My Personal Experience
As a first-time mom, I thought I was prepared for labor and delivery. I had my hospital bag packed, a birth plan in mind, and a general idea of what to expect. But what I wasn’t prepared for were the unexpected questions and decisions I had to make while in labor—often while in pain, exhausted, and overwhelmed.
Now, as I prepare for baby #2, I find myself feeling anxious about some of those same hospital moments. This time, though, I want to go in with more confidence. I’m sharing my experience not as a medical expert (because I’m not one!) but as a mom who wishes she had been better informed the first time around. My hope is that this helps another mom feel more prepared when her big day comes.
The Overwhelming Moments No One Warned Me About
Now, I want to be clear—I had an amazing birth experience. My doctor was awesome, my labor nurses were incredible, and my anesthesiologist was an absolute blessing. The care I received, while diligently praying through the experience, allowed me to actually enjoy my birthing experience, and I will always be grateful for that.
However, the part I wasn’t prepared for was the non-medical staff—the people coming in and out of my room with paperwork, questions, and unexpected decisions I had to make. That’s where I was more disappointed.
One particularly uncomfortable moment happened while I was sitting on a birthing ball, working through contractions. A staff member walked in and asked if I wanted to donate my placenta for stem cell research. In that moment, I had no idea how to respond. I was in pain, trying to focus, and felt completely unprepared to make such a big decision on the spot. Thankfully, I had the courage to ask for more time to think about it. But it made me realize—there are so many choices I should have researched before stepping foot into that hospital.
Delayed Cord Clamping & Skin-to-Skin: What I Didn’t Know
One of the things I didn’t know was even an option during my first birth was delayed cord clamping (DCC).
Delayed cord clamping allows extra blood from the placenta to flow into the baby before the cord is cut, which can have benefits like increasing iron levels and improving circulation. Many hospitals now support it, but it’s something you should bring up with your doctor beforehand and communicate clearly with your birthing team.
Don’t be afraid to ask for DCC and skin-to-skin contact right after birth! The great thing is, you aren’t the first and won’t be the last to request it. If you want to do it, do it!
Decisions You’ll Be Asked to Make at the Hospital
Before you give birth, take time to understand the medical procedures, tests, and vaccines your newborn may receive. Knowing the purpose, timing, and your rights regarding these will help you feel more in control when the moment comes.
(The resources provided below are what came up through my Google research. I’m not a medical doctor - you should consult yours and do your own research)
NEWBORN VACCINES
|
Vaccine |
Purpose |
Timing |
Can Parents Decline? |
|
Hepatitis B (HepB) |
Protects against liver disease caused by Hepatitis B virus |
Given within 24 hours of birth |
Yes, but may require a waiver (varies by state) |
NEW BORN PROCEDURES & TEST
|
Procedure/Test |
Purpose |
Timing |
Can Parents Decline? |
|
Vitamin K Injection |
Prevents Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding (VKDB) (rare but serious brain bleeding disorder) |
Given within 1 hour of birth |
Yes, but refusal may require signing a waiver |
|
Erythromycin Eye Ointment |
Prevents eye infections from gonorrhea or chlamydia |
Given within 2 hours of birth |
Yes, parents can decline in most states |
|
Newborn Metabolic Screening (Heel Prick) |
Tests for over 30+ metabolic, genetic, and endocrine disorders (e.g., PKU, cystic fibrosis) |
Done 24-48 hours after birth |
No, required in all states (some allow religious exemption) |
|
Hearing Test |
Checks for congenital hearing loss using a non-invasive ear probe |
Usually done within 24-48 hours |
Yes, but some states require follow-up testing |
|
Congenital Heart Defect (CHD) Screening |
Uses pulse oximetry to check oxygen levels and detect heart defects |
Done within 24-48 hours |
No, required in all states |
|
First Bath |
Removes vernix and prevents infection (varies by hospital policy) |
Usually within 6-24 hours |
Yes, parents can request delayed bathing |
|
Weighing, Measuring, APGAR Test |
Basic assessments of baby’s health |
Right after birth |
No, standard procedure |
Understanding Your Choices
• Purpose – Why is this test, vaccine, or procedure recommended?
• Timing – When will it be done? Can it be delayed?
• Rights – Can you decline or request an alternative?
Many of these are standard hospital practices, but you always have the right to ask questions, delay certain procedures, or opt out when appropriate. What matters most is making informed decisions that align with your values and preferences.
Postpartum: The Emotional Rollercoaster No One Warned Me About
Something I was completely unprepared for was how much the little things would set me off emotionally. The postpartum staff was nothing like the labor and delivery nurses. I went from being supported, reassured, and guided through everything with a calm, encouraging tone—to feeling like I was an inconvenience.
Maybe it was hormones, but I felt like everything was abrupt, direct, and almost impatient. And when you’re exhausted, sore, and adjusting to motherhood, that shift feels huge.
The little things that got to me:
• Not knowing when I was allowed to shower (seriously, just ask!)
• My room was hot, but I was scared to say something because I didn’t want the baby to get cold—but advocate for yourself! If you’re uncomfortable, speak up!
• I kept running out of ice water but didn’t want to ask for more—do not be afraid to ask or send your husband to demand it.
• Pain management—take your meds, walk when your doctor recommends it, and listen to your body.
• If you need another shower, take it. Blow-dry your hair. Put on a little makeup if it makes you feel better. Whatever helps you feel more like yourself—do it.
Most importantly, communicate with your spouse. They have no idea what you’re feeling, and they can’t read your mind. Tell them what you need, even if it feels small.
Pediatrician & Vaccine Prep: Don’t Wait Until the Hospital
One of the biggest lessons I learned: Have a pediatrician picked out before you ever get to the hospital. Research them, read reviews, and even call ahead to make sure they’re accepting new patients.
The hospital pediatrician is someone you’re required to see before checking out, but don’t assume they will thoroughly check your baby. I learned this the hard way.
I had to stay an extra day because they were “too busy” to see us before they left. And when the pediatrician finally showed up, I didn’t even realize who she was—she barely spoke to me, didn’t pick up my daughter, and gave no real feedback.
A few days later, our actual doctor (an older, experienced pediatrician) immediately noticed my daughter had a tongue tie. He referred us to a specialist, and by day 9 of her life, she had the procedure she needed. The hospital pediatrician never caught it.
So please, please, please—find a pediatrician before you go into labor!
Know the Vaccine Schedule
Before you visit your pediatrician, do your research on vaccines. Learn the schedule, understand what each one is for, and know your stance. Some offices will decline you as a patient if you don’t follow the standard vaccine schedule—so it’s best to be informed before you go.
Final Thoughts
I pray this article gives you the knowledge and confidence to walk into that hospital prepared so you can focus on what truly matters—welcoming your precious little one into the world.
Did you experience unexpected hospital decisions? What helped you feel more prepared? Share your thoughts in the comments!