I was lucky and had a great experience with an epidural, I was surprised at how easy my first delivery was (I realize my experience isn’t everyone’s, I feel very fortunate to have had a great delivery experience).
What surprised me came afterwards. I was GBS+ and received antibiotics/IV fluids during labor, I was so puffy/swollen afterwards for a long time, 1-2 weeks. Also my OB said that passing large clots would be normal and not to be concerned unless they were larger than a golf ball. Let’s just say I’m glad she warned me.
- going into labor - I always worried I wouldn’t know the difference between Braxton Hicks contractions and ‘real’ contractions. Everyone would say “oh don’t worry, you’ll know!” They were right. You WILL KNOW! - the drive to the hospital was much more relaxed than I thought it would be. - i didn’t realize how annoying water breaking would be. Mine didn’t gush in one shot. It was mini gushes for hours! That was almost worse.
- the laboring process the amount of blood beforehand. I kept asking if it was normal! It is so don’t worry! - the difference in strength between regular contractions and pitocin induced contractions. Hold off if you can on pitocin. It’s a whole other ballgame. - how NOT scared I was during the epidural. You are in so much pain, the thought of a needle in your back is preferable if you know the pain will stop shortly thereafter.
- the delivery itself - I ended up needing a cesarean. The doctors, anesthesiologist and nurses were so calm and prepared. It wasn’t an emergency which I’m sure made all the difference but everyone was just so excited for us and were taking bets on if it was a girl or boy (we were team green!) it made the whole process almost fun in a way.
- recovery - the difficulty recovering from a csection. So many people get them and I didn’t realize how major a surgery it really is. I was completely naive. - the blood clots the day after delivery. - how weepy I was! I kept my emotions in check throughout the entire pregnancy but hormones are no joke afterwards.
- going into labor (or the process of induction or scheduled csection) The induction process wasn't that bad. Although the night before after I was given cervidil I was in horrible pain it was such a relief to get the epi in the morning - the laboring process Didn't seem to bad with the epi I wasn't feeling anything and I progressed quite well. The epi was slowly wearing off by the time I was ready to push and even that pain wasn't bad but I feel it helped with the pushing because I could tell how I was progressing through the pushing. Also I relaxed a little to well after the epi so I had to have oxygen through most of the process and during pushing. - the delivery itself They are not lying when they say your emotions will come flooding out of you. It's like as soon as she was out I got hit with so many different feelings relief, happiness, tired, hungry I couldn't stop crying. It was a very surreal moment. - recovery I had a 2nd degree tear so I had to have stitches. Didn't really feel any of that pain until after the epi completely wore off. It hurt going from a standing to sitting and sitting to standing position. So I was pretty slow moving plus it helped to be slow moving because when I walked to fast I felt light headed from all the bleeding. It took a couple of weeks to start to feel back to normal.
Ha, I feel like the entire process was a surprise (and I even took a birthing class!), but here's what stands out:
Labor: Yes, when true labor hits its unmistakable. But what surprised me was that it took me FOREVER to figure out if it was true labor. I kept thinking it was really bad diarrhea pains, which sounds ridiculous but it's true. I ran around cleaning up the house for a while, thinking there might be a chance this was it. Then an hour or so later, YUP, no doubt it was hospital time. Delivery: I was shocked that things could go wrong. I had only prepared for one type of birth, so when I got there and the OB immediately made the call for a c-section, I kind of didn't believe him. I kept thinking things would turn around and I wouldn't need one after all. Even being wheeled to the OR I was thinking it wasn't really happening. So crazy.
- For my second delivery, which was an induction, I was surprised to learn that epidurals could fail. I guess I had heard stories of it before, but I never thought it would ACTUALLY happen. But it did.
- Most importantly: I was surprised that c-sections can be just as beautiful and emotional as a traditional birth. They are both memories I will carry with me forever and I don't feel for one second that I was robbed of anything by having a c-section.
Recovery: Thereare SO MANY people coming in and out of your room the first night or nights, especially if you have a c-section. Nurses barging in at all hours, doctors making their rounds, techs coming in to change your sheets. It's crazy!
- you bleed for days. DAYS. Even longer if you have a vaginal delivery.
- going into labor (or the process of induction or scheduled csection): Contractions don't follow the rules! Mine didn't follow that nice pattern they tell you to watch for.
- the laboring process: - I threw up on my nurse. I definitely wasn't expecting that to happen. - @btm013 +1 to the epidural not being scary! I got mine at 7cm and they could have put that needle just about anywhere they wanted and I don't think I would have cared. My epidural only really worked on the one side. I was surprised that the epidural didn't take away all the pain, it just made my contractions feel like they did a few hours earlier. - it went fairly fast for me. Only about 12 hours from when we got to the hospital and he was born
- the delivery itself - This was the easy part! I had zero self-consciousness about the dozen people who were in the room seeing my lady bits. - @btm013 we were team green too and the nurses and doctors made bets! There was only one person who said he was a boy
- recovery - This is the part I was the least prepared for. I did not expect to feel so terrible. I could barely walk for like a week, everyone was teasing me that I looked like a cowboy. I felt like I got shot by a cannonball in the crotch haha. Granted, DS had a 99%tile head so I don't know what all this bs about "shoulders being the hardest part" is. I didn't do steps for 2 weeks. - The contractions when you breastfeed are no joke. - I didn't stop bleeding for 6+ weeks, and didn't feel recovered until around 8 weeks.
Any tips for getting through any of the above surprises? - Make freezer meals. I did not do this and it's one thing that I am planning on doing this time to make recovery easier - Take some of those heating pads, mesh undies, and the freezer pack pads home. The hospital also gave me numbing spray and witch hazel wipe things that were great. - Remember lots of people do this more than once so eventually you'll forget all the bad stuff!
labor: I got into premature labor at 34 weeks. I stated having BH around 23 weeks from irritable uterus but that night it felt different so I went in to get check and I was 2cm dilated and 70% effaced. They gave me the shot for the lungs and were able to stop the labor. I got sent home on partial bed rest and was getting bi-weekly appointment from that point. When I went to my 37 weeks appointment they directly sent me to the hospital. I wasn't mentally ready to have a baby that day. moral of the story, follow your instincts and have your bag ready early and in the car!!
delivery: I ended up with an emergency csection and it went so fast that I didn't really had time to realize what was happening. The only regret I have is that I got morphine 1h before things went bad so I was a little bit out of it, but it might have been a good thing because I didn't really panic or anything. My biggest surprise was how much I ended up shaking. I thought I was having a seizure . I was worried they were gonna sew me back all wrong with the shaking
recovery: i was surprised how easy csection recovery was. Don't get me wrong it still hurts but I was going up and down the stairs the day we got home, and was back to my normal activities pretty much right away. I had friends with bad tear that recovered for way longer than I did. Best advice, stay on top of your pain meds, don't play super woman even if you feel good! Also the freaking bleeding. That was annoying. It lasted for weeks, than would taper off for a day and then bam back at it again!
