To All Those Afraid To Give Birth
(Picture of me after birth (literally after one minute after he came out)
Don't be afraid. Movies, tv, and youtube birth videos scared me too but birth is not as painful as people say it is. You are either knocked out and have epidural surgery or are awake and heavily drugged as I was. You won't feel anything if you get an epidural until the baby is literally halfway out. It does not feel like a period cramp it feel like a watermelon teleported halfway in your privates and is slowly coming out. You may tear but you don't feel that and it's barely anything and is stitched and heals perfectly in 6 months.
After birth the baby is cleaned, measured, the cord is cut, and then the baby is wrapped and given to you to feed. After you push them out you'll feel a happy relief that you've never felt before. It's quiet and panic hits you about the baby but then you find yourself crying with joy as their first cry breaks out.
(Picture of me during labor. Was tired since it was 2 AM but felt barely any pain. Only felt more pain after he was halfway out. meds make birth easy as eating cake)
Now it's time to deliver the placenta. Your so numb and overcome with joy that you don't even feel it plus doctors gave you more strong medicine so they can stitch you and take out pee tubes on the bladder
and they then feed on your boob sending a maternal sensation throughout your body. You are given a name and registration for the birth certificate form later and for weeks you recover in hospital. Nurses help you walk to the restroom and shower. they also care for the baby and a midwife or lactation nurse helps you learn to breastfeed properly and helps you with parenting the baby. You can also get breaks anytime (they take them to nursery newborn room and rock them, play, feed, etc)
Usually one week but longer depending on you then 6 months you are advised to go easy and breastfeed to lose weight which you will or not depending on genes, I lost all mine and am skinny again and never worked out.
Before you leave the hospital. You are assigned a baby doctor who ur child will see for the next years and he checks the baby's health and decides if you need to stay longer. Also, you are checked to see if you have a car seat (can't take the baby without one), Then you are given a signed card by nurses who helped and a welcome mom gift bag.
For 6 months you will bleed from the inside (not cycle or symptoms yippee) It's like a cycle but there are no symptoms. Your body is expelling the waste. Adult diapers or adult diaper underwear are highly recommended. Nurses say use pads but those go too quickly.
You will have a check-up after 3 months for depression and assigned medicine if you have any mental, physical problems. Don't be afraid to say anything that's wrong. Even little things are taken seriously as birth gives lot's of health coverage (medicaid= free dental, eye care, etc)
Next you either before or after birth will need to apply for benefits. Wic, Snap, Cash aid, or any childcare programs such as daycare will make it easier to raise your child. Doctor appointments after two months for your baby and other appointments will be made by the baby doctor (you can't miss these) Now your life begins.
Your child may stress you out and you will sleep when they sleep, co-sleep or not, and so on methods that work for you as a parent. Never be scared to give birth. We're women and tough as nails. We were made to be able to push out small watermelons and live. We can do things guys couldn't even imagine
To All Those Afraid To Give Birth
Don't Fear For Your Stronger Than You Think
Just Beleive In Yourself And Bring Your Little Bundle Of Joy Into This World With Pride!