- I feel like I'm dis-servicing the couple unless I'm with them the whole time. This is actually a really common feeling in the birth world. However, it's better to nap than to feel groggy and awful when my clients need me.
- I need to snack often while at births. It's rare to get the chance to eat a whole meal, so I always make sure to have small snacks in my bag (speaking of that, I need to refill my snack supply...)
- I am sleepiest between 11pm and 2am. For some people, this time is different, but 11-2 is my hard time. However, if the mom is pushing or just had the baby, I'm normally fine.
- After the baby's born, all the adrenaline mixed with a usually-empty stomach makes me feel like I'm going to puke or pass out. This happens at almost every birth, but it quickly passes. It's just a quickly unpleasant feeling.
- Drive home before the adrenaline is totally out of your system! Otherwise you will crash (literally!). No, I don't know this from experience, but it is relatively important to remember... :-D
- If I'm tired while driving home (usually the case, despite the adrenaline dregs), roll down the window and blare the radio (for me, it's K-Love). If I'm especially tired (like after being awake for 24 hours and driving home at 6am), I dance in my seat to keep myself moving.
- Green tea doesn't contain enough caffeine to keep me awake. It might work for some people, but I need regular coffee. Thankfully, some hospitals have free "kitchens" for the birth team stocked with food and drink.
- If you're told to arrive at the hospital/home/birthing center at a specific time, leave 10-15 minutes earlier than you usually would. I have found that either parking is impossible, your client gets there early, or you're stuck in traffic. Give yourself a buffer!
Anyway, I hope my "pearls of wisdom" (haha...) are helpful for anyone interested in "this sorta stuff!" :-D
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