Hey Mama! If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed with all the information (or lack thereof) about giving birth, take a deep breath—don’t worry, you can do this! As an NWA maternity photographer and mama of 3, I’ve got you covered 😉
Here are 10 things no one tells first-time moms about giving birth, designed to help you feel more prepared, in control, and maybe even a little excited for the journey ahead.
(And hey, if these spark any questions, bring them up at your next appointment or shoot me a DM. I love talking about birth and sharing resources!)
1. You don’t have to give birth in a hospital.
After two hospital deliveries, I chose a home birth my third time around. I had a fantastic midwife and delivered in a birthing tub. It was such a peaceful and empowering experience! If you’re considering a home or birth center delivery, know that it’s a safe option for low-risk pregnancies and offers a more intimate, personalized setting.
If the idea of giving birth in a comfortable, intimate setting resonates with you, you might be curious about home birth. This helpful article from Beautiful One Midwifery breaks down everything you need to know to make an informed decision.
Question for your doctor: Would you support and collaborate with a home birth midwife if I chose this route?
2. Epidurals aren’t the only form of pain relief.
While epidurals are a common choice, there are plenty of other options. For my second and third births, I used Hypnobabies hypnobirthing, which focuses on visualization and relaxation. Other options include nitrous oxide, massage, acupuncture, and more. Exploring these methods can help you find what resonates with you.
Question for your doctor: What other pain relief options do you see as effective?
3. You can bring your own music or sounds to the delivery room.
During labor, creating a calming environment can make a big difference. Think playlists, sound machines, or even affirmations. For my unmedicated births, soothing tracks helped me stay centered and relaxed.
Question for your doctor: Can I bring my own music or sounds to the birthing room?
4. Water can be a game-changer.
Warm water is often called “the midwives’ epidural” for a reason—it can be incredibly soothing during labor. Whether you’re at home or in the hospital, water can help ease the intensity of contractions. In early labor, soaking in your bath at home is a great way to stay comfortable and relaxed. During my second hospital birth, I spent time in the hospital’s hot shower until it was time to push, and it made a world of difference.
If you’re planning a water birth, birthing pools provide a private and calming environment. The warm water can help you move more freely, which can encourage your baby to navigate the birth canal more effectively. Even if a full water birth isn’t part of your plan, using water during labor can make a huge difference in how you experience it. Here’s an amazing resource for all your waterbirth questions.
Question for your doctor: Are birthing pools available, or is there another way to incorporate water during labor?
5. You will probably poop during labor—and that’s okay!
Yep, it happens. Your body is doing exactly what it’s supposed to do. I know it sounds mortifying if you haven’t given birth before, but I promise you, no one cares. Just trust me on this. Rest assured, your care team has seen it all and won’t bat an eye.
6. Birthing positions make a difference.
Laboring on my hands and knees felt most natural with all three of my babies. Positions like squatting, standing, or being on all fours can help the baby move down and make pushing more effective. Try different positions to find what works for you.
Question for your doctor: What positions do you support during birth?
7. Doulas are invaluable.
My husband’s #1 recommendation to first-time moms and dads? Hire a doula! They provide emotional and physical support, advocate for your wishes, and make the process so much smoother. I had a doula for both my second and third births, and I couldn’t imagine doing it without her.
Question for your doctor: Do you work with doulas often? Are there any you recommend?
8. You can eat and drink during labor.
Staying nourished can keep your energy up. For low-risk situations, light snacks and hydration are often encouraged. Always listen to your care provider and your body.
Question for your doctor: Under what circumstances would I not be allowed to eat or drink during labor?
9. Your mindset matters.
Visualization and relaxation techniques can be powerful tools. Hypnobabies taught me to reframe contractions as “pressure waves,” which helped me stay calm and focused. Practices like yoga and meditation can also prepare you mentally for labor.
Question for your doctor: What techniques do you recommend to help cope with labor?
10. C-sections aren’t as scary as they seem.
As a NWA maternity photographer, I’ve known many moms who had c-sections and found them to be safe and positive experiences. Knowing what to expect can ease your mind if this becomes part of your journey.
Question for your doctor: What circumstances might lead to a c-section, and how do you support patients during the process?
So, there you have it—10 nuggets of wisdom to help you feel more confident and excited about your birth. Remember, birth is beautiful, your body is amazing, and you’re stronger than you know.
Need resources or want to chat mom-to-mom? Send me a DM—I’d love to hear your story and support you however I can!