First labor was long, at about 18 hours. I tried IV pain meds, but that did nothing to touch the pain so I used some breathing techniques to help, but ultimately went the epi route. I ended up pushing for about 15 minutes and luckily the doc caught her because she just flew right out! I was sore from the tear and stitching, but it wasn't that bad of a recovery.
Second labor was QUICK. 2 hours, contractions coming every minute, lasting a full minute. There was simply no breathing through these....I just moaned and cried until I FINALLY got an epidural, but I was literally 10cm and ready to push at that point. The only reason I got the epi was because I had group beta strep and they needed to allow me to get the antibiotics through the IV before delivering, so I got a 45 minute rest period before pushing 3 times and delivering. I also tore the second time and was sore, but recovery was easy.
No clue what the third time holds for me.....I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous.
Me: 32 DH: 38 || Married 9.2008 || DD born 12.2009 || DD born 10.2012 || DD #3 due 4.2018
- going into labor I was just on a 24 hr observation at the hospital and my water broke. That's one thing I had no clue about...like someone else said, it came out in gushes for a while. Definitely annoying! All I had that day was Braxton Hicks. No actual contractions, which makes me nervous about this time around because I don't actually know what "going into labor" feels like.
- the laboring process I was surprised how long it was taking. I had a painful, 30 hr labor. I was on oxytocin and I was hurting forever until they gave me an epidural, which had to be overriden 2-3x.
I never got to walk around like most people do. I was in a bed the entire time.
- recovery I did not expect to get hemorrhoids, but I guess 4 hours of pushing will do that. 2nd degree tear with stitches. What surprised me was that my V didn't hurt and I never felt the stitches. It was my bum that bothered me alllllll the time!
Swelling worse than pregnancy for a week.
People coming and pushing on your already bruised stomach every night...very painful to me.
Bleeding for 5 weeks, got a half week off and got my first PP period, which are pretty heavy the first few times.
I don't know how people go for walks etc, I was basically in a wheelchair for a week after bc it hurt too much to walk or even be in a car.
I was actually surprised to learn that quite a large number of people don't have their water break on their own. Mine did in the middle of the night.
Also, I was surprised that the epidural helped me to not feel any contractions, but I did feel all the pushing. I thought the epidural was supposed to eliminate both of those!
Other than that, labor was pretty much what I expected.
Lots of great answers, and I don't have a ton to add.
-definitely agree that although I was so worried about the epidural beforehand, I could have cared less when I was getting it each three times.
-I went into labor once on my own and was induced the other two times. Honestly, getting induced was much harder (even though my inductions went smoothly) just because there's so much worry and anxiety leading up to it; going into labor on your own there's really no chance to feel much worry and anxiety because you are too busy feeling all the feels of labor.
-when I hit about 6 or 7 CM each time I gave birth, I started shaking uncontrollably- like teeth chattering, etc. I know now it's my body dealing with transition but my first labor the nurses were afraid I was spiking a fever/had an infection. Totally normal for me.
-my second baby there was an area where the cord narrowed so my doctor couldn't use the cord to remove the placenta and had to remove it manually. I had no idea this was even possibly a thing, but thank goodness I had an epidural because even with one it wasn't like
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I was going to comment on the other labor thread but if you are petite your contractions may read stronger than they are. If this happens, they stick a monitor up your vagina into your uterus. It was pretty uncomfortable and just strange. I was the 10% whose water broke without being in active labor, so I had to get pitocin. You may throw up during labor ( it was the only time I threw up in my first pregnancy).
You ladies covered a lot of what I was surprised by, just wanted to add a couple:
-The uncontrollable shaking after the epidural! It was like intense, all over body shivers but I didn't feel cold. The nurses did give me some warm blankets which helped a ton.
-When it was time to push, I knew immediately. The urge to push was extremely strong and I felt a sense of relief while pushing. It felt good.
-I was totally unprepared for how painful engorged breasts would be. I did not breastfeed with my first and the pain from my breasts was awful.
@rklinge0 I was in the same boat. Water broke, but not in active labor. My labor stalled out and I had to have pitocin as well.
This is exactly why I cringe at the posts in the birth plan thread when people emphatically say "no pitocin!!" Because no shit. Nobody goes into labor hoping for pitocin. OB's don't just administer that without solid reason -- like, labor has stalled or you're being induced. It's saved for necessary situations.
- going into labor (or the process of induction or scheduled csection) What everyone else said about knowing when it was labor. The contractions felt much different to me. And I had had weeks of braxton hicks before the real deal.
- the laboring process I also had a great experience with my epidural (though when I went into labor I didn't want one). I'll probably go for another one this time. I got lucky in that I could still move my legs and I had a hot spot so I could feel some pain with my contractions and push well. I was actually surprised that I had some discomfort with the insertion; I wasn't expecting that. But it was NOTHING compared to labor pains.
- the delivery itself I realized there's a big difference between coaching someone to push and actually pushing. My doula gave me this excellent advice (which won't make since until you're pushing) "Act like you're trying to push her out with your diaphragm." I know that makes no sense to the FTMs but it was a really helpful visual when I was pushing. I only pushed for 30 minutes; so I wasn't too exhausted by the end.
- recovery I had no idea how exhausted I was; I was barely functioning the first few days. I was trying to do it all myself until I basically broke down sobbing. I started asking for help after that. When people offer to help, and they're not people that you mind having in your house, TAKE THEM UP ON IT. My sister stayed with me and would literally feed me while I was nursing the baby to make sure I was eating and drinking enough because I was so tired I was forgetting to eat. If someone asks what they can do to help, it doesn't have to deal with the baby, ask them to load/unload the dishwasher, start laundry, pick up groceries, make you a sandwich. People are asking because they care for you and want to help.
