When I was expecting my first baby, I asked anyone and everyone for whatever insights they were willing to share. Here is a summary of the advice I was given on birth, along with other information I learned along the way and wished someone had shared. The reality is … nothing can truly prepare you for birth, because the experience is uniquely yours. But I am certain you will recognize certain bits of your story here. And I am forever grateful to all of the moms who imparted their lessons learned.
Part 1 . Preparing for Birth
Part 2 . Birth
Part 3 . Post Birth and Breastfeeding
Part 4 . Other Baby Tips
Part 2 Birth
I may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post.
I am not paid for these reviews and am simply sharing these products because I love them.
- Bless all of the doctors and nurses and experts that support you during this time. But those same experts have been through many births, and this might be your first. Everything is new to you, but most likely very little will be new to your experts. Depending on their personalities, your experts, while well intended, might come across as pushy. Don’t feel pressured to make an immediate decision unless you are in an emergency situation. Don’t be afraid to ask for a few minutes to discuss with your other alone.
- I asked the nurse for perineal stretching during birth. This helps. They may not do it unless you request it.
- This is quite common now, but the nurses will not bathe the baby immediately after birth, because the “gunk” has protective properties. Typically your baby will be gently dried off, diapered, and handed to you for skin-to-skin contact. This first bonding moment has many benefits for both baby and mama.
- Post birth, your belly will look like a deflated balloon. It’s sort of funny, especially if you happen to see it change as the baby is removed. This goes away.
- After birth, the nurses will offer you ice packs (read: little diapers filled with ice) for your lady parts. Take them. Use them. They help!
- The hospital provides a squirt bottle to rinse after using the restroom (no wiping). Ask for extra so you can place one in each bathroom at home.
- Ask for a SITZ bath to take home. It may help ease the healing process a bit.
- Take advantage of the nurses – they are a wealth of knowledge. The nurses are experts at swaddling – if you see someone you think is particularly good, ask them to teach you.
- Ensure your other learns how to bathe, change a diaper, and swaddle*. Speaking of diapers – enjoy your time at the hospital. The nurses will change diapers for you! And merconium (sticky tar poop of a newborn) is nasty stuff.
Like all of my posts tied to the birthing process, I’ll close with what I believe to be the most important advice. Trust your intuition. Every baby is different. People will constantly give you unsolicited advice. Take what works for you … and to hell with the rest. (Big smile … I do see the humor in this statement.)
*These particular swaddles are our hands down favorite. They are the perfect size for a snug swaddle. They can be tied across your shoulder for a lightweight, breathable breastfeeding cover (I noticed many covers trap heat). They can be secured across your stroller to provide shade or wrapped around your baby for warmth. They can be folded into a burp cloth. There is a tremendous variety of patterns and colors.
