10 things your doctor never told you about giving birth | Denver Birth Photographer
Hey hey, birthy badass—
Feeling overwhelmed by alllll the info (or total lack of it) about giving birth? Yeah, I see you. Between Google, unsolicited advice, and your OB’s 10-minute check ins it’s no wonder your brain feels absolutely strained. But don’t stress— As a Denver Birth Photographer, doula, AND mom, I like to think I’m well versed in this department. I'm here to walk you through some real-deal truths that most doctors forget to mention.
So here it is:
10 things your doctor probably didn’t tell you about birth—but should have.
(And if any of these resonate, don’t be afraid to bring them up at your next appointment. You’re allowed to ask questions. A lot of them.)
You’ve got options for where you give birth—and they’re all valid.
Hospital, home, birth center—there’s no “right” place to give birth. It’s about what feels safest and most supportive to you. If twinkle lights and your own bed sound dreamy, cool. If having all the medical tools nearby feels best, also cool. You get to choose what works for your body and your brain.
Ask your provider: “Would you support me if I wanted to explore different birth settings?”
An epidural isn’t your only option for pain relief.
Epidurals can be great—and for some people, they’re exactly what they want. But they’re not the only way to manage labor pain. There’s also nitrous oxide (laughing gas), massage, movement, and tools like hypnobirthing or acupressure. Some are more medical, some are less—none of them are better than the other, just different. You deserve to know your options so you’re not making decisions in the middle of a contraction.
Ask your provider: “What pain relief options do you see work well besides the epidural?”
You can bring your own music. Or ocean waves. Or rage screams. Whatever soothes you.
The right music—or even the right silence—can completely shift your energy in labor. Whether it’s calming waves, your favorite playlist, or the sound of primal roars leaving your body, you’re allowed to create an environment that helps you cope. This is your space, your energy, your birth.
Ask: “Am I able to bring music or sound to the birth room?”
Water can be a game changer.
Warm water isn’t just cozy—it’s pain relief. Whether you’re in a birth tub or just a hot shower, water can help your muscles relax, reduce pain, and give you more freedom to move. Even if you’re not planning a water birth, using water during labor is something worth asking about.
Ask: “Can I labor in water here? Are birth tubs or showers available?”
You’ll probably poop. It’s normal. Literally no one cares.
It’s a fact of birth: when you’re pushing a baby out, you might also push out... other things. And listen, your nurses have seen it all. Your doula doesn’t blink. The only one thinking about it is you, and you’re too busy birthing a human to care for long. I also have to note that as your Denver Birth Photographer I promise to be so very tactful in my documentation here :) unless of course you’re all for the raw and uncensored imagery— in that case I got you!
No question needed here—just the reassurance that it’s normal entirely normal.
There’s more than one way to push out a baby.
You don’t have to be flat on your back with your feet in stirrups (unless that’s what feels good to you!). You can birth on hands and knees, squatting, side-lying, standing, using a birth stool—whatever works. Different positions can help baby move down, and help you feel more in control.
Ask: “What positions are you comfortable supporting during birth?”
Doulas aren’t just for “natural” birth—they’re for you.
Whether you want an unmedicated birth, a scheduled C-section, or something in between— a doula can be a steady, knowledgeable presence through it all. We help you feel grounded, heard, and supported—even when shit hits the fan. We work with your whole team to make sure your voice leads the way.
Ask: “Do you work with doulas often? Are there any you recommend?”
You can eat and drink during labor—unless there’s a medical reason not to.
This whole “nothing by mouth” rule? Outdated in most cases. You’re doing hard, physical work and your body needs fuel. Labor isn’t the time to run on empty. Even just sipping juice or eating light snacks can help your energy stay up.
Ask: “Under what circumstances would I not be allowed to eat or drink in labor?”
Your mind is one of your best tools during labor.
How you feel in labor can impact how your body works. Tools like visualization, meditation, breathwork, and even affirmations (yes, really) help lower stress and support your hormones. The calmer you feel, the more your body can do what it’s meant to do. Prep your brain like you would your birth bag.
Ask: “Is there anything you recommend now to help me cope with labor later?”
C-sections are still birth—and you still deserve support.
Sometimes they’re planned. Sometimes they’re the last-minute save. Either way, a cesarean is still birth. It can be empowering, beautiful, and life-saving. It also comes with its own recovery and emotional journey, and you deserve just as much support and respect no matter how your baby arrives.
Ask: “What’s your approach to cesareans? When do you typically recommend them?”
And finally...
This is your birth. You don’t owe anyone a specific vibe, plan, or performance. Whether you want to labor in a tub listening to whale songs, push in the hospital with all the tools, or have your doula braid your hair between contractions—your choices matter. You matter.
You’ve got options. You’ve got instincts. And you’ve got every right to birth on your own terms.
You’ve fucking got this.