Me: 35, Hubbie: 33 Married DH: 2013 DD: Dec 2015 BFP 8/14/17 --> Due 4/27/2018
- going into labor (or the process of induction or scheduled csection) definitely knew when labor was real, but surprised at how long it took to really get going. - the laboring process -once my water broke I broke down and asked for the epidural around 7cm. I was most surprised that whatever drink they gave me prior to them sticking me in the back made me throw up immediately -that I still felt most of my contractions following the epi except of course when I went to push-I couldn't even feel my legs at that point but I had a sore arm from gripping the rail of the bed to work through contractions even after the epi leading up to pushing
- the delivery itself --how long two doctors could stay down under following the baby coming out to stitch me up (it seriously felt like an hour) - recovery -how much blood came out post delivery -how long I bled the following 6+ weeks (i think I finally stopped completely around 7-8 weeks post) -how long each poop took post delivery, I swear I sat on the toilet just hoping not to rip anything open for an hour just to get a poop out
- going into labor (or the process of induction or scheduled csection) DS (CS) - +1 for having my water break without active labor. DD (VBAC) - That labor could be a gradual thing that built at a manageable pace. That back labor is horrific and the worst place to be is on your back or sitting in a damn wheelchair. - the laboring process DS (CS) - That I would throw up during labor. How fast pitocin made me go from zero labor to puking. How quickly my hospital would make the call for a c/s. DD (VBAC) - That the scar tissue on my cervix from a leep (post-DS) would slow down my cervix's progress in opening. That I could move SO MUCH while on an epidural. That there are so many labor positions you can be in that are NOT laying flat on your back WITH an epidural. That I could still feel lots and lots and lots with my epidural. I know exactly when my scar tissue finally broke through! - the delivery itself DS (CS) - How cold and sterile (duh...) the OR could feel. How upset I would be over a CS. That I would be nauseous, that anti-nausea meds would make me shake uncontrollably, that the anti-shake meds would send me to la la land, DD (VBAC) - That I would be terrified of pushing--I actually asked for a CS at this point. TMI incoming...That I would poop so much and that they would stealthily remove it incredibly fast... How amazing it was to have my mom and husband in the room. How much more involved in the birth I felt (my CS was not family friendly in the least). - recovery DS (CS) - that I wouldn't even be able to hold DS, when i first arrived in my recovery room, because
of the anti-shake meds (I was too weak and exhausted--nurses held him to
me first his first latch). How soon they made me stand up and go pee! How terrified of pooping I would be. That I needed to take my meds as prescribed... not just stop because I felt better one week after delivery (BIG mistake). That my scar would be scary. That I would get a little hard 'shelf' along my scar for a short while. DD (VBAC) - How much easier recovery was. How fast I recovered. That I could overexert myself and delay full recovery. That I would appreciate the hell out of overstuffed soft chairs and butt-donuts. How terrified I was to poop... lol
Moral of the story? Start Colace in the hospital and continue taking it daily until your body is (more) healed. No matter what kind of delivery you had!
DS: EDD, December 19th, 2014. Born, December 19th, 2014! DD: EDD, July 18th, 2016. Born, July 19th, 2016!
@rklinge0 I had the exact opposite. They could hardly pick up contractions on the external monitors that they had to switch to the internal one to keep an eye on me. Once that happened I really had to stay in bed.
- going into labor (or the process of induction or scheduled csection) I have to agree that you will know when they are true contractions. For 3 days prior to me going to the hospital I had one contraction every hour on the dot. - the laboring process I went to a labor class at the hospital I birthed at prior to delivery. Make sure you speak up for yourself. During the class they told us we could walk around while laboring. When I got to the hospital they would not let me walk around because 'I had to be hooked up to the monitor'. I realized when I got home that it was probably just a lazy nurse not wanting to hook me up to the portable monitors (I'm not saying nurses are lazy but it's the only rational excuse I can think of for this specific situation). I know to be more vocal about what I want this time. At about 6cm the nurse came to my room telling me the doctor though it was time for an epidural. Being in pain I just went with the flow but looking back I wish I would of stood up for myself and said I will ask for an epidural personally when I want one. Oh and if you feel nauseated ask for medicine. I was so sick during labor I actually vomited a few times. - the delivery itself I pushed for an hour which wasn't bad considering DD was sunny side up (face up/ posterior position). - recovery I tore and had stitches. I think it was only a 1st degree tear but I was tender for at least 2 weeks. I also bled for close to 6+ weeks. Trying to poop for the first time was a circus act. I literally sat on the toilet sweating praying to the poop god to please have everything pass normal without tearing anything. Take Colace, it will be your friend. Edit: Opps, I turned this more into story time than what surprised me and I'm too lazy to change it.
@mispanda I was a bad patient who knew how to unhook myself so I could go to the bathroom and get to stuff around the room. They yelled at me but I didn't care.
-going into labor (or the process of induction or scheduled c-section) My induction was scheduled for Saturday evening, but I guess my OB had another patient go in on Friday evening so he called me and asked if I could come in the next 30 minutes for my induction. I was totally not expecting it and we had an I Love Lucy-esque scramble and rush to the hospital.
- the laboring process I was surprised that getting checked and having my water broken was incredibly painful during labor.
- the delivery itself I knew going in that you’ll know it’s time to push when you feel like you have to poop, but it still surprised me. I had just been checked and was only 6cm, but I thought I needed to use the restroom. I buzzed the nurse and embarrassingly asked what I should do if I need to poop and she rushed in. She checked me again I was fully dilated (it had been maybe 15 since the last check at 6cm). - recovery This was the worst part for me. I was more comfortable at 41 weeks pregnant than I was 1 week post partum. I felt so winded, my ribs were sore and achy, my hip seemed so wide. I was very weepy for about two weeks. I was expecting to be uncomfortable but nothing like it was.
@rmmorris my water broke twice on its own (after I was in active labor) and was broken once. When the doctor broke my water, it was quite painful! After that experience I want to get an epidural first before my water is broken (if necessary).
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- going into labor (or the process of induction or scheduled csection) That I could go 10 days past my due date. Of course I knew, intellectually, that I could go to 42 weeks but emotionally my due date came and I was like, great, here we go.... Going that late was really hard on my mental state. Once my contractions actually started I was SO happy and excited. - the laboring process That I would prefer to lay still on my side almost the whole time. I had taken a child birth class and thought I would want to move around, use the yoga ball, get in the bath, etc. Nope. I wanted to be still on my side with nobody talking to me or touching me so I could focus on each contraction and my hypnosis tapes. That I would throw up so much, starting pretty early on. - the delivery itself My birth got kind of crazy so the whole delivery was surprising. I went from 2 to 10 cm very fast at home and realized I needed to push at home - 40 mins from the hospital in rush hour traffic. I was just happy to make it there in time. Once we got there, I was surprised that they offered no coaching or counting or anything - my MW just said "push your baby out" and I did. It went really fast. I also thought I would be pushing as hard as possible, but I was actually holding back because I was afraid of tearing. I was able to go slowly enough and ended up with no stitches. I hope to god I can do that again. - recovery Even with no epidural I got the shakes pretty bad post-labor too. I was not prepared for the size of clots that come out! Or how painful the freaking fundal "massage" is. Worse than pushing!
