10 Surprises in the Birthing Room

Giving birth to a child is one of the greatest blessings a woman will go through, but that doesn’t mean everything is a bed of roses. Here are some of the things you need to know to make it through to the final glory – that beautiful baby.

1. Oh the Pain! I don’t care what you’ve heard or what videos you have watched, NOTHING can prepare you for the pain of childbirth. Yes, there are breathing exercises and mind games you can play but it still can be more painful than anything you’ve ever imagined.
2. Oh the Anger! Speaking of the pain, you and your husband or whoever will be with you need to talk about the possibility that there will be things said which you would never dream of saying in normal conditions. Plead temporary insanity and try to remember that this whole thing will pass.
3. I think he’s fainted! There is nothing beautiful about the delivery process. I’m sorry, but all that gushy talk about the baby being so beautiful . . . well, the truth is there’s lots of blood and placenta and the screaming. . . you get the picture. Just be prepared for the worst.
4. Why is his head shaped like that? Your darling baby is going to come through a tiny little area. In order for that to happen, the head is developed with a flexible skull which enables the head to make the exit. Don’t worry, the deformity won’t last long. A darling little pink or blue hat will cover it up until everything is restored to it’s normal condition.
5. Hours of labor! I’m really beginning to feel like Eyore here. “Oh dear, I’m afraid it’s going to be a very bad proposition.” The next thing I have to tell you is that more than likely, you’re going to be in labor for a long time. If this is your first baby, it could be 8-24 hrs of contractions AFTER being admitted. Be prepared with card games or music or other forms of entertainment to ease the stress of waiting.
6. An Episi-what? I think one of the most cruel myths about giving birth is that you aren’t a real woman unless you have the baby without any medication or other interventions by the doctor. An episiotomy is the process of slightly cutting the vaginal wall allowing the baby to make his entrance into world easier on you and the baby. Without this, the force of childbirth can actually tear the wall which is a lot more painful and dangerous. If your doctor thinks it is necessary, go with it!
7. Inducing labor is not easier or faster! The women in our family produce large babies. I was induced for both of my children and my daughter was induced for all three of hers. Believe us! Inducing is not the easy way to go. True, you might end the waiting at home and the insecurity of not knowing when the baby will come, but it’s a high price to pay. If there is no medical reason (heavy weight of infant etc) which requires inducement, wait for natural courses to take place.
8. He’s not breathing! Be not alarmed. When a baby first comes into the world, their little nose and lungs and throat are filled with a mucous like substance that has been protecting her while in the womb. The doctor will take measures to remove this fluid and then you’ll hear the cry of life.
9. You will need to sleep! More than likely, you’re going to want to hold that little one all the time or at least keep him close, but you DO NEED TO SLEEP! Taking care of a newborn is extremely taxing. Take advantage of hospital time. (It will pass quickly enough.) You’ll need all your energy once you get home.
10. You need to know: The 10 days following birth are the most crucial time for bonding with your baby. Keep him close, talk to him, take time to be skin on skin, be in the water with him, cuddle with him and sing to him. There’s nothing more important for those 10 days. They will be the best investment you’ll ever make.

Happy birthing!

Taken From Newborn Care