Kelly (and anyone else who could help), I don't want to hijack this thread at all, but I have a question regarding this comment and any advice you can give as I find myself in this situation (past sexual abuse). So much so that I have trouble relaxing enough to let my husband 'in', so to speak, when we make love (and we have been together for almost 6 years!). I am not sure that my fear will allow me relax enough to let the baby pass through, although I realise that a lot of that is out of my control anyway.Fear of birth and pain is an absolute epidemic and psychological blocks are a big problem - I have seen many of them first hand in births where there has been past sexual abuse, generally feeling 'unsafe' and fear of 'tools'. It is possible to be so tense and fearful that you tighten up in places you never thought possible and nor-adrenaline kicks in and the whole process stops or as observed by midwives and doulas, even goes backwards.
I have looked into waterbirth as I think that will really help a lot and feel I could do it then (maybe in combination with dimmed lights), but unfortunately the only place that does waterbirths where I live is fully booked. The private birthing suite of my public hospital does have a bath but I dont think they allow birthing in the water, only labouring, and besides I am a public patient.
Do you have any advice on how I could best prepare myself? I would really like to try for a vaginal birth as I think it will be very empowering, and besides I have issues with csearean anyway and lack of feeling and control of that area - and feel like the only way I would cope would be if my husband were to be able to 'stand guard' for me in the theatre! So sorry about this, but this is my greatest fear, more so than then pain of labour etc.
Reply With Quote
Bookmarks