Question for the moms who have been through labor more than once. Did your 2nd come out earlier or later your first? Like I mean by number of weeks. I have heard that 2nd babies usually come a bit earlier, but I know that isn't always the case.
Not for me, @sparklingdiamond. First came at exactly 41 weeks, was induced with #2 for medical reasons at 40 weeks, induced for dates with baby #3 at 41 weeks even. All were very well developed and healthy, though, so no (serious) complaints!
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@sparklingdiamond nope, not here either. I went into labor at 40+5 with my first, then was induced for medical reasons at 40+5 with my second as labor was clearly not imminent.
My labor experience involved everything a lot of people want to avoid. Induction, cervadil, pitocin, epidural, episiotomy. All of it was FINE. Every labor is different, but going into mine I would have been comforted hearing from just one person who had a positive experience with all of the above- so here I am, April moms! You'll be just fine.
- going into labor (or the process of induction or scheduled csection) How different hospital policies can be. With my first my water broke before labor and they made it sound like if I wasn’t there in an hour they were sending an ambulance after me. With my second they flat it said if my water breaks but no labor feel free to stay home up to 24 hours but if I wasn’t having contractions after I 12 hours to come in. - the laboring process how boring laboring in the hospital is. Labor went much faster the second time at home with lots of things to keep me distracted. That epidurals can fail. I totally wasn’t prepared for that and not being able to move around How painful laboring on your back is! - the delivery itself how much better it feels once the head is out! - recovery how empty and lonely it felt without the baby moving inside me. I felt incomplete, it was eerie.
A lot of what surprised me was already said so I'll just add a piece about post-delivery/recovery: bonding w your baby may not happen immediately. I felt strangely disconnected after i gave birth both times. Almost like it wasn't real. Anyway, those feelings will come.
@beach_mama yes!!! All I had heard/read was oh the love at first sight. I was more "omg who are you!?!" It took time to really feel the unconditional love.
I forgot one thing in the PP "surprises" the baby blues that comes on day 4-5. Not talking PPD but the random uncontrollable crying that last 24h. I'm not one who cry a lot usually so I was like wtf is going on!!
going into labor (or the process of induction or scheduled csection) Hrm, probably how frigging long it can take, and still result in no distress for the baby. I know if someone squeezed me for like 3 days, I'd probably start complaining. I had always gotten impression from the Western medical tradition that a long labor was dangerous (hence everyone crying C-section for a long one). Nope, my kid was like "Eh, nice massage".
- the laboring process. I was shocked how big of a difference it was having the right medical facility for your needs. I came in prepared to fight high handed behavior from nurses, but since I had chosen the right place, I got served food, treated really well, consulted with every step of the way, allowed to walk around, sit in a tub, etc.
- the delivery itself. That part blew my mind.I had never had the world literally stop before for me, but everything ceased to exist when she sat on my chest. You could have shaved my head, and I wouldn't have noticed. My DH tells me about things that went on around me, and I have zero memory of anything but DDs face. I also had never believed in love at first sight, until I looked at her. It felt like a fist of pure emotion cold-cocked me. I could barely breathe.
- recovery. Being treated as two separate people weirded me out. I had spent so long with DD and I being treated together while she was in my body, that it was all sorts of weird having to sign paperwork separately for medications, staying in the room, etc. I kind of felt like she was an extension of me, like the nurses were asking me to sign off on stuff for me, and stuff for my foot separately.
- going into labor (or the process of induction or scheduled csection)
I agree with the others- you'll know when the contractions are real. However, I, too, took a long time to figure it out. There I was sitting in my husband's t shirt eating a baconator, feeling sorry for myself while he was at a colleague's wedding (that I had refused to go to because I was a whale). I thought I had gas pains, it took an hour or so to realize they were timeable!
I was intrigued by how my instincts took over. Labor started for me at 8pm. I swayed and walked and took about 97 showers before heading to the hospital at 4am. It wasn't anything I did intentionally, I just let my body take over and do the "talking".
Also, this is going to make DH look like a real jerk, but don't always expect rely so heavily on your SO/DH for support. As I said, DH had gone to a wedding and was tired, so he kept telling me to try to go back to sleep and get some rest (while he dozed). In his defense, our birth class had told us early labor could last up to 36 hours so I don't think he really knew how serious I was about the pain.
- the laboring process
Just as every pregnancy is different, every labor is different too. I was expecting so much the same and with my second I was induced. It was rather "dull" compared to going into labor spontaneously.
Both times I went in with the goal of no drugs. I caved both times. I can remember saying both times after the epidural, that was the best decision I could have made. I felt like I was present again for the process, felt in control (though that was definitely a farce), and was able to enjoy the experience. I had decided to get the epi with DS (#1) because I started vomiting from the pain, and with DD (#2), I was on all fours braying like a beast with no end in sight. Pitocin is NO JOKE.
- the delivery itself
Pure magic. I can remember when they lifted DS up and handed him to me I shouted "This is the most surreal thing I've ever done!" I didn't expect the rush of intense emotions all at once.
- recovery
With DS, they cut me, so I was not expecting the kind of recovery I had. It was rough. I could barely walk, had to sit on a donut. And if we're being honest- I had epic hemorrhoids. DH really made up for being a cruddy labor coach by taking excellent care of me post partum.
I was shocked about how emotional those first few weeks are. I can remember feeling seething anger, sadness, and such gratefulness all within a five minute period. It's a wild ride.
With my second, those uterine contractions after having the baby are NO JOKE. The nurse told me they get stronger/more painful with each birth. It literally felt like labor all over again. I dread those this time.
Any tips for getting through any of the above surprises?
A lot of what surprised me was already said so I'll just add a piece about post-delivery/recovery: bonding w your baby may not happen immediately. I felt strangely disconnected after i gave birth both times. Almost like it wasn't real. Anyway, those feelings will come.
Yes very true. I immediately was bonded to my son. My relationship with DD was completely different. I took care of her because I needed to, but I didn't feel that special connection for months. I still took tons of photos and gushed on her, all while feeling a fraud, but I'm so glad I did. When I look at those photos now I feel nothing but deep love.
@sparklingdiamond Not true for me either. With DS, my water broke the day before his due date and with DD I went into labor on her due date.
