What they don't tell you: Labor and Delivery

As promised, here is what they don't tell you about labor and delivery, and after. Now remember I had a C Section, so I can't speak for those of you that will deliver vaginally.

-So so so thirsty, not so much hungry, but so thirsty. The cup of water or even just an ice chip after that delivery will taste like the best water or ice you have ever had.
-C Section Moms, your mouth will be so incredibly dry afterwards, like not the slightest bit moist. AND you can't have ice or water until they think your tummy can handle it. Could be hours!
-I feel bad looking at people's pictures after giving birth and thinking, "Wow she really packed on the lbs at the end." Those lbs are the bags and bags of fluids they pump in you all day. You will not recognize your own face. And your ankles, pshhh, say goodbye to those for about a week. Can you say tree trunk legs?
-You and your baby will both be in diapers after delivery
-Pooping the table: it happens
-You'll sweat so much the first night even if the room is freezing because of the anesthesia leaving your system. I mean you'll drench the sheets.
-I secretly wished I had a catheter all the time, awesome. C Sections, get up the next morning and walk around. It will hurt and you can't do much about it, but the sooner you get up and moving, the better the recovery.
-You have never feared, yet looked forward, to a bowel movement so much.
-Send your baby to the nursery at night for some uninterrupted sleep
-Pack nightgowns and a robe, pajama pants will get destroyed and be very uncomfortable. (Have nightgowns at home too.) Much easier when they come check you and change your diaper. :)
-It is one of the most emotional days you'll ever experience
-Take everything left in the bassinet when you leave the hospital. (Diapers, tshirts, wipes.)
-C Section moms, get extras of the mesh panties they give you. Unfortunately it's the only think that will go over your incision comfortably for the next week or so.
-Wear a dress home if possible
-Buy Medela Softshells for sore nipples if you plan on breastfeeding. They're made of plastic therefore keeping your clothing off of those sore nips, and they will be sore.
-Once you get home, it does come natural to be a mom. Stay calm and relaxed. Baby can sense that.
-If it works out, go to bed after the last feeding at night, even if its early, while your hubby stays up to his normal bed time. You'll get a couple hours of good sleep before you have to wake up every 2-3 hours to feed.
-The hardest part of it all is resting when they are sleeping. You'll want to do a million other things(like blog when you should be napping) but seriously try to take advantage of the quiet time and sleep. Do other everyday chores when they are awake.
-You'll check to see if they are breathing about a million times a day/night
-Don't be ashamed if you are still in pj's 24/7, weeks after giving birth, you deserve it.


Hmmm, that's all I can remember for now. You will be tired, very tired. We're still adjusting and trying to get a routine down. You'll figure it out.

On a side note, Holt had his 2 week checkup today. He is still under his birthweight at 7lbs 10oz, 25th percentile, and is now 22inches long, 90th percentile. Tall and slim, hopefully he stays that way like his Daddy! All is well with him. Now I'm off to fold his 4th load of laundry in a week before taking a little nap!