Giving birth can be a beautiful experience, but it’s also painful, unpredictable and often nerve-wracking, especially for first time mums who don’t know what to expect.
Even when you’ve read all the books and attended the ante-natal classes, giving birth can be a total rollercoaster, both mentally and physically – there’s no two ways about it! But you’ll get through it just fine, albeit with lots of squeezing, bodily fluids and the odd curse word here and there…
We asked a variety of mums, both new and experienced, to share a selection of the deepest, darkest thoughts they had while they were in labour – to show you how normal it is to feel mixed emotions around giving birth. Here’s what they said:
‘Well, there’s the birth plan out the window’
You can spend months planning how you’d like your birth to go, but when it comes down to it, Mother Nature will take over and you might not have time to do all of the things you wanted to. Try not to worry too much about it and try to go with nature’s flow. In a few hours’ time, you won’t even remember what was on your birthing playlist or where your exercise ball is.
‘Is it supposed to feel like this? Is something wrong?’
Anything you don’t expect can feel scary when you’re bringing your child into the world and many things are outside of your control!
Some labours can be quick and some can last for hours on end. There’s no anticipating which you’ll get. If you need reassurance, ask the medical team around you – and if anything feels really wrong, trust yourself, listen to your body and flag your concerns to the professionals.
‘Have I pooped myself?’
When you’re pushing out a baby, there’s not much energy left over for worrying about whether you’re also pushing out a poo. The muscles you use are the same ones, and you have no choice but to push! Midwives have seen it all before – in fact, pooping occurs during most vaginal births, so honestly, try not to worry about it.
‘Who are all these people looking at my vagina!’
Doctors, nurses, your partner… they’ll all be milling about by your most private parts. When it comes down to it, though, you probably won’t care. Remember, they’re there to help you through this, so you’ll probably feel grateful for the attention and assistance! Rather than worrying about what’s going on in the room, why not save the energy you have left to ride out your next contraction?
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‘Give me the drugs!’
You might have planned to have the most natural birth possible, with a birthing pool, soothing whale sounds and only gentle massage from your partner for pain relief. But when it comes down to it, you may experience off-the-charts pain, and change your mind about using drugs to alleviate it. Don’t be hard on yourself if you do – getting through it is your main priority! Maybe have a look at the pain relief available, just in case…
‘Why is this taking so long?’
Some labours can take a very long time. Plus, when you’re in a lot of pain it can feel like the minutes are hours, and the hours are days! Keep putting those breathing techniques into practice – it will be over before you know it.
‘Why did I do this to myself?!’
You might begin to regret it all when you’re 4 hours deep into your labour and your body aches all over. Don’t worry, you’re doing great – it will pass…
‘Why did I do this to myself AGAIN!’
If this isn’t your first child, then you’ve been through all this before – you knew exactly what to expect and yet you’re back in the maternity ward! Maybe you’ll kick yourself for putting yourself back in the same position. But again, this will pass, and at least you know that soon, you’ll be holding your baby and it’ll all be worth it!
‘WAIT, I don’t want to do this anymore!’
Desperate times lead to desperate thoughts. We hate to break it to you but stopping labour isn’t an option. Maybe squeeze your partners’ hand until it goes limp instead, that should do the trick…
And once your baby is born…
‘I am so in love, I could burst’
When all is said and done, there’s no feeling like holding your baby in your arms and meeting them for the first time. Your journey together begins in this moment – and it’s so exciting!
Worried about the unpredictable moments that come after birth, too? Here are some tweets from mums, who have seen the lighter side of their motherhood mishaps!
Natracare supports new mothers with maternity products made from natural and organic ingredients – so that’s one less thing to worry about.
Did totally natural three times in the 60s when you were shaved, flushed and left alone in a dark room and told to be quiet. Husband and family not allowed. True dark ages stuff and I remember it all. Women today get to enjoy birthing which is a blessing for everyone.
Oh wow, thank you for sharing your experience of giving birth! Sounds like times have changed for the better