For almost nine months, you've have a big belly, swollen ankles and exausthion. You're ready to hold your tiny newborn in your arms and look down at them. But before you can do that, you go through labor and delivery. Mothers and expecting parents might have their own, unique birthing plan, but there are a couple important tips that really can apply to everyone.
As a new mom, you are probably frightened by the process of delivering your baby. The fear and anxiety you feel is normal, but it's not a bad idea to inform yourself a little more about labor processes so you can feel relaxed when the time comes. Many women decide to give birth at the hospital as they provide you with good doctors and access to medical equipment and modern medicine. It can also be hectic entering a hospital environment. Here are a few things to keep in mind to make the process less daunting.
1. Keep calm and don’t feel rushed.
It is one of the most important days of your life, your contractions have begun and it seems as though nobody at the hospital pays any attention to you. Don't start panicking just yet, because doctors, nurses and other hospital staff see this every day. If they're not rushing things, neither should you. Just try to relax and wait for the labor to actually begin.
2. Prepare to feel exposed.
You should mentally prepare yourself to being completely exposed to more than one person. You may think it's natural that your lady parts will be visible and vulnerable, but that is not the only thing to consider. Urinating and defecating during labor is completely natural. You will basically be using the whole lower body to push, and not being able to control what comes out is inevitable.
3. Decide beforehand how you will handle the pain.
Many women choose to have an epidural. Obstetrician Dr. Sheryl Ross explains that epidurals relieve you from pain but you still have feeling to help you push. Some women like to have a complete labor experience, including all the pain. If this is your choice, make sure to practice natural pain management techniques before you go into labor.
4. Understand the medical procedures.
Dr. Ross also explains that women in labor will get an intravenous line (IV). Just the fact that you are not able to eat or drink during labor justifies the presence of the IV, but there are some other reasons. Often, women giving birth will vomit, or they their blood pressure becomes lowered making hydration crucial.
