all zen in the tub. Important parts of the birth plan include knowing what interventions you want for your baby. Vaccinations, vitamins, and circumcision are interventions you should have a decision on prior to birth. The rest, as they say, is up to chance. Baby’s position is a large factor in all of that.
If you don't want an epidural you need a solid plan for pain management. This consists of more than 'women have been doing this for centuries, I can handle it,' which was my philosophy going in to my first birth. That did not cut it in case you were wondering. I would definitely recommend some classes dedicated to strategies for tolerating labor without pain interventions if that is your goal. I think it is also fair to say that you would like to delay pain management for as long as possible, in which case you will also need a pain management strategy while you transition through cervical dilation.
Communication with your partner is so important. The birth giver is the focus of so many classes and coversations (rightfully so), but I think partners sometimes get forgotten in this equation. Your partner has (hopefully) never seen you in this much discomfort/body breaking pain before, and my guess is it's hard to watch. Having a conversation with your birth partner before the main event about your thoughts on how you can do this as a team can help them feel less powerless in the moment. And being very specific on your needs during labor helps you both. Partners can be in charge of ice chips, water, massages (work on technique prior to labor if your significant other thinks stabbing you with pokey fingers is massage, ahem), and keeping family members updated. Partners can also be in charge of asking the nurses how the process is going and what the nurse suggests for helpful positions, things to try, etc. An involved partner has less time to worry and/or surf social media. They will also be able to be a very strong advocate for you and baby, should a need for interventions arise. Your partner is the best person to ask why something is necessary, and what other options are available.
Endurance doesn't suddenly appear during labor. If you think you'd like to try squatting or hands and knees labor positions, practice them. Things that were easy before gaining 25ish (or more!) pounds become harder as your weight increases. Mobility in your hip flexors is helpful in allowing the baby to descend through the pelvis. You should be incorporating stretching into your pregnancy routine starting at least at 20 weeks (although it is never too early or late to start). Did you know 75% of women without epidurals give birth on hands and knees? Get comfy in that position, or know what you need (ball, pillows, etc) to make it doable for you.
Ask questions. Your provider is making decisions to keep everyone safe and healthy, but that doesnt mean you don't have any choices. Whenever given a choice, don't be afraid to ask why your provider recommends something, and what the other options might be. Then you can make a fully informed decision. To the same point, you should be with a provider you trust because there are times when they need to make split second decisions and you should feel confident that they are the best decisions for your situation.
Swedish fish and gummy bears are a clear liquid. Should you decide to go the route of an epidural, labor slows down. You might need a snack, and these are some delicious options.
The time period immediately after birth is full of bonding with baby, tests for mom and baby, and figuring out your newest family member (and how to feed them). My honest to goodness recommendation is that you tell anyone wanting to visit you to wait until you get home. Unless they are coming to watch your baby so you can sleep...But seriously, you just evacuated a watermelon from your uterus, and those little buggers are hungry all the time! I found it easiest to not have guests I was not comfortable breastfeeding in front of. Baby has to undergo some tests as well, and so mom’s sleep will be interrupted with all of this. The hospital is the last place you will have with a significant amount of help. Not having visitors also allows nurses feel free to come in and give you tips on swaddling, help you manage breastfeeding, and try to manage all the tests as best they can to allow you some sleep (childbirth is an intense marathon, you need rest).
Above I mentioned preparing for labor and delivery with classes. I was able to take a Spinning Babies class as a provider prior to my second birth and I found it so helpful in that specific preparation was recommended prior to birth to help baby get in the best position to initiate labor (back labor with my first was a hugely motivating factor to do all of those daily activities!). And positions for all stages of labor were also taught to maximally open the pelvic inlet and outlet based on baby's location. You can find doulas and providers trained in this method if you are interested (I am not affiliated with Spinning Babies and don't receive any financial or other benefit for recommending them, I just truly believe in their mission).
I hope this information is useful, and please let me know if you have any thoughts on other ways to improve the labor and delivery experience!
My hubby after baby two…apparently sleeping on the couch bed was not a restful experience!
After birth it is important to remember you have either had trauma to your pelvic floor or abdominal wall. Remember the principles of RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation)? They are applicable to you now! Except elevation, that’s a little tricky. Below I have detailed the perfect underwear sundae to help with this exact thing: reducing inflammation and pain to allow healing to occur. If you have had a cesarean section, ice over your bandages is all that will be appropriate for your wound care unless your physician directs otherwise. After you read this article, don’t forget to check out Ergonomics for Breastfeeding! You will be doing a lot of feeding (bottle or breast) soon, and it’s important to stay healthy with that as well. Also check out my list of Postpartum Essentials, all tried at true by yours truly!
UNDIE SUNDAE RECIPE
1 pair mesh panties
1 super pad with wings (I recommend having one pack of size 4 for early postpartum, and then pads in gradually decreasing sizes as your postpartum bleeding stops. A size 4 will be adequate for soaking up any water as the ice pack melts here)
1 disposable ice pack, filled and sealed
1 lengthwise squirt of hemorrhoid cream
In a seated position, pull panties to knees. Layer all ingredients in the order listed. Pull those bad boys up and enjoy 2 hours of relief! See image below for more clear instruction.
As an Amazon associate, I may receive a small commission from any purchases made through these links at no extra cost to you. Any proceeds will be used to help offset the cost of this blog, and I never recommend anything I have not used and liked personally!