by S. F. Heron

Created on: February 05, 2008

The things new mothers don't know about childbirth could fill the pages of many books. While most of us prepare for the birth of our first child by attending parenting classes, childbirth classes, and reading every pregnancy book in sight, nothing comes close to explaining the reality of birth. Maybe it's better this way, maybe not.

I went into the delivery room fully confident that I could handle anything thrown at me. I'm lucky in that I fully expected delivery to be messy and undignified at times. Many mothers aren't so lucky. Of course, in hindsight, I realize I never prepared myself for what could go wrong during labor. Mothers need to be well informed since they're right smack dab on the front line of battle in birthing their child.

Little Indignities

Leave your modesty at home. There will be a parade of people entering your delivery room prepping the bassinet, monitoring your condition, and checking your privates for progress.

You will be pushing with your pelvic floor muscles, the same muscles that move your bowels. It's very likely you'll push out some feces and you probably won't even realize it. The nurses will clean you right up so put this little indignity right out of your mind.

Leaking urine is a totally normal part of childbirth as every muscle in the pelvic area works very hard during delivery. Make sure to do Kegel exercises and your control will return quickly.

You might be nursing for the first time with lots of company. Experiencing that first intense closeness with your baby makes the whole experience complete so don't worry if the room is being cleaned, nurses are bustling around, and you have an audience. These are the people who just helped bring your child into the world. Rejoice with them.

At one point during the delivery of my daughter, a nurse trooped in with three nursing students. She asked if I would mind them staying for my complicated delivery. I agreed and these young ladies were present for my difficult delivery. I hoped any experience they could gain from seeing our difficult birth would aid them in their life's pursuits.

A Coach for your Coach

I cannot stress enough how important it is to have someone to support your coach. If at all possible, have someone your coach trusts and will listen to. It's quite exhausting being a labor coach and a huge responsibility. Sometimes your coach just might need someone to spell them during a much-needed break.

Length of Labor

Labor moves the baby down the birth canal. What many women don't know

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