Hello! I joined this sub almost a year ago, and now I have my beautiful baby girl! 8lbs! Some things about labor I'd like others to know:
Don't be afraid of advocating for yourself, the nurses want you and baby to be as safe and healthy as possible
You can ask the nurses for anything you need, don't think you are bothering them, they are there to help you
You aren't taking the easy way out if you need extra pain meds, an epidural or even a c section. Birth is hard no matter what, and its an accomplishment.
I will advise dont let them break your water before you start pain meds if youre inducing. They gave me laughing gas, and it didnt do anything for me. It felt like being crushed like a soda can, but I was higher than a kite. I got an epidural after 5 hours of pain and no progression past 5cm.
Pillage your hospital room, I grabbed all the things I knew they would have to throw away. Any swaddle blankets, diapers, wipes, postpartum pads, postpartum anything really theyll let you take home.
Remember you can do difficult things and are stronger than you think😊
Edit to add: i would suggest not using your energy to scream during labor, it gave me so much more energy to be able to push during labor by not screaming and using my breathing to help me