33 Thoughts Moms Have During Labor
No single birth story is the same. From when labor happens (or, in my case, how long it takes to happen) to what kind of birth experience you’re hoping for to how fast/slow and in what way baby makes its debut, there are a lot of variables. I was induced and had a pretty fast and intense birth experience. Here’s what went through my brain as it all happened! I imagine many of these are pretty darn universal …
- Was that a contraction? Exciting!
- Wait, maybe that was just gas.
- Yep, just gas.
- No, that’s a serious contraction! Get out the timer!
- Another one! Fun.
- This isn’t so bad. Kinda like menstrual cramps.
- These are getting closer together, huh?
- Another one. OMG.
- Rub my back, dammit.
- Okay, so that’s more intense.
- I’m going to meet my baby today!
- Owwwwwww.
- Breathe, just breathe.
- I can do this.
- I’m only how dilated? No way.
- Switch positions? Okay, FINE.
- What is happening to me?!
- People: stop asking me questions.
- Oh God. Each one is getting more and more painful. How is that possible?!
- Make it be over.
- I’m not so sure I can do this.
- Um, where’s the doctor?
- This baby needs to come out. NOW.
- Make it be over; make it be over.
- Can I push? I’m pushing.
- I’M PUSHING!
- I’M STILL PUSHING!!!
- I just blew out all of my insides. I just know it.
- The head is showing? That’s all you can see after all this?!
- I’m going to meet my baby … like now!
- Get out of me!!!
- There she is; there she is!
- This is the best day of my life.
What thoughts did you have during labor? —Jenn