Things About Pregnancy/childbirth/taking Care Of A Newborn That No One Talks About (or At Least I Didn't

Things about pregnancy/childbirth/taking care of a newborn that no one talks about (or at least I didn't know until I experienced it)

When you're pregnant, you will be thirsty all the time, and you should be drinking a ton of water. If you think you should drink more water now, your mouth and throat will be bone dry on a regular basis.

If you do not drink enough, you wont have enough fluid in utero and may have to be induced. Think about your baby as a fish in a tank. Gotta make sure there's enough water. They do go to the bathroom in there.

As your baby grows, it puts pressure on all your other organs. That's obvious. What I didnt know is that this starts to impede your ability to empty your bladder and to poop. You will have to pee constantly (in addition to the water drinking bit), but I had to take a laxative/softener because it was debilitatingly painful to poop.

Tale an iron supplement! Good god, this was the biggest thing for me during my pregnancy. I was actually collapsing because I was iron deficient. Listen to your doctor. Take an iron supplement. They're available as gummies.

And while you're at it, take your prenatals, and try to start taking them before you become pregnant. If you have other health issues, like me, talk to your other doctors before you become pregnant. You may need to change your medication.

I worked until one week before my due date. Pregnancy is tiring, but bearable. You'll be going to bed early whether you want to or not, and you will be getting up frequently to pee at night as you get close.

There's multiple youtube series that go week by week. Watch them.

As for childbirth, it is a 12+ hour affair. However, 90% of that time is labor and not pushing. Labor is very painful, but manageable with medication and counter pressure. I did not have an epidural- they have a gas that helps a lot. It doesn't knock you out, just numbs the pain, and only when you put the mask over your face. You feel normal when the mask is removed.

Counter pressure is when your spouse or a member of the medical team puts pressure on your hips to help widen them. Your hips will kind of operate like a hinge. Counter pressure helps immensely.

Contractions happens in waves. You'll experience a wave of pain that peaks and then goes away. In the beginning, you may even be able to sleep while I labor. It will increase in intensity as time passes.

10% of labor is the pushing. It hurts as much as people say (or dont say). But it is over relatively quickly (I was pushing for 45 minutes). When you push, you are using the same muscles as when you poop. It feels like you're taking the biggest poop of your life.

You're going to pee/poop on the table/nurses. This is normal. They expect it.

Afterwards, they're going to want you to stay in the hospital for 2-3 days. You're not supposed to take your own medication (they will provide it for you). I assume this is because you are under their care.

Breastfeeding is hard! Both for you and your baby. You'd think as a defining characteristic of our species this would be easier, but it isnt!

You have to angle your boob correctly in their mouth, and potentially squeeze your areola, all while holding their body and head. It's very tricky. Ask for help, and continue asking for help.

My problem with breastfeeding wasnt just on my end- my baby would connect, then either not nurse, fall asleep, or get frustrated. At one month into childcare, I've kind of given up on breastfeeding. However! That doesnt mean I'm using formula.

YOUR INSURANCE MAY INCLUDE A FREE BREAST PUMP. ASK ABOUT IT!

My life would not be the same without my pump.

Also, your milk ducts may get a clog! No one told me about this. Its painful and it forms a lump. It is not cancer, it's a clog. It happens if you dont nurse enough, dont drink enough water, dont bathe enough, or your bra is too tight. Quite honestly, just go shirtless for as long as you can.

Taking care of a newborn, at least for me, is a cycle of change diaper, feed, burp, sleep. Rely on your spouse or friend. Sleep when you can. You will be up at night.

Dry your baby's butt with a tissue after wiping them. If you dont dry them, they get diaper rash. Use vaseline after drying them. Get your supplies ready before you take off their diaper. Put the new diaper under the old one in case they go while you're changing them.

Babies get acne! This is normal, and there isnt a lot you can do about it.

Ask about gas drops. Babies have very little control over their digestive system. Gas has been the most difficult need to address.

They dont hate you. They cant show you that they love you, but they do. They physically cannot express anything besides distress in the beginning. Do not beat yourself up.

You will experience mood swings. Talk about it, be open about them. They are normal. Rely on others.

Your baby will very quickly drink 4 ounces/125 ml in one sitting. You will feel like there's no way you can produce that much. You will. Pump/nurse frequently and until your boobs are empty, and go a little longer. Your body will meet the demand you present to it. If your baby isnt hungry, pump. Empty your boobs.

Get a PUMPING bra. Nursing bras and pumping bras are different. If you're pumping, get a pumping bra. It holds the collectors so you dont have to.

Most police stations will check your car seat to make sure it's installed properly. You will not be able to leave the hospital with your baby unless you have a properly installed car seat.

Learn about safe sleep and get some sleep sacks! Seriously, sleep sacks are awesome. Get some with swaddle wings and without. Once they start to roll, you arent supposed to swaddle them.

Get a little bouncer/chair that vibrates. They love it. Game changer.