The honest truth about childbirth

There are a lot of unpleasantries that come with pregnancy and labor. A few books out there talk about some of these not-so-hot topics and actually delve into the gory details. Most don't. I love sharing my experiences, good or bad. As much as I read beforehand to prepare me for childbirth, when the time came, I still felt unprepared. "Why didn't anyone tell me about [this] or [that]?," I would say. In my mind, I can't imagine anyone not wanting to have all the information available to help prepare and make the most thoughtful decision possible. If a stranger were to stop and ask me about my experience in the delivery room, I wouldn't spare a single detail. I've learned through time that this is not always the most prudent thing to do. There are those who appreciate and want to soak up all available information and prepare for the worst. And there are those who prefer not to dwell on what could happen, and instead take each trial as it comes. For instance, I have useful advice for pregnant women about post-partum cramping and swelling (beyond anything you could imagine), massaging/stretching your perineum (as important as Kegels), scrubbing your nipples beforehand, and requesting a mirror during delivery. "What for?," you may ask. I will spare you the gory details. But, if you are able and ready to hear the truth, I am here to meet your information needs.