Preparing for Labor: What No One Tells You

2 November 2025

So, you're pregnant—congrats! You’re glowing, nesting like crazy, and your hospital bag is half-packed... or at least the snacks are. You’ve probably googled about a million things already: epidural vs. natural birth, hospital vs. home birth, what contractions feel like... and you might feel like you’ve got the basics down.

But here's the thing—there’s a whole side of labor and delivery that no one really talks about. You know, the unfiltered truth. The stuff that doesn’t make it into your prenatal class or the glossy pages of your pregnancy journal. That’s exactly what we’re diving into here. Let’s pull back the curtain and chat like friends, because you deserve to know what truly goes down when it’s baby time.

The Emotional Rollercoaster No One Warns You About

Let’s be real—your emotions during labor can be as unpredictable as a toddler at nap time.

Sure, you know it’ll be intense, but most people don’t talk about how weirdly emotional labor can get. One minute you're sobbing because the nurse refilled your ice chips just right, and the next you’re yelling because your birthing playlist suddenly feels “too jazzy.” It’s okay. It’s normal. Your hormones are doing acrobatics, and your body is in full-on “bring a human into the world” mode.

👉 Pro Tip: Let your birth partner know that your mood might swing like a wrecking ball. They’ll need to be your cheerleader, snack-bringer, and personal DJ all in one.

Contractions Aren’t Always Textbook

You’ve read that contractions feel like “strong menstrual cramps.” Ahem... sometimes. But other times? They feel like a bear’s giving your insides a hug. From the front, the back, and the sides—sometimes all at once.

And they don’t always start gradually. Some people feel a subtle build-up. Others? Bam—intense from the get-go. It can radiate into your thighs, hit only your lower back (hello, back labor), or feel like someone’s squeezing your belly through a vice grip.

Every body is different. Don’t get hung up comparing your experience to what the book says. You’re writing your own labor story.

Time Gets... Weird

You might expect labor to progress like a Netflix series—clear episodes, one after another, building to a climax. But real-life labor? More like one of those movies where the timeline jumps around and nothing makes sense until the credits roll.

You could spend hours in early labor, timing contractions, wondering if it’s "real" this time. Then, after 12 hours, things might finally ramp up—or not. And then, suddenly, it’s go time.

Some labors take 36 hours. Others, 3. There’s no perfect timeline, and time might feel like it’s standing still or racing by—sometimes both in the same hour.

You Will Forget All the “Positions” You Practiced

Remember that labor class you took with your partner, where you mastered all the labor positions—birthing ball, cow pose, leaning on the wall? Yeah, those… might go out the window.

When it’s go-time, your body might instinctively want something totally different. You might feel best squatting, rocking, lying down, or curled around a peanut ball. You may hate being touched. Or desperately want a hand to squeeze. The key is to stay open and go with how your body feels.

👉 Tip: Let your birthing team know ahead of time what kind of support you think you’ll want—but remind them that you reserve the right to change your mind every five minutes.

You Might Poop (And That’s Actually a Good Sign)

Yep, we're going there. No one loves to talk about it, but pooping during labor is super common—and actually a great sign! It means your body's using the exact same muscles you'd use to push out a baby. In fact, the movement is so similar that your body often does both at the same time.

And the best part? You likely won't even notice. You’ll be so focused on baby, no one will bat an eye. Your medical team is used to it—it’s just a part of labor.

So… don’t stress about it. Seriously. It's just your body doing its thing like a boss.

Your Birth Plan Is a Guide, Not a Script

Planning a natural water birth with fairy lights and your favorite indie playlist? Amazing. Want an epidural at 4cm and to watch Netflix while you labor? Totally cool too.

But here’s the thing: no matter your birth plan, labor sometimes improvises. A last-minute change of venue. An epidural that doesn’t work quite right. A surprise C-section after hours of pushing.

It’s okay to mourn the plan if things change. But try to hold your plan loosely. What matters most is that you’re supported, safe, and empowered—whatever route your birth takes.

Even After the Baby’s Out... You’re Not Done

Cue dramatic music—just when you think it’s over, there’s still more to come.

After baby makes their grand entrance, your body still has some work to do. Like delivering the placenta (yep, there’s a “Part 2” to birth). For most people, it’s a quick, crampy process. But it matters—a lot—for your recovery.

Then there’s stitching, if you had tearing or an episiotomy…and the nurses pressing on your belly to help your uterus contract (a.k.a. “the fun nobody mentioned”).

You’ll be tired. Hungry. Maybe shaky. But you’ll also be wrapped up in this surreal cloud of “I just did that” awe.

Breastfeeding Might Not Be Instant

We love the idea of your baby snuggling up, latching like a champ, and nursing peacefully while angels sing. But let’s be honest... breastfeeding can be awkward at first. It's like learning a dance neither of you has ever practiced.

You might need help with positioning. Latch might take time. Nipples might be sore (like, really sore). And your milk might not come in for a few days.

👉 Tip: Ask to see a lactation consultant before you leave the hospital. Don’t suffer in silence—help is there for a reason.

Not Everyone Falls in Love Instantly

We picture this perfect, tear-filled moment when we lock eyes with our newborn and immediately feel a tidal wave of love. And sometimes, that’s exactly what happens.

But for many new moms? You’re too exhausted, overwhelmed, or shell-shocked to feel anything but “what just happened?”

And that’s okay. Bonding is a process, not a lightning strike. It’ll grow over days and weeks and snuggles and diapers and late-night feeds. Give yourself grace. You just did an incredible thing.

The Recovery Reality

Let’s talk about the aftermath. The part everyone glosses over.

You’ll bleed. A lot. (Like, maxi pads and mesh underwear and “did I just sit on a crime scene?” levels of bleeding.)

You’ll be sore, whether you delivered vaginally or via C-section. Sitting might feel… complicated. Peeing might sting. Standing up could feel like it takes an entire committee.

Oh yeah, and sleep? Not exactly abundant.

But guess what? You’ll also laugh again. You’ll heal. You’ll become stronger in ways you didn’t know were possible.

Labor Is as Mental as It Is Physical

Your body’s doing hard, magnificent work—but your mind plays a huge role too.

Fear can slow things down. Confidence can help you find strength you didn’t know you had. Breathing? It’s more than a cliché—it actually helps.

Many people are surprised by how much mental stamina labor takes. Visualizations, mantras, and support from people who believe in you—they're not silly, they're essential.

So get your head in the game. Know that you’re strong. And remind yourself: You can do hard things.

Surprise! Your Partner’s Going Through It, Too

While we’re shining a light on the hidden parts of labor, let’s not forget your partner (if you have one with you).

They may feel helpless, overwhelmed, or completely freaked out. Watching you in pain, navigating decisions, trying to support you—it’s a lot.

Talk to your partner beforehand about what you’ll need. Let them know it’s okay to step out and breathe for a sec if it gets intense. And after it's all over? Debrief. Reflect. Cry happy tears. Eat all the snacks.

You both just went through something big.

Final Thoughts: It’s Messy, Magical, and 100% Yours

Labor and delivery are like nothing else. It’s raw. It's real. It’s not always Instagram-pretty. But it’s powerful.

You’re stepping into the unknown, and that’s both exciting and terrifying. Just know this: there’s no "wrong" way to give birth. Whether it’s with whale sounds and water births or epidurals and Netflix, your journey is valid.

Gather your knowledge, pack your bag, and trust your gut. You’ve got this.

And when it’s all over? You’ll look back and realize how strong you truly are.