Hey there, mama-to-be! So, you might be feeling a little overwhelmed with all the information (or lack thereof) about your Madison Hospital Birth. But don’t worry, after having three baby’s of my own, I’ve got you! 

Here are 10 things your doctor probably didn’t tell you about giving birth that will help you feel more prepared.

(And hey, if these pique your interest, bring these up to your doctor at the next appointment!) 

You don’t have to give birth in the hospital.

Giving birth at home or in a birth center can provide a more relaxed and intimate setting for the birth of your baby. It allows you to have more control over the birthing process and can provide a more personalized experience. This option is safe for low-risk pregnancies and has similar or better outcomes compared to hospital births.

Question for your provider: Would he/she support you and work with a home birth midwife if you decided to go this route?

Epidurals are not the only form of pain relief available during labor.

Epidurals are a common form of pain relief during labor, but they are not the only option available for a Madison Hospital Birth. Other forms of pain relief include nitrous oxide, spinal blocks, and natural methods such as hypnobirthing, acupuncture and massage. These options can provide a more natural and less invasive form of pain relief.

Question for your provider: What other pain relief options do they see often that’s effective other than epidural? 

You can bring your own music or sounds to the delivery room for your Madison Hospital Birth.

Music can have a powerful impact on our emotions, and it can help create a calm and soothing environment for you during labor. You can bring your own playlist, a sound machine, or even your own voice to help you relax and focus during labor.

Question for your provider: Can I bring music to the birthing room? 

You can wear what you want when you’re laboring at your Madison Hospital Birth.

The hospital will provide you a standard hospital gown, but if you’re more comfortable wearing your own items, you can! There are lots of shops that offer laboring gowns and robes or sometimes just a simple and comfortable lounge bra works. However you are most comfortable during your Madison hospital birth is what’s important.

Question for your provider: Can I wear my own clothes during labor and delivery?

Birthing tubs can help you feel more comfortable and relaxed during labor.

Warm water can help ease the pain and discomfort of contractions, and it also allows you to move around more easily, which can help the baby move down the birth canal. Birthing tubs can also provide a sense of privacy and intimacy during labor.

Question for your provider: Are there birthing tubs at the hospital?

Birthing positions – there are many different positions that can help make the birthing process easier.

There are various birthing positions that can help make the Madison hospital birth easier, such as standing up, sitting down, on your hands and knees, or even lying down. Experiment with different positions to find what feels most comfortable for you.

Question for your provider: In what positions are you willing to help me birth my baby? 

Doulas are a great support and aren’t only used during a Madison Hospital Birth.

A doula is a professional trained to provide emotional and physical support to a woman and her partner during pregnancy, labor, delivery, and postpartum period. A doula can help you with relaxation techniques, provide emotional support, and advocate for your wishes during birth.

Question for your provider: Do you work with doulas often? Are there any you recommend?

You can eat and drink during labor, if you want to.

Having a light snack can help keep your energy levels up. It’s important to listen to your body and your healthcare provider during labor, and to make sure you are well hydrated and nourished.

Question for your provider: Under what circumstances will I not be allowed to eat or drink in labor?

The power of the mind – visualization and other relaxation techniques can help during labor.

Visualization and relaxation techniques such as hypno-birthing, yoga, and meditation can help you stay calm and focused during your Madison hospital birth. It can also help to lower stress hormones and increase endorphins, which can make labor more manageable.

Question for your provider: Is there anything I can do now to learn how to cope with labor?

Cesarean sections are not as scary as they seem.

C-sections are a common form of delivery and can be planned or unplanned. Your doctor and nurses will take great care of you and your baby during the procedure. It’s important to remember that a c-section is a surgical procedure and there are risks associated with it, but it can also save the lives of both mother and baby in certain situations.

Question for your provider: In what circumstances do you perform c-sections? 

You don’t have to induce, just because you go past your due date.

Going past your due date doesn’t necessarily mean you need to induce labor right away. The concept of a “due date” is more of an estimate rather than a precise deadline, and many pregnancies naturally extend beyond 40 weeks (my third pregnancy did!). Babies often have their own timeline, so many prenatal providers generally consider waiting for a bit longer if both mom and baby are doing well. It’s important to have open communication with your provider to assess the best plan for you and your baby based on your unique situation.

Question for your provider: What is your take on induction, and when does it make sense to consider?

So, there you have it, mama. You’re armed with some new information that will hopefully help you feel more confident and excited about your Madison hospital birth! 

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