Mom's Intuition

Who knows the best about the baby - than the mom-to-be.  She has an instinct about her baby that no one else shares.  So when a mom-to-be feels something is wrong, we take it seriously, check it out - hopefully with the result of a reassurance that all is well.  Some moms worry more than others, this is their own nature.  But we still should take it seriously.

So when a first time mom goes into labor -  she feels unequipped to know what is happened.  She feels, "I've never done this before, I don't know if this is labor, I don't know if I'm progressing....."  Those feelings are very normal, but stop for a minute.  You have just spent 9 months with a baby growing inside of you and each day you have learned your baby's habits, sleeping, waking, which side they like best.  You have had a 9 month learning experience to use in understanding your labor.
 
I learned this lesson years ago while on a birth with a first time mom. The midwife walked in, observed for a short time and then asked the mom - "how far dialated do you think you are?"  The mom clearly replied, "I think I'm about 3cm."  The midwife said, "I agree" and never did an exam.  Later the exam was done - mom was 3cm.  This mom truly knew herself.  It didn't really matter, honestly, if she was 2cm or 4cm, the fact was she realized she was still in early labor.  That was the point - she KNEW what was happening. She trusted her instincts.

So with each first time birth, I try to emphasize, "trust yourself", "find your path"....labor is a journey that has exciting twists and turns, tap into your own instincts and trust them.  Just because you have never been through labor before, does not discount that you do know your own body and your baby's habits.  Don't hesitate to speak up when you have concerns or think you need help.  And speaking on behalf of doulas, just know that we are ready and willing to listen and support your needs.