Hospital Births: What to Expect
I’ve done two hospital births now. The first one, I was induced and got Pitocin/ an Epidural de a natural birth. The second one, my water broke naturally and I did a unmedicated natural birth. Here are a few things that stayed consistent:
1. First you get triaged to make sure you are in labor. They check your cervix and baby’s heart rate. You also stay in here until the room is ready for you.
2. When you get in your room, you change outfits, get the IV and go over your birth plan with the nurse. Pictured is me during baby 2 bouncing on a medicine ball, my doula took the picture haha. She was a volunteer at the hospital and was AMAZING, definitely ask if your hospital have some.
3. Your partner is not a priority for the hospital. Their sleeping arrangements SUCK. First pregnancy he had a recliner then a hospital bed, and here he only had a couch. Bring pillows and blankets. I’ve even seen people bring air mattresses..
4. After giving birth they usually do automatically do skin to skin but make sure you require a min. of 1 hr in your birth plan. Here a where you establish a latch and learn a little about breastfeeding. You only have colostrum though.
5. They take baby for measurements and vaccinations. The vaccines are optional but highly recommended, they also test for jaundice.
6. The food isn’t bad. The food is bad prior to birth it’s all unseasoned/unflavored broth and coffee, everything is cold, jello, and ice pops. But after, you’re eating good. Again, your partner is not a priority, so make sure they have money on them.
7. You still look pregnant after birth. That was me after my first, it looks like a deflated balloon. After my second thought, my stomach almost immediately went down. It really just depends. Breastfeeding helps though!
8. Hormones. Acne flared up, my edges were thinning, I smelled awful, tired af, boobs leaking when the milk came in, etc. Everything is normal and everyone is different but be prepared 🙃
9. Not pictured, but the hospital gives you a ton of stuff: diapers, wipes, witch hazel pads, ice pads, disposable underwear,regular jumbo pads, Dermaplast, perri bottle, baby blankets, water cup, etc. Take it all with you when you leave. They just throw it out. If you have a cool nurse she’ll hook you up.
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Hospital births can vary significantly depending on your experience, but some key aspects remain consistent across the board. First, expect a triage process where hospital staff confirm you are in labor by checking your cervix and the baby's heart rate. This initial assessment is crucial to ensure both mother and baby are ready for the delivery process. Once admitted, you will be taken to your delivery room where a nurse will assist you in discussing your birth plan, ensuring your preferences are respected. A support person or doula can make your experience more comfortable, so communicating with your friends and family about their roles is essential. Post-delivery, skin-to-skin contact with your newborn is a vital practice to help establish breastfeeding. It's important to clearly outline this in your birth plan to ensure you get the uninterrupted time you need. Though hospital food can often be lackluster before giving birth, you may find that the meals improve afterward, but it’s advisable for your partner to bring extra snacks. After birth, you may experience a whirlwind of emotional changes along with the physical realities of postpartum recovery. Hormonal shifts may manifest in various ways, including fatigue and physical discomfort. Understanding that you are not alone in this experience can be reassuring. Remember, the hospital provides various supplies for you and your newborn, including diapers and postpartum care items, which can be beneficial on your journey home. Always feel free to ask your nursing team about what’s available to ensure you leave with everything you may need.
The peanut ball. I hated it lol 😂