Also, to piggy-back off @beach_mama and @danjoly about the whole bonding-expectation thing. I bonded instantly with DS in the womb, we found out the sex and named him and he was 'my little DS' from the minute we found out. With DD we were team green and I didn't bond throughout the entire pregnancy. This is awful to say, but she was more a parasite to me than 'my little DD' and I hated that I felt that way... and I was terrified with how it would affect me post-partum. So if you ever feel this way during your pregnancy... you are not alone!
Flash forward to DD's delivery and I words can't even describe my instant connection. @ngolimento does a better job than I can but what she said about having no clue about everything else going on was so true for me. Delivering the placenta, getting stitched up, etc were all a blur because I was wholly focused on 'my little DD.' It is seriously one of the most magical moments of my life--our instant bond and connection. DH was crying, I was crying, my mom was crying... DD was crying... lol. It was beautiful and happened despite me not bonding AT ALL during the pregnancy.
DS: EDD, December 19th, 2014. Born, December 19th, 2014! DD: EDD, July 18th, 2016. Born, July 19th, 2016!
- going into labor (or the process of induction or scheduled Csection) So I have never actually gone into labor. I was induced with my first because I was 37 weeks, and my OB said “if you blood pressure is anywhere *near* this high at your next appointment, I am sending you straight to the hospital. No joke, have your bag packed”. And it was super high, and he did. For my second, it was a scheduled C-section, because of some of the bladder damage that’s had happened during my vaginal delivery with my daughter. We didn’t want to make the damage worse, so he was a c-section. It was earlier than I had expected though because of preeclampsia. - the laboring process With my daughter, I knew my own pain tolerance and it is not high. So I got an epidural pretty much right away. I never really felt a whole lot of pain, and the labor was easy with only a few stitches afterward.
HOWEVER, I didn’t get off Scott free. When I got the epidural, they put in a catheter. They didn’t deflate the balloon in the catheter while I was pushing, and I ended up pushing the balloon out with the baby. My bladder never recovered. I have since had two bladder surgeries and I will likely wear a pad for the rest of my life. I leak constantly.
- recovery I did NOT know that much stuff would just “fall” out of my body after my first. I stood up and it just kept coming. It was like peeing myself but I wasn’t!
@mikkimikey you aren't kidding about all the stuff you lose!
You know, that surprised me about during the delivery too. After my water broke, I was like "Cool, that grossness is done". Nope, your amniotic sack constantly tries to refresh itself, even after you break it. I would stand up and have another gush like once every hour and a half. So frickin gross.
Re: Surprises during labor
What surprised me came afterwards. I was GBS+ and received antibiotics/IV fluids during labor, I was so puffy/swollen afterwards for a long time, 1-2 weeks. Also my OB said that passing large clots would be normal and not to be concerned unless they were larger than a golf ball. Let’s just say I’m glad she warned me.
- I always worried I wouldn’t know the difference between Braxton Hicks contractions and ‘real’ contractions. Everyone would say “oh don’t worry, you’ll know!” They were right. You WILL KNOW!
- the drive to the hospital was much more relaxed than I thought it would be.
- i didn’t realize how annoying water breaking would be. Mine didn’t gush in one shot. It was mini gushes for hours! That was almost worse.
- the laboring process
the amount of blood beforehand. I kept asking if it was normal! It is so don’t worry!
- the difference in strength between regular contractions and pitocin induced contractions. Hold off if you can on pitocin. It’s a whole other ballgame.
- how NOT scared I was during the epidural. You are in so much pain, the thought of a needle in your back is preferable if you know the pain will stop shortly thereafter.
- the delivery itself
- I ended up needing a cesarean. The doctors, anesthesiologist and nurses were so calm and prepared. It wasn’t an emergency which I’m sure made all the difference but everyone was just so excited for us and were taking bets on if it was a girl or boy (we were team green!) it made the whole process almost fun in a way.
- recovery
- the difficulty recovering from a csection. So many people get them and I didn’t realize how major a surgery it really is. I was completely naive.
- the blood clots the day after delivery.
- how weepy I was! I kept my emotions in check throughout the entire pregnancy but hormones are no joke afterwards.
The induction process wasn't that bad. Although the night before after I was given cervidil I was in horrible pain it was such a relief to get the epi in the morning
- the laboring process
Didn't seem to bad with the epi I wasn't feeling anything and I progressed quite well. The epi was slowly wearing off by the time I was ready to push and even that pain wasn't bad but I feel it helped with the pushing because I could tell how I was progressing through the pushing.
Also I relaxed a little to well after the epi so I had to have oxygen through most of the process and during pushing.
- the delivery itself
They are not lying when they say your emotions will come flooding out of you. It's like as soon as she was out I got hit with so many different feelings relief, happiness, tired, hungry I couldn't stop crying. It was a very surreal moment.
- recovery
I had a 2nd degree tear so I had to have stitches. Didn't really feel any of that pain until after the epi completely wore off. It hurt going from a standing to sitting and sitting to standing position. So I was pretty slow moving plus it helped to be slow moving because when I walked to fast I felt light headed from all the bleeding. It took a couple of weeks to start to feel back to normal.
https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/postpartum-depression-may-influenced-give-birth-175926135.html
Labor:
Yes, when true labor hits its unmistakable. But what surprised me was that it took me FOREVER to figure out if it was true labor. I kept thinking it was really bad diarrhea pains, which sounds ridiculous but it's true. I ran around cleaning up the house for a while, thinking there might be a chance this was it. Then an hour or so later, YUP, no doubt it was hospital time.
Delivery:
I was shocked that things could go wrong. I had only prepared for one type of birth, so when I got there and the OB immediately made the call for a c-section, I kind of didn't believe him. I kept thinking things would turn around and I wouldn't need one after all. Even being wheeled to the OR I was thinking it wasn't really happening. So crazy.
- For my second delivery, which was an induction, I was surprised to learn that epidurals could fail. I guess I had heard stories of it before, but I never thought it would ACTUALLY happen. But it did.
- Most importantly: I was surprised that c-sections can be just as beautiful and emotional as a traditional birth. They are both memories I will carry with me forever and I don't feel for one second that I was robbed of anything by having a c-section.
Recovery:
There are SO MANY people coming in and out of your room the first night or nights, especially if you have a c-section. Nurses barging in at all hours, doctors making their rounds, techs coming in to change your sheets. It's crazy!
- you bleed for days. DAYS. Even longer if you have a vaginal delivery.
- the laboring process:
- I threw up on my nurse. I definitely wasn't expecting that to happen.
- @btm013 +1 to the epidural not being scary! I got mine at 7cm and they could have put that needle just about anywhere they wanted and I don't think I would have cared. My epidural only really worked on the one side. I was surprised that the epidural didn't take away all the pain, it just made my contractions feel like they did a few hours earlier.
