scared about delivery....

[Anonymous]

I too, stayed away from videos, birthing classes-didn't take a tour of Sibley. If someone started to tell me a horror of a birth story-I told them I was interested in hearing it. I knew I was going to have meds, didn't know I'd have to have a c-section, but all went well. Best days of my life!

[Anonymous]

Fantastic post, 12:25. I agree with everything you stated (and it reflects my experience as well).

[Anonymous]

No new advice here but just reassurance you will be fine. Husband and I took a birthing class together so we had a general idea of the phases, but frankly that went out the window as soon as I checked into the hospital. Thank goodness he was there! He remembered everything, was talking me through the pain, was the key support during the contractinos and pushing (the nurses were chatting and the doctor was focused on some difficulties the baby was having coming out). Baby did get stuck, broke his collar bone, and boy there was about a 30 minute window where I screamed so loud I scared myself but it all worked out. I am a big wuss with no tolerance for pain, needles, blood, nothing, so you would think I would've been a mess. But frankly, you know the job you have to do, you focus on that and you'll get through.
I had no intention of giving birth again after that (and note, I had a pretty easy time of it), but I am now due in November.
You will get through! You will amaze yourself with what you are capable of.
Good luck and Congrats!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I was petrified of everything - being pregnant, giving birth (especially!!!) and being a mom. It all went so smoothly - it was the best time of my life and the day I gave birth was the best day of my life. I did not read up or even take a birthing class. I just showed up and did it! And I am someone who faints at the thought of giving blood! You will do great - just show up and let nature take it's course. I did have an epidural - and I am glad I did - my labor was quick and my baby was and is very healthy! Good luck - you will be fine!

I agree. Giving birth was the best day of my life. Better than my wedding.

[Anonymous]

For the "stop reading"/"learning freaks me out" set: I totally understand the mindset of how the more you know the more you ruminate on the negative possibilities. The one book that does the opposite of all the others is Childbirth Without Fear by Grantly Dick-Read. It really puts in perspective the whole experience and how our bodies were made to do this and it's the fear that makes us tense up and deeply intensify the perception of pain.

Any tattoo artist can tell you the perception of pain totally depends on the mindset of the recipient. Oh, also, I know a midwife who recommends that all her moms do a session with a hypnotherapist to process the fears. She says she sees great results.

[Anonymous]

Talk about your anxiety with your doctor and say that you want pain meds (epidural) as soon as possible. They practically gave me an epidural when I walked into the hospital, and I can honestly say that I don't recall ANY pain during the vaginal delivery. They cut the epidural down towards the very end so that I could feel when I pushed, and I think it took nearly an hour of pushing to finally deliver my son. I could feel what was going on, but I was so into the pushing and the "moment" that I really didn't feel pain. Granted, I was exhausted from pushing -- but nothing too terrible. They turn the pain meds back up before stitching you up afterwards so all you feel is tugging. I promise you that the experience will not be as painful as you imagine. Try not to think about it. It will be over so quickly and you'll be so thrilled when they put your baby in your arms. Trust me.

[Anonymous]

Of course you can always get an elective c-section. I had two c-sections and had NO pain either time. You should talk to your doctor about it.

I'm typing this and not coming back because I am going to get FLAMED for even daring to bring this option up. But I loved my c-sections and so did several friends who also had them.

[Anonymous]

I am also due in June and it just seems to be the way that we are conditioned to freak out about the pain of delivery. After starting our Hypnobirthing class and talking to my sister-in-law, I am coming to understand that my own mind is my worst enemy as far as pain goes.

My sister-in-law said her nurse told her everything would go smoothly if she could just relax when she delivered her first baby. Three babies later, she said that was the best advice she got.

I've been lulling myself to sleep with the hypnobirthing CD that tells me "My body knows what to do." "The baby knows what to do." In my head I have no idea what to do, but I trust my body does. I don't expect the process to be pain-free, but I've stopped letting people tell me their birthing horror stories so that I can stay in a positive frame of mind. I'm only remembering the good stories. Like my friend who labored for 45 minutes. My husband has been supportive and woke me up this morning whispering "You're going to have an easy delivery."

[Anonymous]

www.orgasmicbirth.com
watch the video and read the stories