Labor

Now I know this post will get edited as soon as baby is born to try and better explain labor but there are some things I have been reading about labor, how to handle it the best you can, and your different options.

If you were able to take birthing classes then you are well aware of everything I am about to say and even more! I was not one of those people who could afford to take those classes so I did my best researching the internet and just talking to people. Here are some things to know.

* I stated in my previous post that every pregnancy is different and every woman is different, this is absolutely true but there are some things to NOT ignore. If you are able to clearly tell you're in labor make sure you are keeping count of how often you are getting those contractions (they say that once you each 5-7min you should go in), also once you can't talk or walk through them...it's go time, get to that hospital (if you're still at home). If your water breaks you don't have to rush immediately to the hospital especially if you haven't had any contractions, water breaking is good, but doesn't mean you have to rush right over there, that being said your baby’s world just exploded and you don't want to wait forever, now there is NOTHING wrong with going to the hospital right away if your water breaks, it actually may be a very good idea, just don't freak out if they tell you to go home and rest until you have really close together contractions because they really do this all the time.

*Make sure you have your Birth Plan with you. Not only are they great to have with you so you are being listened to but they are the best way to get research and get familiar with all the lingo you will be hearing in the hospital. I was told by one doctor that birth plans really aren't necessary....ridiculous....if it's important to you to have FILL ONE OUT AND BRING IT! This is YOUR baby and YOUR delivery, your wishes should be listened to and you have every right to want and not want certain things. Here is the best birth plan I found for us. There are a million out there and most of your local hospitals have one listed on their website to print out and fill out. Don't be ashamed or embarrassed with any part of your birth plan. Now it's also really important to remember that not every wish will be granted in your birth plan. You baby controls how labor goes, he/she is in control and sometimes nothing goes according to the birth plan so don't get stressed if you soon realize that your birth plan is going out the window, some things you can control so don't forget that!

*When you are in labor, especially if you're at home still, make sure you do whatever you can to help you relax. Don't start cleaning the house life crazy or going for a jog. RELAX, your body need to be in a relaxed state to properly handle labor and even though it is going to the hardest thing you'll ever do, just keep telling yourself that labor pain is GOOD and that it is pushing your baby out into this world. I read multiple places that once you have come to terms with the fact that it's going to hurt and why it has to hurt; the pain isn't as severe...is this true? I have a feeling I may re-touch on this subject. If you can take a bath, take one; soak for as long as you can stand it. Have a heating pad? Use it! Nothing will take the pain away, but there are so many breathing techniques, relaxation techniques, and other things you can do to subside the pain as much as possible until you get pain meds (if you take that route) or until it's time to push and get this baby out. It is true that our bodies can handle labor, we have been doing it for 100's of thousands of years, BUT medicine also allows us to stay more relaxed and have a smoother, sometimes faster labor. So don't ever push something out of your mind until you research it!