An Unexpected Birth Experience: What I Wish I Would've Known (Featuring Cassie Pals)

The Military Working Mom

The Full Episode Notes Can Be Found At www.themilitaryworkginmom.com/episode038

As a first time mom you may feel like you have a plan going into your labor and delivery. I hate to burst your bubble, but every birthing experience is different and unique, and unfortunately there is no magic ball for you to look into so you can prepare for what you are about to experience. However, there are birth courses you can take both online and in-person to at least make you aware of what may happen in different circumstances as well as different methods to birth your baby.
Cassie's birth story takes place in a Military Hospital (MTF) where the choices she had in front of her to birth her child were not only no where in her original plans, but were no where in her knowledge of what could happen during birth.

CASSIE'S TAKE AWAYS

• A Birth Plan is just that..it is only a plan, but be prepared to be flexible and OK with the result.
• During pregnancy, educate yourself of all different types of assisted birth methods and surgical options. You don't want to make a measured decision when you are hours into labor.
• Learn different positions you can be in to give birth. laying on your back is not the most ideal position.
• Don't be afraid to read up on perineal tears and understand the different levels (1 thru 4).
• Talk to other moms about your experience after you have a baby. I swear you are not the only one going through embarrassing postpartum recovery, you'll feel better hearing other women tell you they experienced the same things.
• Incontinence is a real thing immediately after having a baby. Oh BTW, you can have urinary and bowel incontinence. (Read below...there is help)
• Request a referral for a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist immediately after pregnancy. Pain and peeing when you ump or laugh may be common but it is not normal. If you don't have a Pelvic Floor PT near you or you want extra help, check out the Devoted Mama's online Postpartum Repair course.
• Be ready for day 10-14...and prepare your partner for an emotional roller coaster. Around day 10-14 after birth your body's hormones will begin to decrease rapidly. The change in your body makes for erroneous tears and you may not understand why you are crying.
• your body is going to change as you age...your body is going to change as you have kids...and that's ok. Don't feel guilty that your body wont go back (belly skin, stretch marks). Love your new body, it went through a lot to give you a wonderful gift.