Hey there mama-to-be! If you’ve been wondering about the real things your doctor never told you about giving birth, you’re in the right place. Most of us walk into labor feeling overwhelmed, under-informed, and relying on TikTok to fill the gaps — but you deserve better.
As a DFW Birth Photographer who has witnessed tons of births in hospitals, birth centers, and homes, I can promise you this: there’s a lot no one tells you. And knowing these things now can change everything about how confident and prepared you feel for your birth.
Let’s dive into the 10 things your doctor never told you about giving birth — plus the questions you can ask at your next appointment.
10 Things Your Doctor Never Told You About Giving Birth
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- You don’t have to give birth in a hospital
Many parents are surprised to learn they actually have options. Home births and birth center births offer a calmer, more intimate environment and often give you far more control than a standard hospital setting. For low-risk pregnancies, outcomes are comparable — and sometimes even better.
Ask your doctor:
“If I chose a birth center or home birth, would you support me and collaborate with a midwife?”
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- Epidurals aren’t your only pain relief option
Epidurals are one tool — but not the only one. You can also use nitrous oxide, hydrotherapy, massage, movement, counter-pressure, acupressure, and hypnobirthing techniques. Many moms don’t realize they have choices until they’re already in labor.
Ask your doctor:
“What non-epidural pain relief methods do you see work well for your patients?”
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- You can bring your own music or sounds into the delivery room
Birth is emotional and sensory. Music can shift your mindset, calm your nervous system, and help you stay grounded. Bring a playlist, sound machine, or even affirmations you recorded in your own voice.
Ask your doctor:
“Am I allowed to bring music or sound into my birthing space?”
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- Birthing pools can make a huge difference
Warm water relaxes your muscles, reduces pain, promotes mobility, and helps your nervous system regulate during contractions. Even if water birth isn’t allowed at your hospital, laboring in water might be.
Ask your doctor:
“Do you offer tubs or a way for me to use water for comfort during labor?”
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- Yes — you will probably poop during labor (and it’s totally normal)
The same muscles that push your baby out also push… other things out. Your medical team sees this every single day. You won’t shock them. You won’t gross them out. And they clean it instantly.
It’s not a failure — it’s a sign you’re pushing effectively.
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- There are many birthing positions besides lying on your back
Hospitals often default to the “back-lying” position, but it’s rarely the most effective. You can birth while:
• standing
• side-lying
• hands-and-knees
• squatting
• using the bed as support
• leaning over a birth ball
As a birth photographer, I see hands-and-knees and side-lying used often — both help open the pelvis and reduce tearing.
Ask your doctor:
“What birthing positions will you support me in during pushing?”
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- Doulas aren’t only for birth — and they’re not just for “natural births”
Doulas support you emotionally, mentally, and physically. They advocate for your wishes, help you breathe through contractions, guide your partner, and bring calm into the room. They support hospital births, inductions, epidurals, and C-sections too.
Ask your doctor:
“Do you work with doulas and do you have any you recommend?”
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- You can eat and drink during labor in many cases
Unless you’re at high risk for surgery under general anesthesia, light nourishment keeps your energy stable. Labor is physically demanding — you need fuel.
Ask your doctor:
“Under what circumstances would I not be allowed to eat or drink during labor?”
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- Your mind is one of your most powerful tools during labor
Visualization, affirmations, breathing techniques, meditation, and hypnobirthing truly make a difference. They reduce fear, lower stress hormones, and increase endorphins — the body’s natural pain relievers.
Ask your doctor:
“Is there anything I can start practicing now to prepare mentally for labor?”
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- A C-section isn’t as scary as it seems
C-sections are major surgery, but they are also one of modern medicine’s greatest lifesaving tools. Whether planned or unexpected, your team is trained to keep you and your baby safe.
Knowing the typical flow of a C-section can make it feel far less overwhelming.
Ask your doctor:
“In what situations do you typically recommend a C-section?”
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My Favorite DFW Providers Who Support Evidence-Based, Family-Centered Birth
Here are a few local providers I personally love and trust after photographing countless births:
• Dr. Firouzbakht – https://www.drfobgyn.com/
She literally saved my life. When the hospital wouldn’t admit me, she was ready to load me into her car and care for me herself.
• Dr. Laura Bradford + all providers at OB/GYNs on 8th Ave – https://www.obgynson8th.com/
She delivered three of my little girls and was amazing every single time.
• All doctors at FENOM are amazing– https://fenomhealth.com/
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Now you know the 10 things your doctor never told you about giving birth — the things most people only discover after they’ve lived it. I hope these insights help you feel more informed, empowered, and confident going into your birth.
Birth doesn’t have to feel scary.
It doesn’t have to catch you off guard.
And you don’t have to do it alone.
If you want your birth story captured beautifully and respectfully, I’d love to be part of that chapter.
SEE MY FULL BIRTH PORTFOLIO HERE
https://poppybluephotography.com/birth-fresh-48-experience
Your story deserves to be remembered.
— Emily
DFW Birth Photographer
Poppy+Blue Photography
You capture the beauty and wonder perfectly.
I’m past childbearing age but would love to have these beautiful works of art to remember the miracle of my 4 children being born, even when the sweetest memories begin to fade.