What happens when you get a room full of women who have given birth, some several times? Experience. Considering each labor and delivery were unique and different, there was a lot learned in those experiences. We opened the question up, “What do you wish you had known before labor and birth?”
Here is a list of the ideas shared:
• I can do it! With the first baby especially, many expecting moms are told they cannot give birth without an epidural.
• I can keep my baby with me.
• Listen to my inner voice, my intuition.
• Don’t fight labor.
• Hire a doula.
• Surround myself with good support during pregnancy .
• Don’t listen to the horror stories.
• Make plans, make a birth plan (review it with doctor).
• I can switch providers mid pregnancy
• It is pain of hard work. It has a purpose.
• The feeling of desperation means my baby will soon be in my arms.
• Skin to skin will keep baby’s temperature up.
• Babies don’t have to cry after birth.
• Due date is a month
We also asked to the moms-to-be what they would like to know before labor.
• Good pregnancy and birth books
• Good classes to take
If you have any other ideas, leave them in the comments. I can add them to the list. Thanks to everyone who came and shared!
