So what REALLY happens during labor, delivery and recovery?

[JoyRenee]

I'm actually putting this out here to see if anyone has any thoughts on this, if they have any questions, etc.

So if you've had a baby before, give a few thoughts on what happens during labor, delivery and recovery.

If you've never given birth before, please ask questions and we'll help give you the lowdown.

[JoyRenee]

kjbutcher- I have to admit that when I had my first daughter I was shocked by how much bleeding there was, too! And the clots! I also had to fill a "hat" (as they're called) after giving birth so they can make sure you're not dehydrated and that you fill it up. So that was one of the biggest shockers.

During recovery, something else unexpected was that every time my baby would start nursing I would get such intense cramps I'd almost scream in pain (and I'm a quiet person- didn't make a PEEP when in labor and while delivering). So if they offer you pain relief, take it!

[TKM22]

LABOUR-i had low bk ache the nite before and during the nite i had  what felt like period cramps and then  i woke for the toilet  early hrs in morning and as i got off my bed i trickled. so my water had broken  then  all i was feeling the  was stillslight period pains nothing major. i got to hospital and i was 7cm dilated but i still wasnt in  much pain lucky for me, all i had was gas and air  and from  start to finsh my  baby boywas born in  6 hrs. it wasnt as bad as i thought it was goingto be  actually i  was expecting worse lol.

after the birth  and holding my baby etc i had a shower and  cleaned myslef up all the hospital staff were there on and if i needed anything so that was good.  the only thing i didnt no was that when i  went to the toilet for the 1st time after the birth , was that  i  was ment to splash  some water on myself down below so it wouldnt sting or hurt as much. saying that i only grazeddwn belo anyway i didnt hae stiches or anything!   but ill deffo remembr that  when  i  have my nx 1 which  is due in 8-9 weeks.
i only stayed in hospital for the  1 nite and i went home the next day  everything was  all good.

[kjbutcher]

Labor:  started with cramps.  I actually woke up very confused like "I recall this feeling, but what is it"  Like when you wake up in the middle of the night starting your period, but I hadnt felt it in so long.  during the day they almost seemed to disappear but then once they were regular they got more intense.  I did not labor in the hospital so i can not comment there.  it very much helped to have DS rub my lower back during contractions.  Beginning of labor you would feel absolutely fine for 5 mins then one minute of pain.  End of labor 2-3 mins of constant period cramps followed by a minute of more intense pain than before.  YOU WILL KNOW WHEN IT IS REAL BEFORE IT IS TIME TO HEAD TO THE HOSPITAL!

Delivery:  a huge sense of anxiety of the whole pushing and baby is about to come...how long will it take thing.  It isnt as horrible as I once thought it would be.  during the contraction you hold your breath, count to 10, let it out and do it over again until the contraction is over.  During periods of no contraction you rest, chat... Feel free to ask your doctor questions during this time.  I am really glad that I did because he said one crucial thing to me... "how long will it take"  my husband asked and doc said "10 mins if she pushes well and an hour if she doesnt"  I sure didnt want to be pushing for an hour if I could do it for 10 mins so I gave it my all!  

Recovery:  most surprising to me, I think.  The books kind of stop at delivery.  About an hour after DS was born I had a huge urgency to urinate.  it hit me quick and I had to go NOW!  when i got there, I went and a gush of blood came out.  I mean like nothing I have ever seen before.  Apparently it was normal because they had like a kids potty seat in the toilet to catch it all and measure how much came out.  I stayed in the delivery room for maybe two hours max, had baby, breastfed for about 45 mins and then family came in.  they visited for about 45 mins before the docs came in and said it was time to move rooms.  At the recovery room, it was private and I kind of thought it would be like a hotel room...NO!  DS was sleeping so DH and I decided to just wash up a bit and change clothes.  We brushed our teeth and washed our faces and went in the room to change and in walks a nurse!  no knock, nothing!  oh how embarrassing!  Make sure to ask how much you can order at each meal, because I was actually able to order enough for DH also.  Back to recovery:  i had a few stitches so it was weird to go to the bathroom.  they tell you how to do it and give you several different remedies.  I think each hospital is different on what they give you.  It was uncomfortable, but not painful, I guess.  weird to walk and more anxiety about tearing something, than actually doing it.  For about two week things were uncomfortable down there.  at the two week mark I felt remarkably better and at the 3 week mark the stitches were completely gone and felt rather normal.  The baths helped alot to soften things down there.  one more tip while int he hospital...do NOT let them take your blood pressure in the same arm that you have the iv!!  they must leave the iv in for 24 hours after birth incase there is an emergency and if they do your blood pressure in that same arm it makes your hand swell and the iv hurts like crazy.  That was the most painful part of my whole recovery!!!