- it went fairly fast for me. Only about 12 hours from when we got to the hospital and he was born
- the delivery itself
- This was the easy part! I had zero self-consciousness about the dozen people who were in the room seeing my lady bits.
- @btm013 we were team green too and the nurses and doctors made bets! There was only one person who said he was a boy
- recovery
- This is the part I was the least prepared for. I did not expect to feel so terrible. I could barely walk for like a week, everyone was teasing me that I looked like a cowboy. I felt like I got shot by a cannonball in the crotch haha. Granted, DS had a 99%tile head so I don't know what all this bs about "shoulders being the hardest part" is. I didn't do steps for 2 weeks.
- The contractions when you breastfeed are no joke.
- I didn't stop bleeding for 6+ weeks, and didn't feel recovered until around 8 weeks.
Any tips for getting through any of the above surprises?
- Make freezer meals. I did not do this and it's one thing that I am planning on doing this time to make recovery easier
- Take some of those heating pads, mesh undies, and the freezer pack pads home. The hospital also gave me numbing spray and witch hazel wipe things that were great.
- Remember lots of people do this more than once so eventually you'll forget all the bad stuff!
delivery: I ended up with an emergency csection and it went so fast that I didn't really had time to realize what was happening. The only regret I have is that I got morphine 1h before things went bad so I was a little bit out of it, but it might have been a good thing because I didn't really panic or anything. My biggest surprise was how much I ended up shaking. I thought I was having a seizure . I was worried they were gonna sew me back all wrong with the shaking
recovery:
i was surprised how easy csection recovery was. Don't get me wrong it still hurts but I was going up and down the stairs the day we got home, and was back to my normal activities pretty much right away. I had friends with bad tear that recovered for way longer than I did. Best advice, stay on top of your pain meds, don't play super woman even if you feel good!
Also the freaking bleeding. That was annoying. It lasted for weeks, than would taper off for a day and then bam back at it again!
Second labor was QUICK. 2 hours, contractions coming every minute, lasting a full minute. There was simply no breathing through these....I just moaned and cried until I FINALLY got an epidural, but I was literally 10cm and ready to push at that point. The only reason I got the epi was because I had group beta strep and they needed to allow me to get the antibiotics through the IV before delivering, so I got a 45 minute rest period before pushing 3 times and delivering. I also tore the second time and was sore, but recovery was easy.
No clue what the third time holds for me.....I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous.
Also forgot to add SITZ BATHS!!!!!! They are best and help sooooooooo much with recovery especially if you had to have stitches.
- going into labor
I was just on a 24 hr observation at the hospital and my water broke. That's one thing I had no clue about...like someone else said, it came out in gushes for a while. Definitely annoying! All I had that day was Braxton Hicks. No actual contractions, which makes me nervous about this time around because I don't actually know what "going into labor" feels like.
- the laboring process
I was surprised how long it was taking. I had a painful, 30 hr labor. I was on oxytocin and I was hurting forever until they gave me an epidural, which had to be overriden 2-3x.
I never got to walk around like most people do. I was in a bed the entire time.
- recovery
I did not expect to get hemorrhoids, but I guess 4 hours of pushing will do that. 2nd degree tear with stitches. What surprised me was that my V didn't hurt and I never felt the stitches. It was my bum that bothered me alllllll the time!
Swelling worse than pregnancy for a week.
People coming and pushing on your already bruised stomach every night...very painful to me.
Bleeding for 5 weeks, got a half week off and got my first PP period, which are pretty heavy the first few times.
I don't know how people go for walks etc, I was basically in a wheelchair for a week after bc it hurt too much to walk or even be in a car.
Also, I was surprised that the epidural helped me to not feel any contractions, but I did feel all the pushing. I thought the epidural was supposed to eliminate both of those!
Other than that, labor was pretty much what I expected.
-definitely agree that although I was so worried about the epidural beforehand, I could have cared less when I was getting it each three times.
-I went into labor once on my own and was induced the other two times. Honestly, getting induced was much harder (even though my inductions went smoothly) just because there's so much worry and anxiety leading up to it; going into labor on your own there's really no chance to feel much worry and anxiety because you are too busy feeling all the feels of labor.
-when I hit about 6 or 7 CM each time I gave birth, I started shaking uncontrollably- like teeth chattering, etc. I know now it's my body dealing with transition but my first labor the nurses were afraid I was spiking a fever/had an infection. Totally normal for me.
-my second baby there was an area where the cord narrowed so my doctor couldn't use the cord to remove the placenta and had to remove it manually. I had no idea this was even possibly a thing, but thank goodness I had an epidural because even with one it wasn't like
I was the 10% whose water broke without being in active labor, so I had to get pitocin.
You may throw up during labor ( it was the only time I threw up in my first pregnancy).
-The uncontrollable shaking after the epidural! It was like intense, all over body shivers but I didn't feel cold. The nurses did give me some warm blankets which helped a ton.
-When it was time to push, I knew immediately. The urge to push was extremely strong and I felt a sense of relief while pushing. It felt good.
-I was totally unprepared for how painful engorged breasts would be. I did not breastfeed with my first and the pain from my breasts was awful.
Me: 29 DH: 35
Married 5/3/14, TTC ever since
DX: Lean PCOS, Clomid resistant
Femara 7.5 + Ovidrel = BFP! Due 4/15/18
- going into labor (or the process of induction or scheduled csection)
What everyone else said about knowing when it was labor. The contractions felt much different to me. And I had had weeks of braxton hicks before the real deal.
- the laboring process
I also had a great experience with my epidural (though when I went into labor I didn't want one). I'll probably go for another one this time. I got lucky in that I could still move my legs and I had a hot spot so I could feel some pain with my contractions and push well. I was actually surprised that I had some discomfort with the insertion; I wasn't expecting that. But it was NOTHING compared to labor pains.
- the delivery itself
I realized there's a big difference between coaching someone to push and actually pushing. My doula gave me this excellent advice (which won't make since until you're pushing) "Act like you're trying to push her out with your diaphragm." I know that makes no sense to the FTMs but it was a really helpful visual when I was pushing. I only pushed for 30 minutes; so I wasn't too exhausted by the end.
- recovery
I had no idea how exhausted I was; I was barely functioning the first few days. I was trying to do it all myself until I basically broke down sobbing. I started asking for help after that. When people offer to help, and they're not people that you mind having in your house, TAKE THEM UP ON IT. My sister stayed with me and would literally feed me while I was nursing the baby to make sure I was eating and drinking enough because I was so tired I was forgetting to eat. If someone asks what they can do to help, it doesn't have to deal with the baby, ask them to load/unload the dishwasher, start laundry, pick up groceries, make you a sandwich. People are asking because they care for you and want to help.
