What actually to expect? First time (teen) mum

[pronxcessxo]

Hi,
I've been on here a while but haven't made my own thread before so excuse me if i make any mistakes, formatting errors etc :)

So I'm 19 years old and 35 weeks pregnant (I know, I know). I have an amazing support network, my boyfriend and I have a rock solid 5 year plan, and we're lucky enough that my parents house can comfortably welcome 1 20 year old young man and a tiny little baby boy. So, no worries financially, and I'm going to be well supported after the birth - so far so good.

However what i’m most nervous about is the actual hospital experience. I've only ever had one overnight in hospital, on an A&E ward, and it was fine. This is going to be slightly more intensive I should imagine.

I don't know what's going to actually happen at the hospital, before, during and after my stay. Am I going to be there for one night, two? I know with COVID my partner can be there during visiting hours- what about the rest of the time? Am I just going to be left to get on with it with a brand new baby? Am i going to be monitored? What are the wards like normally? I have a million and one questions lol, but what I'd like to know actually is what happened during your hospital stay after giving birth for the first time, especially during COVID times. I'm really flipping nervous!!! (Also, what do i ACTUALLY need to take with me, because the amount of stuff on most of the American Mom Blogs TM that come up when you google seems like it would fill a suitcase, and NOT a small one)

Thank you so much

@pronxcessxo

Hi, I've been on here a while but haven't made my own thread before so excuse me if i make any mistakes, formatting errors etc :)

So I'm 19 years old and 35 weeks pregnant (I know, I know). I have an amazing support network, my boyfriend and I have a rock solid 5 year plan, and we're lucky enough that my parents house can comfortably welcome 1 20 year old young man and a tiny little baby boy. So, no worries financially, and I'm going to be well supported after the birth - so far so good.

However what i’m most nervous about is the actual hospital experience. I've only ever had one overnight in hospital, on an A&E ward, and it was fine. This is going to be slightly more intensive I should imagine.

I don't know what's going to actually happen at the hospital, before, during and after my stay. Am I going to be there for one night, two? I know with COVID my partner can be there during visiting hours- what about the rest of the time? Am I just going to be left to get on with it with a brand new baby? Am i going to be monitored? What are the wards like normally? I have a million and one questions lol, but what I'd like to know actually is what happened during your hospital stay after giving birth for the first time, especially during COVID times. I'm really flipping nervous!!! (Also, what do i ACTUALLY need to take with me, because the amount of stuff on most of the American Mom Blogs TM that come up when you google seems like it would fill a suitcase, and NOT a small one)

Thank you so much

I was 18 when I gave birth a year ago I actually had a student midwife and she was amazing !!! Everyone looks after you don't worry too much you'll be in the vest placed surrounded by the best people xx

In all that I had read about giving birth before my first I am pretty sure that I hadn't heard about after pains. My goodness they were really painful and such a shock and I was scared as I didn't know what they were, I had them over 48 after I gave birth, paracetamol helped in the end, as well as breathing slowly.

I didn't have them my other 2 DC so maybe not everyone gets them.

I agree with PP about it being very hot, I drank loads of water and found Vaseline for my lips useful as they were very dry.

Best of luck with it all.

Take a T-shirt or vest to sleep in. The maternity ward is VERY hot.
If there are no problems, the hospital is unlikely to keep you more than one night.
The midwives are helpful if you go to them. Don’t be afraid to ask them anything.
I really wish I’d taken laxatives with me.

My experience of the post natal ward is similar to everyone else’s. Hot, noisy and bright!

Take painkillers with you but don’t tell the midwives.I had a huge episiotomy and forceps. The pain afterwards was awful and I felt a bit ignored when I was asking for painkillers.

Randomly, on my ward of 4, one woman was the wife of an old school friend, the couple next to us was a friend of my sons dad and whilst on the induction ward, the woman opposite had her mum with her who was a close work acquaintance!

One thing that surprised me as I’d never been told, is how swollen I was down below. Honestly, it was horrendous!

I had a spinal for my forceps delivery and in preparation for a C Section. I had a catheter and the midwife took it out and told me I could go home once I’d wee’d. What she didn’t mention was that I’d have zero control of the flow and that would continue for a while!

Piles after birth were awful, as was the constipation.

Agreed, love at first sight didn’t happen for me. It was about 3 or 4 weeks but I was in a lot of pain from my stitches.

You are young and in your child birthing prime. Hopefully you sail through and be home in no time.

I was 20 when I had my first. It came as a MASSIVE shock to me that I still needed to wear my maternity jeans home as my old ones didn't fit... I just thought they'd be a bit tight but there was no way they were going on! So pack very loose, comfy (maternity) wear for the few days after. And flip flops for the shower. Hope all goes well, be proud of yourself!