When things don't go as planned.....

Pregnancy is one of those times when things just cannot be controlled or even predicted. The simple things like whether the baby will be a boy or a girl, where the placenta is attached or even how you carry the baby are not things you can predict.
There are many of us that are planners, we make a plan and expect to be able to follow it.
I have seen many moms who are thrown for a loop by unexpected loops that come to them through pregnancy, and one of the best things you can do for yourself, is prepare for the unexpected!

Ask yourself some questions, what if something that is unexpected happens? How would I like it handled?
Some topics might have to do with the baby's position. What if the baby is breech, posterior, or just an abnormal positioning that causes a long labor? What kind of interventions would you want made in this case?
If your baby was born early, what kind of things would you like in place?

Of course, you do not want to stress over "What if's", but just sort of contemplate them, let someone know, write it down and let it go. I have seen mothers who have had some sudden complications that led them to an early delivery that they had not even thought about, and it is hard (and still, even if you prepared for it, would be hard) to wrap your mind about everything and if you never considered it, is even harder.

Educating yourself on many topics so you know why you want to do something.
Do you want pain medication in labor? If your baby is not positioned the way he should be, your labor may be longer than you might think, would you want to be offered pain medication then? What types do you absolutely not want to take?
If you were going to end up having to have a c-section after a long labor, who would you want to stay with the baby and would you want someone to stay with you while they finish up the surgery?
What types of medication are okay for a breastfeeding baby? It is always advisable to check even on doctors as sometimes they forget too, they are only human!

I know many mothers feel that when things do not go "normal" or according to plan, they can feel that they have somehow failed. This could not be further from the truth! I think this is one reason it is important to have a good support system around you, before, during and after birth to make sure you know that there is always the unexpected in pregnancy and delivery.
It is the normal part of the abnormal!!!

So, prepare for the unexpected, let someone know, even if it is just on a piece of paper, and then relax and enjoy your pregnancy.