What's it like giving birth and getting to hold your baby for the first time?

[Vesuvius87]

I find it so unbelievable that I'm now 8 months pregnant. My due date has been updated for June 8th. That's such a short time.

When I first received my positive pregnancy test, I recalled thinking 9 months is such a long way. It wasn't even 2025 yet. In comparing to now, my Baby Shower (May 10th) is right around the corner and next time is I'll be giving birth.

I'm new to this experience; first time soon-to-be mom. So to all mothers out there, what's it like giving birth and getting to hold your baby for the first time? I've seen my baby boy's face on a high quality ultrasound and it brought me some tears. Now I'm waiting for the real moment.

Updates

7 mo

I actually had an overall relaxing pregnant without ever experiencing morning sickness nor swollenness. I never throw up during my whole pregnancy. Instead I used to get more hungry during the first months.

[Apple1996]

I think the experience is different for every mom and even every birth is very different. Some of my babies i wanted to hold right away and felt immediate love. Others I was so traumatized from the pregnancy and birth that I completely disassociated and it took time for me to even want to be near the baby and fall in love with them. It's kind of weird because it's like meeting a stranger for the first time. You know it's a baby and it's yours but the bond takes time

[Vesuvius87]

True base on what I've read, every pregnancy is different. I feel lucky I've had a very relaxing pregnancy with my baby boy. I never had morning sickness nor any swolleness at all. In addition, my mood has been overall great and I never had any urges to cry. The only single time I've ever cried (out of joy) was when I saw his face from the first time on a high quality ultrasound.

[Apple1996]

You are definitely very lucky then

[slatyb]

I can answer the second part -- it was pretty magical.

[Vesuvius87]

I can't wait to finally hold him in my arms.