Hey there mama-to-be! So, you might be feeling a little overwhelmed with all the information (or lack thereof) about giving birth. But don't worry, 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 in control.

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

Every labor is different.

No two women will experience labor in the same way. Your doctor can prepare you for what to expect, but you won't really know what it's like until you go through it. I have three kids and my labors ranged in length from 21 hours to under 5 hours. Even the pushing phase was insanely different each time. With my first child, I spent over three hours pushing, two kids later, I laughed my baby out. EVERY LABOR IS DIFFERENT!

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 doctor: 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. 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. There’s definitely nothing wrong with epidurals if that’s what you choose (I chose one all three times!) just know that you do have other options.

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

 Birthing pools 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 pools can also provide a sense of privacy and intimacy during labor.

 Question for your doctor: Are there birth pools at the hospital or another way I can use water to relax?

You can bring your own music or sounds to the delivery room.

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. You can also choose another form of entertainment – during a birth that I photographed, the momma chose to watch “The Office” while she labored.

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

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 birthing process 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 doctor: In what positions are you willing to help me birth my baby?

Doulas are a great support and aren’t only used for 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 doctor: Do you work with doulas often? Are there any you recommend?

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

Visualization and relaxation techniques such as hypnobirthing, yoga, and meditation can help you stay calm and focused during labor. It can also help to lower stress hormones and increase endorphins, which can make labor more manageable.

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

Your emotions may be all over the place.

 Giving birth is an intense experience, and you may feel a range of emotions – from elation to fear to exhaustion – all within a short period of time. This is totally normal and okay!

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 doctor: In what circumstances do you perform c-sections?

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 birth!

Did you know it is best to schedule your maternity portrait session to take place between your 30-35th week of pregnancy? Maternity sessions can be as laidback or as glam as you want, view my maternity work here and reach out with any questions or to book.