Do you think your mind has a lot to do with going into labour?

[jackrose]

It is my belief that your mind is your biggest birthing organ.

I totally agree!

Reading Ina May Gaskin's "Spiritual Midwifery" "Ina May's Guide to Childbirth" and Pam England and Rob Horowitz's "Birthing from within" really helped me understand that.

I think that my mental state had a heap to do with me going into labour. My DD was due on Christmas eve and all through my pg I was definite that I did not want my baby born near Christmas, in fact I wanted her to be born as far away from that date as possible! I figured that the last date pre-christmas she could arrive was the 16 dec (I had a friend on that day and managed to celebrate her birthday without too much Christmas getting in the way!) otherwise I would be happy with anytime from New year on. So there was a no-go zone I was mentally setting up throughout my pregnancy . Of course, everyone told me and I certainly understood that babies can make their own minds up!

I guessed I would have DD later as first babies are often late, and besides, I was so busy trying to finish work and get ready for Christmas that I thought I can't possibly a birth in early! So in early December I was flat out organising Christmas presents to be sent to the family around the world and across the country, organising Christmas lunch etc, organising the house for DD and sorting out Maternity leave. On the 9th December I realised, its all done! I am ready! I remember getting a really calm feeling and thinking, right, we are ready for you now little one....

The next morning, we went out for brunch and I said to my DH, this is the last brunch we are going to enjoy baby free... I think today is the day I am going to go into labour. He laughed at me and dismissed it, then, at midnight that night my contractions started 10 min apart. DD was born on the 11th December, exactly 2 weeks before her EDD - definitely far enough away from Christmas!

In my case I felt my mind played a huge part!

I hope you find mental space you need for the arrival of your next LO, and I think that what you are doing with keeping details to yourself this time around is an excellent idea. It will create some safe mental space for you to be on your own clock! All the best!