Having first child. Any words of wisdom?

Question

I am 39 weeks and 3 days pregnant with my first child ( a boy) and I know I am going to have him any day now. I am so terrified of the whole birthing experience. I have no idea what to expect at all. Any good advice or words of wisdom?

Answer 1

its amazing experience, you will not remember anything the moment you see the baby face. there is nothing similar to this, and no word can describe it. just remember his been inside you all this time and now is the moment. all the best.

Answer 2

To relax because this is what your body was built for!  I had my first at home with no medication and it was hard work, but better than any o****m i have had in my entire life.

After the babe is born, remember that your bonding time is most important - So skrew the dishes.  You have your whole life to do dishes, and precious few months with your infant!

Answer 3

First of all CONGRATS! I have 3 and it's an awesome experience. I'm a quick labor and no epidural kind of girl myself. I've been blessed. I wish I knew then what I know now. I wish someone would have told me this with my first child.

This is your baby and your birthing experience. You make the desicions. Your doctor works for you! DO NOT get pressured into a c-section or anything else, because your labor is long. Make sure to ask questions before letting a doctor make desicions for you to make his schedule easier. Pitocin is an aweful drug to induce labor or speed things up (again for the doctors schedule). So you are thinking OH YAY! No! What they don't tell you is that it makes your contractions so much more painful. I wouldn't take pitocin again unless my child was in danger and I wasn't going into labor. Other than that it is not a necessity.

Oh also. No one tells you....nursing is hard. It's a wonderful experience for both mother and child but it's a lot of work. I nursed all three of mine. You have to be determined and leap over the hurdles. Once you have it down it's great.

Best of luck to you.

Answer 4

In the hospital: Epidural. When you get home: enjoy the little moments. Oh, and take lots of pictures. Congrats!

Answer 5

I would give you the advice to have a discussion with your husband BEFORE you go into labor about what you want with  this birth and what you want his role to be.  Also, be sure that you have at least discussed with your doctor what occurs with a c-section and why you may have to have one.  Hopefully this will not happen with you, HOWEVER, I would at least be aware of what COULD happen.  I was terrified with my first son when I eventually had a c-section because this had not even been discussed with me.  Although I see there are many on here who had easy births, and I am very happy for them (and jealous) however, mine was REALLY bad and I was so terrified because no one had told me anything about what would happen.  So, not to scare you, just make sure you get all of the details of what could happen since this is your first and you are not sure what will happen!  Just talk to your doctor and he will be able to make sure you are well informed!

I do agree with all on here however, as bad as my first birthing experience was, it did not even matter once my son was out and I knew he was healthy!  Something about holding that little part of you for the first time!!  Also, I would say not to sweat the small stuff!  Let things go and remember what is really important is that child and your love for him!!

ALSO, do not underestimate anything that child can do at ANY age!!!  Ohh, the things they will do and say will amaze you because you will not believe the things they come up with!!  Keep a journal of all of these things!  Don't be like me and think you will remember or put it off, write things done EVERY night with the date so you can share them with your child when they get older and they will love it!!  Also, in kindergarten/preschool, they are asked to bring in stories and pictures to share with everyone so you will be all set!

My last piece of advice is to try not to be too overly protective, however, go with your instincts with your child.  Do not let a doctor, Mother, mother-in-law, husband or ANYONE make you feel dumb with anything you ever feel with your child!!!

Oh, yeah, one other thing, take everyones "helpful" advice, (especially mother and mother in laws) with a grain of salt.  Listen and agree and the do what you want to do.  With that being said, set boundries from the beginning so that they are aware that you appreciate their concern for your child, but you are going to do what you feel is best for your child no matter how guilty they tr to make you feel!

Most importantly, relax and enjoy the experience!  He will be going to Kindergarten before you know it and you will be wondering where the years went!!!

GOOD LUCK AND CONGRATS!

Answer 6

CONGRATS!

it's gonna hurt but theres gonna be loads of drugs to help with that! so don't worry about that bit,

are you planning on BF or Bottle feeding? if the first be patient with it if it doesn't work don't beat yourself up about it and just switch over, a stressed mummy is not good for baby :) so just stayed chilled chick you'll be fine!

take loads of photos they grow up sooooooo fast, and treasure every moment,

Answer 7

You don't have to be terrified because birthing is a natural and sure experience. My name is Jamie and I'm 23 year old momma of a boy who I homebirthed in the lounge room of my Paris apartment last Thursday. I had a beautiful experience and my boy was born when Faith Hill's song "There you'll be" was playing. He's also my 1st child and during the 16 hours that lasts my labor I was very calm.

Congratulations!! I'm sure you will have a good delivery! BYE!!!