***Many Typos Ahead***

When I was pregnant my biggest delivery fear was….to poop myself! I am going to be real about this. Don’t judge me. It is my experience. Not pooping myself was my number one goal going in no matter what happened. I watched many delivery videos beforehand (please resist this urge, it really does not help) and read many delivery stories to help me set my expectations for my own. I have always been a good student (well…somewhat) so I got into the habit of doing my homeworks. Among the many accounts of deliveries I had encountered, the most terrifying thing to me was to poop mid delivery in front of total strangers and my husband! By strangers, I mean these men and women did spend thousands of hours studying for this. I mean sure, I will never see them again, but omg why?! And my husband…poor dear, he has been so helpful, he did not deserve this. So I endeavored to do all I could to have a poop free delivery and in the event all else failed, I started prepping my husband for the scenario. I asked him, what you would handle best:

1) an infidelity on my part

2) catching my poop mid-air during delivery

He said he would rather catch poop mid delivery. We laughed and that made me feel so much better. I was ready. I mean there is not much one can do you know...It is real! It happens. I am sure that by the time it does, that is the last thing on one’s mind. When my husband cut my baby's umbilical cord, one of my first questions to him was: did I poop? "No babe, you did not poop". A sigh of relief and holding my warm crying baby to my chest. I closed my eyes. I had done well!

Thinking further about it, I think focusing on the poop was the best distraction for much bleaker scenarios, which were playing in my mind. I wanted my baby to be born healthy so bad given the tough journey we both had getting there, which I will share in another post. Oh God, I was so afraid. So at the mercy of life in its rawest form...

Moms may be afraid of pooping during delivery because it is a common occurrence that happens to many women during childbirth. When a woman pushes during labor, the muscles used to push the baby out are the same muscles used to pass stool. As a result, it's not uncommon for women to pass stool while giving birth.

While it's a normal and natural part of the process, some women may feel embarrassed or ashamed about it. They may worry about the smell or the mess, or feel concerned that it could be a sign of poor hygiene or a lack of control. However, it's important to remember that healthcare providers are well-prepared to handle this situation and take steps to maintain cleanliness and hygiene.

It's worth noting that passing stool during delivery is not harmful to the baby, and it's not a reflection of a woman's cleanliness or hygiene. It's a normal and natural part of the process, and healthcare providers are trained to handle it with professionalism and respect. Women should feel comfortable discussing their concerns with their healthcare provider and asking questions to alleviate any worries or fears they may have.

For moms out there, what is or what was for biggest, most ridiculous or painfully real delivery fear. Did it happen? How did you overcome it? I believe you are a mom from conception and future moms are included in this! Dads, what were your fears? Were you ready to catch the poop?! Please share, make us laugh, and hell, judge if you must. I look forward to reading your candid comments! :P