So, for all those who are ever going to be pregnant, here's some advice. And for those of you who have kids, you'll know what I'm talking about and hopefully laugh a little with me :)
Things they don't tell you before you get pregnant:
In the beginning, morning sickness makes everything difficult, even smiling - just when all you want to do is smile because, duh, you're finally pregnant!
First babies aren't always late, even though every one will tell you they are always late. Actually, they can be a whole week early and throw off your best laid plans, in an instant. Like when your water breaks on the Monday after your biggest work project was due, leaving the tidying up and post-project praise for someone else to enjoy.
Every pregnant woman does not crave pickles and ice cream. In fact, cravings aren't always strange. You can crave completely normal things like marshmallows. But, you can crave weird stuff too - like pickled green beans. ;)
But, it's not always the kind of food you crave that can get you. The quantity can get you, too! Like, whole bags of mini-marshmallows, for instance.
At the time, you will want every cute new maternity outfit you see, but beware of how much you spend. Looking back, you will regret spending so much money on clothes that remind you of how large you were - and you'll want to burn the ones that still fit you 5 weeks later.
When it comes to labor stories, you will hear tons of horror stories and only a few happy ones. Focus on the happy ones and know that every delivery is different. And, it's true, the only thing that matters when you're in the moment, is getting the baby out. You won't really care how it happens.
Shift changes happen every 8-10 hours at the hospital. So, if you don't like your nurse, there's a chance you'll get a different one. The downside is that you may have to endure 8 more hours to get one, or you could suck it up like me and wait for the third nurse... yep, that equates to 24 hours.
You won't use any of those things you learned in Childbirth Class. But you should still go so you at least feel prepared going into it. Honestly though, what class is going to prepare you to push a television through a key hole? I mean, really, come on people.
And last but not least:
Epidurals are better than ice chips. Waaaay better. Get one as soon as possible.
I know there are a ton of other things that you learn after-the-fact, so if anyone has any to share, feel free to comment below. It will be some good-humored therapy for us all!
At the time, you will want every cute new maternity outfit you see, but beware of how much you spend. Looking back, you will regret spending so much money on clothes that remind you of how large you were - and you'll want to burn the ones that still fit you 5 weeks later.
When it comes to labor stories, you will hear tons of horror stories and only a few happy ones. Focus on the happy ones and know that every delivery is different. And, it's true, the only thing that matters when you're in the moment, is getting the baby out. You won't really care how it happens.
No matter how close you live to the hospital, it will take entirely too long to get there. And to make matters worse, it will probably be in rush hour. So, bring a towel and a snack.
If you have time, eat a big meal before you go to the hospital. Once you're admitted, it's ice chips only. This will scare the heck out of you if you haven't eaten, trust me.
If you have time, eat a big meal before you go to the hospital. Once you're admitted, it's ice chips only. This will scare the heck out of you if you haven't eaten, trust me.
Shift changes happen every 8-10 hours at the hospital. So, if you don't like your nurse, there's a chance you'll get a different one. The downside is that you may have to endure 8 more hours to get one, or you could suck it up like me and wait for the third nurse... yep, that equates to 24 hours.
You won't use any of those things you learned in Childbirth Class. But you should still go so you at least feel prepared going into it. Honestly though, what class is going to prepare you to push a television through a key hole? I mean, really, come on people.
And last but not least:
Epidurals are better than ice chips. Waaaay better. Get one as soon as possible.
I know there are a ton of other things that you learn after-the-fact, so if anyone has any to share, feel free to comment below. It will be some good-humored therapy for us all!
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