5 FIRST TIME MOM MISTAKES TO AVOID During Pregnancy + Labor

If you’re a FIRST TIME MOM, you need to watch this!

When it comes to labor and delivery and becoming a first time mama, there are some things that you can do and not do to set yourself up for a happier, healthier, and easier labor and postpartum.

From timing contractions to when to go to the hospital in labor to picking an OBGYN or midwife and more, I share with you some pregnancy and labor and delivery tips that can greatly impact your birthing and postpartum experience.

Whether you’re wanting an unmedicated natural birth or you’re planning to labor with an epidural, childbirth education is going to equip you to have an empowering experience you love!

No more stressing about how to give birth or how to have a baby, Mama! I’ve got you!

Check out these resources below!!!
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SOME THINGS YOU WILL LOVE TO HAVE:

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PREGNANCY MUST HAVES

POSTPARTUM MUST HAVES

BABY FAVES

BREASTFEEDING GO-TO's

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DISCLAIMER

All content and information in this video is for informational and educational purposes only, does not constitute medical, psychological or health advice of any kind and I do not warrant that the information presented herein is free of any errors or omissions. I am not providing medical, health care, nutrition therapy or coaching services to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any kind of physical ailment, mental or medical condition.

Although I strive to provide accurate general information, the information presented here is not a substitute for any kind of professional advice, and you should not rely solely on this information. Always consult a professional in the medical and health area for your particular needs and circumstances prior to making any medical or health related decisions. For your health related questions, please seek the advice of a licensed physician or any other qualified health care provider immediately.

By performing any fitness exercises without supervision, you are performing them at your own risk. See a fitness professional to give you advice on your exercise form. Consult with your doctor before starting any exercise routine.

Built To Birth, Inc and Bridget Teyler will not be responsible or liable in any way for any injury, loss, damages, costs or expenses suffered by you in relation to this video or its content. You are responsible for your own safety.

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#BuiltToBirth

[pitounesky]

I delivered my first child in August.😊 I had a membrane sweep in the morning at 40+3 weeks (and I was already 4 cm dilated and 80% effaced without feeling Baxton-Hicks). When my contractions started 1 hour after my membrane sweep, I continued my day as usual (preparing a soup for lunch, etc.). I didn't timed my contractions. During the afternoon, I did some yogaball, I used heat and some pressure points on my back, I listenned to your birth meditations while breathing, I took a bath. After the bath, I felt my contractions getting closer so I decided to time them: they were 2 to 4 minutes apart. We decided to pack our car slowly to go to the hospital. Half a hour after, I started having a little nausea so I said to my partner: ok now we go! We live 10-12 minutes from the hospital only. When I arrived, I was 9.5 cm dilated and I delivered naturally my baby within 30 minutes with only 11 minutes of pushing! I still can't believe it went so smoothly and that the pain wasn't that bad at home. (The intensity went up during the last 30 min on the hospital tho!) I'm amazed that my body was able to do this since I tough I had a low pain threshold and tough I might need an epidural! 😆 Such a great experience!!! ❤️

[PicoleEsparza]

1. staying with the first obgyn they visit
2. spending more time on the nursery than postpartum planning
3. timing surges and going into birth mode right away
4. activating the phone tree (sending mass message out as soon as process begins)
5. going to hospital too early during labor
❤

[elizabethlebaron]

For all the women who don’t have the option to interview several providers due to finances, etc…that’s also okay.

[mitsyflanagan]

I was at first upset with my OB. He told me come into the hospital when "I couldn't take the intensity of the surges anymore"...I didn't feel that was very scientific based on all the info online. But I took his advice and labored in a hotel room near the hospital (we live an hour from town, it was the best! Unlimited hot water for showers/baths plus the hotel gave us a discount cause I was in labor 😀 ) Anyway, after 24 hours of labor, I knew I couldn't handle the intensity anymore. Went to the hospital and I was fully dialated! No intervention and less than an hour of pushing....I guess he knew what he was talking about LOL.

[konichiwaUT]

Thank you for not only normalizing, but advocating for not “activating the phone tree!” My partner and I have decided not to notify anyone that won’t be actively involved in/present at the birth when I go into labor so I can labor in peace and not feel pressure to update others. I’ve already been told by some that my decision is “abnormal, ” “unexpected, ” and “weird, ” but I know myself and what I need to stay present and focused during labor.

[irinaleontyuk]

I had my second baby 6 days ago and made it to the hospital <1 hour before my daughter was born! 😊 no interventions and I feel so empowered! definitely agree to ignore surges as long as possible!

[justices]

I'm 32 weeks and have been watching your videos before I even got pregnant! This is my first pregnancy and my husband and mom are telling me that we're leaving to the hospital (a whopping 6 minute drive) as soon as my labor starts and I just laugh at them! They will play nice and I will say when we go <3 thanks for giving me the confidence I need to guide myself into active labor at my own pace, Bridget. Much love!

[rinimoses]

I have been watching your videos since I found out I was pregnant. I will be 35 weeks tomorrow and your videos have made me more confident and less fearful about giving birth. Thank you Bridget!!

