'Mom-Ed: Childbirth' Day 3: Early Labor Sounds Excruciating (VIDEO)

on January 11, 2012 at 10:31 AM

early labor Okay, so for the past few days, I've been getting educated by Alice and Eden on the end of the third trimester and getting labor started naturally via CafeMom Studio's Mom-Ed: Childbirth videos. It's been super helpful, super interesting stuff, but I've gotta say -- today's video takes the cake. The ladies talk about what happens once labor starts. And it's so not what I thought. Check out the video, then let's discuss.

Okay, so I never really thought labor happened like it does in the movies -- water breaking, mom-to-be screaming, and a frantic drive to the hospital. But I never thought it would be, well, boring. Play cards? Watch a movie? I don't know how anyone in their right mind could do such things when a baby is on the way.

See, I'm not good with waiting. And I'm not really loving this whole "just hang out" period before going to the hospital. I mean, I get that I really don't have a choice -- and good Lord, am I glad I know about it -- but I seriously don't know how I'm going to act all casual and nonchalant when I'm in labor, for God's sake!

This video has made me realize that I need to plan. I need to figure out a few constructive things to do with myself while I'm waiting to go to the hospital. I am not the type of person who will be able to cozy up on the couch and watch the finale of Rock of Love. I need stuff to do. Maybe I'll clean. Or bake! Or take a shower and blow out my hair! Is that insane?

I don't know. I need to figure out something. 'Cause this girl isn't good with waiting. But she's worse with the unknown, so I'm glad I at least know about the waiting.

For more super fantastic, super informative videos on all things labor and childbirth related, become a subscriber of CafeMom Studio's YouTube channel.

What did you do when you were in early labor? Tell me! I need ideas!

Image via CafeMomStudios/YouTube

About the author Nicole Fabian-Weber

has the world's most gorgeous dog. It's a fact.

Filed Under: mom ed: childbirth, video, cafemom studios, labor & delivery, labor, pain management, 3rd trimester

Comments (8)

cafemama

on Jan 11, 2012 at 10:43 AM

It can be a long time, but it goes fast too. All the excitement makes it a blur. I tried to watch a DVD, but couldn't sit still. I went for a walk in the middle of the night, stopping every block to hold on to something until my contraction passed. Moving around felt good and helped the time pass.

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hutchfam2007

on Jan 11, 2012 at 10:58 AM

I was in early labor ALL DAY the day before I had DD... the contractions felt Different than braxton hicks. The hardening of my stomach was the same, except there was a twinge "down there" when I had them. I was saying all day that if these contractions get close together, today would be the day. They remained about 10-15 mins apart for the ENTIRE day. I went about my normal business. It was a sunday and hubby and I had some errands to run. It just so happened that we had to run to my parents house and his parents house, being that they both lived pretty far away and with visiting involved, it took most of the day. Then we picked up some pizzas and went home and ate dinner. Then the contractions got closer- 6 mins apart and we went to the hospital around 9pm (should have waited longer!!!!!) spent the entire night in early labor at the hospital... and after my epidural, slept through, with the exception of them waking me every 2 hrs. to check. By morning, I was at a 6 and ended up having DD at 1pm monday.

jagamama0710

on Jan 11, 2012 at 11:13 AM

I agree with the poster that said it can take forever but goes fast at the same time.

With my first early labor started at midnight. I just spend the night trying (and failing) to sleep. I didn't even know I was in labor until we got to the hospital the next morning thinking something was wrong with my back (I had back labor). In hindsight it was glaringly obvious I was in labor but I was a first time mommy. lol

I had a relatively fast labor with my second. 7 hours. We went to the comic shop to look around (my ctx started after a check up so we were already out and about). Went home and I rolled around on the birthing ball while I colored and played board games with my 2 yr old and hubby until I needed to focus more. It was only an hour and a half until I had to go off to my bedroom to focus so there wasn't a whole lot of "waiting around being bored" time for me.

fave82

on Jan 11, 2012 at 12:25 PM

Wow, I got lucky I guess! .. Woke up at about 2am w contractions.. at the hospital by 330... baby by 11 .. she wanted out!!

Mama2MonkeyBoys

on Jan 11, 2012 at 3:40 PM

Early labor is boring. But, waiting until you're contractions are 5 minutes apart can seriously reduce the potential of an impatient doctor trying to speed things along. We had games, cards, a portable DVD player...tons of stuff packed to keep us busy during labor.

elibee

on Jan 11, 2012 at 4:40 PM

I stopped at the "getting labour started naturally" sentence. What does that mean? If it means prompting it using some "natural" technique or substance, don't. Your body knows what to do.

NewMomma.S

on Jan 13, 2012 at 2:26 PM

I'm taking the Brio birthing course which focuses on natural birthing. There are tons of different positions and great information about signs (emotional, physical, etc) pointing towards the different stages so it can really help on knowing when to go to the hospital. Like your mental state is very different when I it's time to go to hospital as well as contraction intervals, etc. I am giving birth at home though so I am planning on things like cleaning both bathrooms, getting the dogs to their baby sitters, eating and drinking and I may even go do some spring gardening. I can't wait to go into labor!

tyrelsmom

on Jan 16, 2012 at 9:37 PM

I tried to rest and sleep through the hours and hours of early labor I had with my third.
With my fourth it lasted all of two hours before it went hard.

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