You know what I hate - and I hear far too often? You telling me that in those minutes and hours after birth, you didn’t know what was going on (or why) or what medications were being given to you or babe. Nope. That’s not okay. Pregnant, postpartum, or thinking about baby? Join me @thelabormama for daily education + support! I know that birth can be quick, emergencies can happen, decisions are made. But sometimes, I think hospitals get busy “doing their jobs,” and forget to ensure that the you know why something is going on or checking that you are good with the plan of care. If you’re coming up on a due date, check these out. I never want you to feel scared or like things are happening without your knowledge. ** These happen for vag + cesarean births! FUNDAL MASSAGE This starts happening right after birth and is done a lot in the first 24 hours. It will continue until you go home. SHAKING + SHIVERING Sometimes after delivery, your body starts shaking and clattering around. Teeth chattering, knees knocking - it can feel wild. But it’s really normal and usually stops quickly. PITOCIN In a hospital, birth is probably followed by Pitocin administration unless you have said “no thank you.” It is usually done via the IV (or a shot in your leg if you don’t have an IV). Speak up early and talk about it with your team if you don’t want it. SKIN TO SKIN You probably know this one. But I want to remind you that unless medically necessary, this does not have to be interrupted, it can happen in an OR, and if you are not able, the partner can do it too. CRAMPING Guess what? You can still feel your uterus contracting after birth. It’s doing its job - shrinking. But it can feel pretty darn painful! The Pitocin and the baby latching can make it worse. Some first time mamas don’t notice, many feel it stronger with each subsequent birth. VITAMIN K + ERYTHROMYCIN It’s standard for all hospitals to give your babe these meds in the first hours after birth. They can wait until after skin to skin and you have the right to refuse. Have those conversations early. ••••• Any of these surprise you? Did you know this was all going on or going to happen?