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Hi there.
You likely have a little one on the way, so first off, congrats.
It’s a beautiful season… but maybe also a little uncertain.
If you’re a first-time parent feeling overwhelmed or unsure, you are not alone.
Today, I support families as a birth and postpartum doula and educator but I once stood where you are. Wondering. Googling. Hoping I was “ready enough.”
I want to validate your fear of the unknown and empower you into preparation because both can exist. You can be nervous and ready. Afraid and strong.
Let’s walk through it together.
My Birth Story: Stage by Stage
Birth unfolds in different ways and I can still vividly recall my own, the emotions, the sensations and the quiet fear of the unknown that crept in as my pregnancy progressed.
As I share my story, I’ll sprinkle in what I wish I had known, so you leave feeling more prepared, less anxious and more grounded in your own strength.
Early Labor
I remember waking up around 5 a.m. to use the bathroom and feeling that surprising trickle, my water had broken. “Ooo, it’s happening” I whispered, anxious but alert. Although my labor had started, there were no steady contractions yet; At least not until 5 hours later.
There was a strange mix of calm and excitement buzzing through me. At the time, I wasn’t a doula yet, just a soon-to-be mama trying to figure it all out. I had done some research but once labor started, it felt like much of it went out the window.
Settling In at the Hospital
After arriving and getting checked in, things started to feel real. I received my IV port that is used in the event that I request or require medication. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect next or what I should be asking. I remember walking around the hospital bed, listening to my baby’s heartbeat on the monitor. Time felt like an illusion.
Active Labor + Pitocin
As time passed, one of the first decisions came when Pitocin was mentioned. Pitocin is a medication used to induce or strengthen labor and it’s common in hospital births. Many associate it with more intense contractions or a shift away from “natural” labor.
But here’s what I learned: I still had a voice in the room.
When my doctor suggested Pitocin, I took a breath and asked if we could wait a few hours to give my body more time. He agreed. That moment reminded me I wasn’t just along for the ride; I could pause, ask questions, and actively participate in my care.
Epidural & Labor Positions
Though I had initially considered an unmedicated birth, I eventually decided on an epidural. I was tired and labor is exactly what it sounds like - hard work.
Getting the epidural allowed me to rest and reset. One of my favorite positions during labor was called the “throne” position, sitting upright with knees apart, supported by pillows on the hospital bed. It works with gravity to help the baby move down. Even with an epidural, I was able to use this position to stay connected to my body and the birthing process.
Transition & Delivery
Eventually, contractions became stronger and I began to feel pressure. With an epidural, you typically won’t feel the full intensity of contractions but you may feel the urge to push.
With the support of my birth team and being coached through each contraction, I delivered my baby girl by 7:55pm. I pushed for about 45 minutes, which is common for a first-time birth but can also be longer depending on other factors. This phase of labor can feel vulnerable and intense so be mindful and intentional of who you choose to be in this space with you.
That said, sometimes labor doesn’t go as planned.
If Labor Doesn’t Go As Planned
There are cases where a planned vaginal birth may turn into a C-section, even if everything was progressing. This can happen if:
- Baby shows signs of distress
- Labor stalls for a long time
- There’s a problem with the placenta or maternal health
- Baby’s position makes vaginal birth unsafe
It can feel scary but it’s not a failure. It’s a shift. What matters most is that you and your baby are safe.
Common Medical Procedures
Here are a few common medical procedures you may encounter during labor, some of which were mentioned above:
Cervical Checks
These measure how far your cervix has dilated and thinned.
What I wish I knew: You can say yes or no, or request fewer. They don’t always predict when baby will arrive.
IVs & Fluids
Most hospitals place an IV port in your arm, even if meds aren’t needed right away, just in case.
Fetal Monitoring
Usually done with a belt around your belly to track baby’s heart rate and contractions.
Tip: Ask about intermittent or portable monitors if you want to stay mobile.
Pitocin
May be offered to help labor progress.
Tip: Ask if natural options like walking or waiting are possible first.
Epidurals
Pain relief administered through your spine to numb below the waist.
Tip: You can still move, shift positions and birth powerfully. You don’t have to decide ahead of time, see how you feel in the moment.
5 Tips to Feel More Prepared for Labor
Choose a provider you trust
The best birth plan won’t matter if you don’t feel safe or heard.
Build your birth team with intention
Surround yourself with people who bring peace, not pressure. Boundaries are okay.
Practice breathing techniques now
Try the 4–6 pattern: inhale for 4, exhale for 6. It helps calm your nervous system and grounds you during intensity.
Movement as medicine
Walk, sway, rock on a birth ball, movement can ease discomfort and help the baby move down.
Learn about pain relief & interventions - without fear
Epidurals, inductions, C-sections… These are tools, not failures. The more you know, the more confident you’ll feel if things shift.
Final Thoughts
Whether your labor starts with a slow trickle or strong waves…
Whether you give birth in a hospital, at home or somewhere in between…
go unmedicated or choose an epidural…
Birth isn’t just a medical event, it’s a deeply personal transformation.
While every birth is unique, there is no one right way to give birth.
Your birth story is yours and one you’ll likely remember forever.
Disclaimer
This blog is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to be medical advice. Every pregnancy and birth is unique, so please consult with your healthcare provider for guidance on your specific situation.n