Married DH: 2013
DD: Dec 2015
BFP 8/14/17 --> Due 4/27/2018
- going into labor (or the process of induction or scheduled csection)
definitely knew when labor was real, but surprised at how long it took to really get going.
- the laboring process
-once my water broke I broke down and asked for the epidural around 7cm. I was most surprised that whatever drink they gave me prior to them sticking me in the back made me throw up immediately
-that I still felt most of my contractions following the epi except of course when I went to push-I couldn't even feel my legs at that point but I had a sore arm from gripping the rail of the bed to work through contractions even after the epi leading up to pushing
- the delivery itself
--how long two doctors could stay down under following the baby coming out to stitch me up (it seriously felt like an hour)
- recovery
-how much blood came out post delivery
-how long I bled the following 6+ weeks (i think I finally stopped completely around 7-8 weeks post)
-how long each poop took post delivery, I swear I sat on the toilet just hoping not to rip anything open for an hour just to get a poop out
DS (CS) - +1 for having my water break without active labor.
DD (VBAC) - That labor could be a gradual thing that built at a manageable pace. That back labor is horrific and the worst place to be is on your back or sitting in a damn wheelchair.
- the laboring process
DS (CS) - That I would throw up during labor. How fast pitocin made me go from zero labor to puking. How quickly my hospital would make the call for a c/s.
DD (VBAC) - That the scar tissue on my cervix from a leep (post-DS) would slow down my cervix's progress in opening. That I could move SO MUCH while on an epidural. That there are so many labor positions you can be in that are NOT laying flat on your back WITH an epidural. That I could still feel lots and lots and lots with my epidural. I know exactly when my scar tissue finally broke through!
- the delivery itself
DS (CS) - How cold and sterile (duh...) the OR could feel. How upset I would be over a CS. That I would be nauseous, that anti-nausea meds would make me shake uncontrollably, that the anti-shake meds would send me to la la land,
DD (VBAC) - That I would be terrified of pushing--I actually asked for a CS at this point. TMI incoming...That I would poop so much and that they would stealthily remove it incredibly fast... How amazing it was to have my mom and husband in the room. How much more involved in the birth I felt (my CS was not family friendly in the least).
- recovery
DS (CS) - that I wouldn't even be able to hold DS, when i first arrived in my recovery room, because of the anti-shake meds (I was too weak and exhausted--nurses held him to me first his first latch). How soon they made me stand up and go pee! How terrified of pooping I would be. That I needed to take my meds as prescribed... not just stop because I felt better one week after delivery (BIG mistake). That my scar would be scary. That I would get a little hard 'shelf' along my scar for a short while.
DD (VBAC) - How much easier recovery was. How fast I recovered. That I could overexert myself and delay full recovery. That I would appreciate the hell out of overstuffed soft chairs and butt-donuts. How terrified I was to poop... lol
Moral of the story? Start Colace in the hospital and continue taking it daily until your body is (more) healed. No matter what kind of delivery you had!
DS: EDD, December 19th, 2014. Born, December 19th, 2014!
DD: EDD, July 18th, 2016. Born, July 19th, 2016!
Baby #3: EDD, April 16th, 2016
- going into labor (or the process of induction or scheduled csection)
I have to agree that you will know when they are true contractions. For 3 days prior to me going to the hospital I had one contraction every hour on the dot.
- the laboring process
I went to a labor class at the hospital I birthed at prior to delivery. Make sure you speak up for yourself. During the class they told us we could walk around while laboring. When I got to the hospital they would not let me walk around because 'I had to be hooked up to the monitor'. I realized when I got home that it was probably just a lazy nurse not wanting to hook me up to the portable monitors (I'm not saying nurses are lazy but it's the only rational excuse I can think of for this specific situation). I know to be more vocal about what I want this time. At about 6cm the nurse came to my room telling me the doctor though it was time for an epidural. Being in pain I just went with the flow but looking back I wish I would of stood up for myself and said I will ask for an epidural personally when I want one. Oh and if you feel nauseated ask for medicine. I was so sick during labor I actually vomited a few times.
- the delivery itself
I pushed for an hour which wasn't bad considering DD was sunny side up (face up/ posterior position).
- recovery
I tore and had stitches. I think it was only a 1st degree tear but I was tender for at least 2 weeks. I also bled for close to 6+ weeks. Trying to poop for the first time was a circus act. I literally sat on the toilet sweating praying to the poop god to please have everything pass normal without tearing anything. Take Colace, it will be your friend.
Edit: Opps, I turned this more into story time than what surprised me and I'm too lazy to change it.
My induction was scheduled for Saturday evening, but I guess my OB had another patient go in on Friday evening so he called me and asked if I could come in the next 30 minutes for my induction. I was totally not expecting it and we had an I Love Lucy-esque scramble and rush to the hospital.
- the laboring process
I was surprised that getting checked and having my water broken was incredibly painful during labor.
- the delivery itself
I knew going in that you’ll know it’s time to push when you feel like you have to poop, but it still surprised me. I had just been checked and was only 6cm, but I thought I needed to use the restroom. I buzzed the nurse and embarrassingly asked what I should do if I need to poop and she rushed in. She checked me again I was fully dilated (it had been maybe 15 since the last check at 6cm).
- recovery
This was the worst part for me. I was more comfortable at 41 weeks pregnant than I was 1 week post partum. I felt so winded, my ribs were sore and achy, my hip seemed so wide. I was very weepy for about two weeks. I was expecting to be uncomfortable but nothing like it was.
That I could go 10 days past my due date. Of course I knew, intellectually, that I could go to 42 weeks but emotionally my due date came and I was like, great, here we go.... Going that late was really hard on my mental state. Once my contractions actually started I was SO happy and excited.
- the laboring process
That I would prefer to lay still on my side almost the whole time. I had taken a child birth class and thought I would want to move around, use the yoga ball, get in the bath, etc. Nope. I wanted to be still on my side with nobody talking to me or touching me so I could focus on each contraction and my hypnosis tapes.
That I would throw up so much, starting pretty early on.
- the delivery itself
My birth got kind of crazy so the whole delivery was surprising. I went from 2 to 10 cm very fast at home and realized I needed to push at home - 40 mins from the hospital in rush hour traffic. I was just happy to make it there in time. Once we got there, I was surprised that they offered no coaching or counting or anything - my MW just said "push your baby out" and I did. It went really fast. I also thought I would be pushing as hard as possible, but I was actually holding back because I was afraid of tearing. I was able to go slowly enough and ended up with no stitches. I hope to god I can do that again.
