PREGNANCY Labor & Delivery Busy Moms Spill the Beans: What Labor & Delivery is Actually Like So, the big day is almost here, and you’re probably a mix of “Let’s do this!” and “What have I signed up for?” Labor and delivery are the marathons you’ve been training for the past nine months, and I’m here to give you the no-filter run-down, mom to mom. Share Article Instagram Facebook Pinterest Twitter Tiktok Brace Yourself: Early Labor Labor is like the opening act of a concert. It starts slow, maybe some backache and those famous Braxton Hicks contractions you’ve heard about. You’re excited but also, let’s be honest, a little nervous. My top tip? Distraction is your friend. Watch a movie, bake some cookies (if you’re up to it), or just chill. This part can take a while, so conserve that energy. The Main Event: Active Labor When things ramp up, you’ll know. Contractions get real—like, can’t-talk-through-them real. This is where your breathing exercises come in handy. And walking. Lots of walking. If you’ve got a birthing ball, now’s the time to bounce. Don’t worry aboutlooking silly; you’re a warrior, and warriors don’t care about silly Decisions, Decisions: Pain Management Epidural