This post is sponsored by Evivo, but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.
The journey into motherhood, for me, was full of excitement as well as questions, fears, and uncertainty. Watching my body morph into a traveling home was amazing and the wildest thing ever! I read the recommended books, attended the recommended classes, and prepared as best as I could, but I never knew exactly what to expect during childbirth. Read on to learn about Evivo and how it can help give your baby a healthy start! Here are 5 Facts You Absolutely Need to Know About Childbirth:
Poop Happens
With natural and medicated childbirth, there is a possibility of poop. During the birthing process many moms have a bowel movement. The thought of this is embarrassing to many people, but it is actually a natural and quite common occurrence. Babies are born with a sterile gut. Being introduced to certain good bacteria (especially within the first 6 months) allows babies to start building a healthy gut . The specific strain of beneficial bacteria is called B. infantis. It only lives in the colon and can only be passed from mom to baby. It helps to strengthen the immune system and metabolic function of the baby. Sadly, due to more modern medical practices and societal concerns around pooping during childbirth, only 1 in 10 infants born in the U.S. have the important B. infantis strain. Regardless of how a mother gives birth or whether she poops or not, doctors have found a way to introduce the B. infantis strain into a baby’s gut through the use of a daily probiotic called Evivo. Introducing this type of good bacteria can reduce potentially harmful bacteria linked to colic, eczema, allergies, diabetes and obesity by 80%. Learn more about Evivo here.
Natural ChildBirth Hurts
It was important for me to have a natural childbirth, free of any medications. I always heard it was painful, but could never really imagine what it felt like. For me, it was a bearable kind of pain, but definitely excruciating at the same time. Contractions for me, were like full body cramps that came in waves. The actual pushing was painful as well. My body started naturally bearing down as my daughter was making her way out. As her head (and her raised hand) came closer to coming out, I felt what’s referred to as the “ring of fire”. I screamed loudly but was reminded by a nurse that screaming was doing nothing to help and I should focus that energy on pushing. As I pushed, I was shown by baby’s head by way of a mirror I had previously requested. This visual connection to my pain and the impending arrival of my daughter woke up the warrior in me. Once she came out and I heard her cry, my pain was no longer a priority.
Tearing is a Thing
I had no idea that tearing was a “thing”. Well, it can happen. As the skin stretches while giving birth, some areas can tear. Because I had a natural birth with no pain medication, when I tore and received stitches, the numbing medication I was given didn’t work quick enough before my stitches were performed. I felt everything; which was worse to me, than the actual childbirth itself. Thankfully, this is a “thing” that many other women have experienced. There are numbing creams and sprays, irrigation bottles for rinsing, ice pack pads, mesh undies, healing ointments, witch hazel wipes, and pain pills to help us get through.
Breastfeeding is Hard Work
Before I gave birth, I knew I wanted to breastfeed and hoped that nothing would get in my way. Upon actually giving birth, I worked with two lactation specialists in the hospital. Then, I started to get the hang of it. I underestimated the time, attention, and sacrifice it would take to have a successful breastfeeding journey with my child, but once I committed to it, everything worked out just fine. There was pain and hard work involved: tender nipples, swollen breasts, constant latching of my baby’s gums to my breasts… Routine changing of nursing bras, breast pads, frequent (every two hours) strain on my arms and back from holding my baby to feed, routine sitting at a machine to pump additional milk, and increased difficulty traveling around outside of my home due to frequent stops to nurse. Overall though, it was completely worth it and I knew I was giving my baby the best possible start in life. Did you know that some nutrients in breastmilk are not easily digested by babies. Fortunately, when breastmilk comes in contact with the B. infantis strain, nutrients are more easily digested. This results in better formed baby stools and a healthier gut altogether. Evivo is helping to make this strain readily available to parents in their daily probiotic product, especially formulated for the infant gut.
You Can Do It!
No matter what circumstances arise, it is important to remember that women have been giving birth and parents have been caring for children since the beginning of time. It will all work out. Any challenge can be faced and the results can be beautiful.
Well done, so glad the breastfeeding worked out, I found it really hard getting started and needed lots of support, but really enjoyed it after that. After my three C-sections I was so glad my daughter had two natural births and breastfed first baby and now the second.