First Time Mother? What to Expect During Labor

Many first time mothers are nervous yet excited about having a child especially when they are in the ninth month of their pregnancy.
During the ninth month of pregnancy, it is a good idea to prepare a small baby bag where the future babies clothes as well as diapers and other baby needs are. Include a pair of your own clothes to wear after giving birth and some of your other basic needs. A baby bag is a good way to help decrease the level of anxiety of the married couple especially once the pregnant mother starts having contractions. Once contractions are felt, grab the baby bag and head for the hospital.
Mothers who are near child birth will feel contractions for about a day. These contractions will become more painful and intense as the delivery of the baby approaches. Once the vaginal opening is dilated at 8 centimeters you will be asked to go to the delivery room and here, they will teach you how to properly “push” the baby out.
First time mothers will usually experience labor longer than those who already had babies before. This is because the vaginal opening of first time mothers is still smaller and tighter compared to mothers who already gave birth during the past. Proper breathing will involve inhaling, holding your breath and pushing the baby out once painful contractions are felt.
Once the baby’s head is out, you do not need to “push” anymore. Doctors will wipe the baby and immediately give your baby to back to you. The baby will usually look for milk immediately after delivery and breastfeeding is done when the baby looks for milk.
You will be asked to stand up as soon as you can after the delivery of the baby to prevent internal bleeding at to prevent other problems from occurring. For a normal delivery, the healing process will take about 1 week while for a cesarean section, the healing process will take about 2 weeks. Labor is a painful process but all mother say that once they see their baby, all the pain is gone.