30 "BIRTHY" THINGS

As someone who documents birth, my job is to observe.  Watching events unfold, I've witnessed many breathtaking stories - each different & unique! Today, though, I want to share a few commonalities. 

• Labor can be spiritually uplifting (for any belief).
• You might deviate from the plan and opt for an epidural at 3cm.  It's OKAY.  You researched it.  And though it wasn't plan A, you chose it.  That's what matters.
• Labor can be enjoyed - even without medication! You will likely smile and likely even laugh (between contractions).
• FAST/SHORT labor isn't always better.  Sometimes slow & steady is preferred.
• This labor & delivery might be completely different from your previous experience(s).
• If there is a chance you'll prefer family to wait to join you until hours after delivery, it's always best to let them know beforehand - being clear about your desires.
• A VBAC turned C-section is STILL breathtakingly beautiful.
• Your little one might need help.  The room may fill with doctors & nurses (experienced with these situations), but you'll be in good hands. (And we know how to work around them ;) )
• If you choose to, you can labor in the hospital for several days without requiring pitocen to strengthen contractions - just be sure to have a fabulous support system, a dedicated doula, and a strong resolve.
• Walls come falling down when that man you love becomes a dad.  Be prepared to feel like you never truly knew them.
• Women become superheroes in your eyes after watching them give birth to your child.  Be prepared to feel like you never truly knew her.
• 3 things to chat about with your unborn baby:  labor under 10 hours; no coming during rush hour; and (for the photog!) tell him or her to join us around sunrise or sunset. haha
• Older siblings may be disinterested in their new sibling (at first) - especially if younger than 3.  But that's ok. They'll come around.
• The cord being wrapped (around wrists or neck) is much more common than you may think.  Doctors and midwives know what to do with cords - they unwrap cords often.
• Waiting outside the operating room doors while she is getting prepped for a C-section may be the scariest thing you've done. Keep breathing. She's in good hands.
• They say that after you've had 3 kids, it just gets easier with the 4th (and each after that).  They might be dead wrong.
• You might have a bowel movement during labor and/or pushing. Maybe several. And you'll care about it a lot less than you'd imagine. And so will we.  Poop happens. ;)
• Moms, dad might not stay right by your side every moment.  He might need to keep a distance for his (and your) own good.
• Dads, she might not want you by her side the whole time. She might want someone else (who is present) holding her hand instead.  Or she might want you by her side, but in silence (even if she told you beforehand to keep talking to her).   You are still needed.
• On the other hand, she also might want you by her side 24/7 - you may have to pry your hands free in order to go to the bathroom.  Remember that your doula isn't just for her, but for you too.  Know you are helpful & needed - no matter what she ends up ask you to do or not do.
• You may discover new facts about your baby after delivery.  You'll be prepared to learn about them. As their parent, you'll rise to the challenges, and love more than you ever imagined!
• Grandparents can be wise (and, in granddad's case, even entertaining) members of the birth team.
• Watching your child wake up to meet a new sibling might just be the sweetest thing ever.
• Sometimes when a mom feels intuitively that baby is coming too fast to get to the hospital, she might actually be right.  And if she is, don't stress. Get support. Call who you need to. You've got this.
• You might just look at him (and him at you) at some point during labor and immediately kick everyone else out of the room for a while. And that's ok (great)! :)
• If you want it, you can have an all-natural home birth the first time around (and every time after that).
• The second labor might seem more difficult than the first. But you'll conquer it just the same!
• As much as you'll want to love on/stare at/take in your little one that first day, you may very well feel too exhausted to do much.  That's normal!!  Have a support person/provider/post-partum doula, etc.. to take care of you and give in to your body's need for sleep!  It's the best thing you can do.
• Your nurse/doula/midwife/doctor might become a superhero in your eyes. Who knows, maybe your birth photographer/videographer too. ;)
• A new parent is usually more attractive to their partner in life after their baby comes into the world than they were before.
• You'll never regret capturing this.  You will flip through the album, watch the video, etc.. again & again.  They may even help you hold onto the best moments, and heal from the hard ones. :)