I have been thinking about this lately and just read a birth story that reminded me.
With DS#1, I opted not to look with a mirror down there for fear that I would stop pushing all together. After his birth, I kinda felt like I missed out. Something that I only had that one time to see! So this time, I think that I may have to look. What are you doing??
Re: Are you going to "look" while delivering?
This is my siggy. Love it.
Kristen (7), Timothy (5), Robert (3), Charles (9 months)
More Green For Less Green
I looked once and it was very, brutally ugly, so I didn't look again. DH looked once and said my b-hole was just as big as my V and he didn't look again....I think he was traumatized for a bit after that.
ETA: my hospital has mirrors on the ceiling of all birthing suites, so it's up to you whether or not to look
That's exactly what scared me. The vag itself was no big deal, in fact it was kind of cool to see her crowning.
If it's a vag delivery, maybe! It will depend on my mood.
C-section- hell no.
Ditto!
This was exactly what happened for me too. I didn't even know that a mirror was really an option, but it helped so much to see what a correct push looked like and the progress I was making.
I was completely opposed to looking. I was so afraid it would be ugly and gross. In fact, I was thinking I would have DH at the top of the bed where he couldn't see anything just to prevent any weird feelings later. I was really worried it would negatively affect our sex life afterward.
Well, nothing about L&D was as I expected. I swear I'm not corny or crunchy, but I can only use the word "beautiful" to describe it. I did a complete 180 on how I felt about the experience once I was actually in labor. It was peaceful and serene and when my nurse offered the mirror I thought, "Why not?". I was prepared to be shocked, but it wasn't bad at all. I remember thinking that I never wanted to forget that moment because it was the most amazing thing I had ever experienced.
So, my advice is to keep your options open. You may be like me and completely change how you feel.