You’ve read the books, done the classes, maybe even binge-watched a few birth vlogs. You’re feeling prepared—or at least, as prepared as one can be when about to squeeze a whole human being out of their body. But here’s the thing… there are some parts of labour that no one really talks about.
And it’s not because they’re awful (though, to be fair, some bits are intense). It’s because birth isn’t just a medical event—it’s a deeply human, sometimes messy, often surprising, and utterly transformative experience.
So let’s dive into the things no one tells you about labour—but you’ll be so glad to know.
You might find yourself making sounds you never knew you were capable of. Some women roar, others hum, groan, or even moo. And then there are the quiet ones, lost in their own zone.
Labour makes you tap into a primal part of yourself, and that’s exactly what your body needs. So if you suddenly realise you’re making deep, instinctive noises—embrace it. No one's judging, and in fact, your midwife will probably be thrilled because those sounds mean your body is working beautifully.
A birth plan is brilliant, but it’s not a script. It helps you think through your preferences, understand your options, and communicate your wishes.
But birth is unpredictable, and sometimes things shift. That doesn’t mean your birth is ‘going wrong’—it means it’s unfolding in its own way.
The real key is knowing what truly matters to you. Maybe it’s an undisturbed golden hour, or avoiding unnecessary interventions. If you keep the big picture in mind, small changes won’t throw you off track.
Modesty tends to go out of the window, and honestly, it’s quite liberating. At some point, you might find yourself stark naked, squatting, sweating, and not giving a single toss who sees what. Labour has a way of stripping away inhibitions, literally and figuratively. It’s not about looking pretty—it’s about raw, unfiltered power. So if, mid-labour, you find yourself thinking, “Oh well, they’ve seen it all now” don’t be surprised!
The good news is, you get breaks. Contractions can be intense, but between them, you might feel completely normal. It’s the strangest thing—one minute you’re riding a wave of sensation, and the next, you’re chatting, sipping water, or even dozing off.
Your body is working in waves, and those rest periods are there for a reason. Use them. Breathe. Reset. You’ve got this.
At some point, usually right before baby makes their grand entrance, you might think, “I can’t do this.” It’s a universal moment, one I’ve seen time and time again. And do you know what that means? You’re this close to meeting your baby. That feeling of doubt is often a sign you’re in transition, the last and most intense stage before you push. So when that wave hits, remember: you already are doing it. Your body is strong, your baby is coming, and you are incredible.
Now, let’s talk about something no one prepares you for—the first poo after birth. Let’s not sugarcoat it, it can feel scarier than the birth itself. But here’s the deal: it’s never as bad as you think it’s going to be. The trick? Breathe, relax, and if needed, hold a clean, warm flannel against your perineum for support. And for the love of all things holy—drink your fluids and eat your fibre.
Future-you will thank you.
Labour is hard. It’s intense. It’s unpredictable. But it’s also magnificent. No matter how your baby arrives—whether through water, on dry land, or via the skilled hands of a surgeon—you will come out the other side a different person.
And when you hold that baby for the first time, everything shifts. You’ll realise that you did do it. That you are strong. That you just brought life into the world.
One day, this will all be a memory. The intensity, the rawness, the sheer wonder of it all. And when you look back, I want you to feel proud. Proud that you made choices that felt right. Proud that you stood up for yourself. Proud that, in a world that often tells women to shrink, you took up space in the most magnificent way.
So trust yourself. Your body was made for this, and when the time comes, you’ll know exactly what to do.
And if you need someone in your corner, reminding you of your power every step of the way—well, you know where to find me. 😉
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