What they don't tell you about birthing a baby. Part 1.

This post has been long coming. I had my little baby 3 months ago and it's been an adventure!

But I've thought a lot back to when I actually had that sweet boy, and I realize that only because I straight out asked people to tell me what it's like to have baby, did I find out anything at all.


So I'm here to tell you a few things, that maybe you didn't know. That you might have wanted to know.

Here we go.

( DISCLAIMER: This post is not for those weak in heart, legs, or stomach. If any of those things scream you...then maybe you should quit reading now. If you're brave....read on ;) )

Well let's start at the beginning, which is a little obvious.

Your baby may decide he wants to come sooner (or later) than expected. In my case he showed up 5 weeks early while I was in the middle of an episode of the walking dead. I didn't have a bag packed or anything. So went up to the hospital with just little old me, and my husband in tow. Lesson to be learned, pack that bag EARLY.

Next, contractions might not feel like what you thought. Mine were bearable. Which is why I thought they weren't contractions. I went to a pre natal class and they told me to not go to the hospital unless I couldn't speak during a contraction....well glad I didn't listen to that advice. Or I may have had my baby on the couch. Use your instincts if you feel like you should go. GO. Don't second guess your self.

The unspeakable word..... THE MUCUS PLUG. Just saying it makes me want to throw up a little. From what I had read online I just assumed it would be this huge nasty, hairy, bloody, goopy mass that came out of my body. But it wasn't, not even close. It may not look like what you thought, and you may not even know you lost it. So don't wait around for that to tip you off that baby is coming soon. Although I lost mine the day Ethan came. It is different for every woman!

EPIDURALS ARE AMAZING. I am deathly afraid of needles. Hate em'. Always have. But I'm telling you, the epidural feels no worse than any shot you've ever gotten and the difference between it and other shots is this: You don't see the Dr. put it in. And you feel better from any pain you are in almost immediately. It completely took away the contractions, I couldn't feel them AT ALL. My leg did fall completely asleep though, which was weird feeling. But to not feel pain for 10 hours was SO worth it. So with all the natural birth going on these days (which is WONDERFUL for any woman strong enough to go through that) don't feel like you have to just because you don't like shots. Like I said it's a miracle worker.

Well I think this post is long enough for now, how bout we just call it part 1. check back soon for part 2!

Does anyone else have advice they wish they had known before they had their baby?