[sitcomchristian]

Postpartum planning!!! Yes! We don't live in a culture that acknowledges the value in children. I personally had much less support that I expected to have after my first was born. I had moderate/severe postpartum depression and a difficult, colicky baby. I would get her crying stuck in my head like you would get a song stuck in your head. I was also working full-time with her by my side (admin work). She hated the car seat and I dreaded every red light. We didn't bond until she was 18 months old (it was Pavarotti, we both love music and opera). Around 9 months postpartum, I began taking sam-e, which really helped me feel better.
And please don't misunderstand! I had parents and in-laws nearby, who loved this girl and a church family that were thrilled by her birth! But frankly, everyone has their own lives. My parents were still working full-time. My sister lived in another state. My in-laws don't have a "service" mentality, and are hoarders. My husband also works during the day. What was I supposed to ask from anyone? I had to go through that experience, I think, to toughen up and get some real expectations drilled into me. Nothing toughens you up like motherhood.
Even still, I had a repeat episode of postpartum depression after my second was born. Much less severe, and I was able to recognize it and address it quickly.
Nearly 34 weeks with my 3rd, an adopted embryo. I do still fear the postpartum period. I would love to have a baby and enjoy that special time. I've been working with a homeopath on the long-term issues I have. I'm addressing stress points in my life and implementing strategies to improve them. I've got a chest freezer with a goal of 45 meals (I'm at 34 right now), and quick and easy ideas for dinners when we're not heating one of those up.

TL/DR: Please get some dinners frozen and ready to heat up, or start hoarding gift cards to places that deliver food lol!
Also, if you get depressed, try sam-e to give you an edge as you recover. Many have found it comparable to SSRIs, without needing to go on prescription medication.
Your child is beautiful, and so are you. <3

[AG-rkgx]

I am confused when I hear “to interview different OBs and midwives” because my first visit with my midwife cost me $192.

[haley]

Soon as my OBGYN told me that pregnancy is awful and labor is awful I started looking for a widmife as this is my first pregnancy and I really did NOT like what she had to say about pregnancy or labor as I came with a list of questions and I don’t think she enjoyed the questions I had asked, therefore I am choosing to which to a midwife. I am 30 weeks along and I wish I would’ve done it sooner but I’m glad I still have a chance to transfer

[frankiebee]

Just had my second baby a couple of weeks ago. My contractions stayed 8 mins apart into active labor and were 4 to 5 mins apart as I was 9cm - all unmedicated. It wasn’t until they broke my water at 9cm that my contractions then got 2 to 3 mins apart and I pushed after just 3 contractions in the “9cm” zone. So not every single labor is cookie cutter. I didn’t even think I was in active labor because my water was in tact and the pain was about a 7 for me. So just trust the professionals, trust your body, call the midwife or go to the hospital when you feel like you are deep into labor. Timing may not be everything, pain level may not be everything.

[emmakaren]

As a first timer who had a very quick labour (under 20 hours) I think more educational content on this kind of experience is really needed. It’s true most first timers will need to be patient through labour, but some of us really don’t which is really tricky to navigate when everyone around you insists labour will take forever and makes it difficult to get the support you need in the later stages of labour. Would love to see a video on the topic!

[natalieyoungers]

# 2 is really good! I spent time setting up our nursery to be a safe haven for me and/or my husband instead of a “baby room”. We had a comfortable chair, a phone charger, water, snacks, book, soft lighting, blankets and pillows.
This was CRUCIAL in the first three months, as we had a place to escape to with baby while the other slept. We used the “nursery” (I.e. getaway room) every single day!

[rachelkramer]

My first is due this august and I switched from an OB to a midwife and it was the best decision this far! So kind and nurturing and I truly feel like I will get the birth experience I desire by having them by my side. ❤️

Also, totally looking into a PF therapist now that you mentioned it!! Thank you ❤️

[cvmqzps]

1. staying with the first obgyn they visit
2. spending more time on the nursery than postpartum planning
3. timing surges and going into birth mode right away
4. activating the phone tree (sending mass message out as soon as process begins)
5. going to hospital too early during labor

[Beadorie]

Mistake #1....not everyone has the option of trying out a bunch of providers :/

[lAng]

I’ve had 3 kids, every way you can (w/epidural; natural w/no pain meds [not by choice- she was ‘coming too quickly” they said], & a C-Section). Children are blessings from GOD & it’s all worth it! 🙏💕💯

[stephjose]

We NEVER even had a nursery or crib and our son is 3.5 years old now. Pregnant with baby number 2 at 28 weeks. Excited to stay home much longer before going to birth center- excited and preparing for all natural birth this time around ❤

[carinakamangoesmael]

I don’t know about the whole “don’t be too early” thing. You might be contradicting what someone’s dr advised. I think some parents are overly anxious and early but others are overly relaxed and end up giving birth in the parking lot because their labour wasn’t so dramatically painful as they anticipated. Or it progressed faster or they live far from the birthing place.

I think prioritizing rest as long as you can is a good thing, but everyone’s labour takes a different amount of time. If you can’t talk through the contraction and the timing is 4 mins apart, I think you should go! Even if it didn’t dramatically accelerate yet. Being early is a million times better than being late in this situation. And a first timer doesn’t know how long it will take which is why they give them a buffer so they are on time. To me it is not a mistake 😅