- recovery
Even with no epidural I got the shakes pretty bad post-labor too. I was not prepared for the size of clots that come out! Or how painful the freaking fundal "massage" is. Worse than pushing!
How different hospital policies can be. With my first my water broke before labor and they made it sound like if I wasn’t there in an hour they were sending an ambulance after me.
With my second they flat it said if my water breaks but no labor feel free to stay home up to 24 hours but if I wasn’t having contractions after I 12 hours to come in.
- the laboring process
how boring laboring in the hospital is. Labor went much faster the second time at home with lots of things to keep me distracted.
That epidurals can fail. I totally wasn’t prepared for that and not being able to move around
How painful laboring on your back is!
- the delivery itself
how much better it feels once the head is out!
- recovery
how empty and lonely it felt without the baby moving inside me. I felt incomplete, it was eerie.
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I forgot one thing in the PP "surprises" the baby blues that comes on day 4-5. Not talking PPD but the random uncontrollable crying that last 24h. I'm not one who cry a lot usually so I was like wtf is going on!!
Hrm, probably how frigging long it can take, and still result in no distress for the baby. I know if someone squeezed me for like 3 days, I'd probably start complaining. I had always gotten impression from the Western medical tradition that a long labor was dangerous (hence everyone crying C-section for a long one). Nope, my kid was like "Eh, nice massage".
- the laboring process. I was shocked how big of a difference it was having the right medical facility for your needs. I came in prepared to fight high handed behavior from nurses, but since I had chosen the right place, I got served food, treated really well, consulted with every step of the way, allowed to walk around, sit in a tub, etc.
- the delivery itself. That part blew my mind.I had never had the world literally stop before for me, but everything ceased to exist when she sat on my chest. You could have shaved my head, and I wouldn't have noticed. My DH tells me about things that went on around me, and I have zero memory of anything but DDs face. I also had never believed in love at first sight, until I looked at her. It felt like a fist of pure emotion cold-cocked me. I could barely breathe.
- recovery. Being treated as two separate people weirded me out. I had spent so long with DD and I being treated together while she was in my body, that it was all sorts of weird having to sign paperwork separately for medications, staying in the room, etc. I kind of felt like she was an extension of me, like the nurses were asking me to sign off on stuff for me, and stuff for my foot separately.
- I agree with the others- you'll know when the contractions are real. However, I, too, took a long time to figure it out. There I was sitting in my husband's t shirt eating a baconator, feeling sorry for myself while he was at a colleague's wedding (that I had refused to go to because I was a whale). I thought I had gas pains, it took an hour or so to realize they were timeable!
- I was intrigued by how my instincts took over. Labor started for me at 8pm. I swayed and walked and took about 97 showers before heading to the hospital at 4am. It wasn't anything I did intentionally, I just let my body take over and do the "talking".
- Also, this is going to make DH look like a real jerk, but don't always expect rely so heavily on your SO/DH for support. As I said, DH had gone to a wedding and was tired, so he kept telling me to try to go back to sleep and get some rest (while he dozed). In his defense, our birth class had told us early labor could last up to 36 hours so I don't think he really knew how serious I was about the pain.
- the laboring process- Just as every pregnancy is different, every labor is different too. I was expecting so much the same and with my second I was induced. It was rather "dull" compared to going into labor spontaneously.
- Both times I went in with the goal of no drugs. I caved both times. I can remember saying both times after the epidural, that was the best decision I could have made. I felt like I was present again for the process, felt in control (though that was definitely a farce), and was able to enjoy the experience. I had decided to get the epi with DS (#1) because I started vomiting from the pain, and with DD (#2), I was on all fours braying like a beast with no end in sight. Pitocin is NO JOKE.
- the delivery itself- Pure magic. I can remember when they lifted DS up and handed him to me I shouted "This is the most surreal thing I've ever done!" I didn't expect the rush of intense emotions all at once.
- recoveryAny tips for getting through any of the above surprises?
Keep an open mind. It's a wild ride.
DS-9/2012
DD-7/2015
DS-9/2012
DD-7/2015
DS-9/2012
DD-7/2015
Also, to piggy-back off @beach_mama and @danjoly about the whole bonding-expectation thing. I bonded instantly with DS in the womb, we found out the sex and named him and he was 'my little DS' from the minute we found out. With DD we were team green and I didn't bond throughout the entire pregnancy. This is awful to say, but she was more a parasite to me than 'my little DD' and I hated that I felt that way... and I was terrified with how it would affect me post-partum. So if you ever feel this way during your pregnancy... you are not alone!
Flash forward to DD's delivery and I words can't even describe my instant connection. @ngolimento does a better job than I can but what she said about having no clue about everything else going on was so true for me. Delivering the placenta, getting stitched up, etc were all a blur because I was wholly focused on 'my little DD.' It is seriously one of the most magical moments of my life--our instant bond and connection. DH was crying, I was crying, my mom was crying... DD was crying... lol. It was beautiful and happened despite me not bonding AT ALL during the pregnancy.
DS: EDD, December 19th, 2014. Born, December 19th, 2014!
DD: EDD, July 18th, 2016. Born, July 19th, 2016!
Baby #3: EDD, April 16th, 2016
So I have never actually gone into labor. I was induced with my first because I was 37 weeks, and my OB said “if you blood pressure is anywhere *near* this high at your next appointment, I am sending you straight to the hospital. No joke, have your bag packed”. And it was super high, and he did.
For my second, it was a scheduled C-section, because of some of the bladder damage that’s had happened during my vaginal delivery with my daughter. We didn’t want to make the damage worse, so he was a c-section. It was earlier than I had expected though because of preeclampsia.
- the laboring process
With my daughter, I knew my own pain tolerance and it is not high. So I got an epidural pretty much right away. I never really felt a whole lot of pain, and the labor was easy with only a few stitches afterward.
HOWEVER, I didn’t get off Scott free. When I got the epidural, they put in a catheter. They didn’t deflate the balloon in the catheter while I was pushing, and I ended up pushing the balloon out with the baby. My bladder never recovered. I have since had two bladder surgeries and I will likely wear a pad for the rest of my life. I leak constantly.
- recovery
I did NOT know that much stuff would just “fall” out of my body after my first. I stood up and it just kept coming. It was like peeing myself but I wasn’t!
You know, that surprised me about during the delivery too. After my water broke, I was like "Cool, that grossness is done". Nope, your amniotic sack constantly tries to refresh itself, even after you break it. I would stand up and have another gush like once every hour and a half. So frickin gross.