First Time Mom Birth Story: What Actually Happens in the Hospital + Golden Hour Mistakes to Avoid

In this season 3 premiere, Erica shares her full birth story—from false alarms and triage visits to a fast, textbook delivery and those emotional first moments meeting her baby. Hillary (labor & delivery nurse + IBCLC) breaks down what actually happened in real-time—including what went right, what didn't, and what every mom should know before walking into the hospital. This episode is equal parts real-life experience and clinical insight—so you can feel more prepared, confident, and equipped heading into birth. --- In this episode, we cover: * What early labor actually feels like (and why you might get sent home) * Water breaking vs leaking—how to tell the difference * What to expect when you arrive at the hospital * Epidural experience (what it really feels like) * Fast labor vs typical first-time labor * The truth about pushing (and how long it takes) * What the golden hour should look like after birth * A real example of when to advocate for yourself in the hospital * Why having someone advocate for you matters --- Key takeaway: You don't have to just "go with the flow" in the hospital—you can ask questions, pause interventions, and advocate for the experience you want. --- Resources: [https://www.babysettler.com](https://www.babysettler.com) --- This episode is sponsored by Nurtured 9 [https://www.nurtured9.com](https://www.nurtured9.com) Use code EARLYMOMMING for 15% off --- Loved this episode? Leave a review on Apple or Spotify—it helps more moms find this support