Ina May's Guide to Childbirth = an absolute MUST!!!
I had a traumatic first birth, and I give full credit to the power of this book. Absolutely incredible!
I had my drug free birth, and it was the best experience of my life
We all know that women who want to birth in the Birth Centre, are AIMING for a natural, drug-free birth. So with that in mind, when you applied to birth in a Birth Centre, some part of you must have felt that you could too. Please correct me if I am wrong.
The beauty of Birth Centres is that they are generally attatched to a hospital where there is a Birth Suite which has all the pain relief you want.
I think at this stage you should focus on educating yourself about natural birth and methods that can help you achieve one. The others have already suggested a truck load of great ideas. The best of all I guess is to have faith in yourself. And remember, there is always room for options.
I agree that faith in yourself is a huge factor!
I had gas & pethidine with DD1, because I had no idea what I was doing, or what to expect. I was terrified of the pain & thought it wasn't normal, so was fighting against it. Tencing my body up to fight the pain, rather than let the contractions do what they were meant to do.
Next time around I knew what I did wrong the first time, so I was able to focus on this. I tuned in to each contraction. Rather than freak out from the pain, I kinda hummed through them, while visualising what they were working towards - my cervix opening.
I think just the fact that this will be your second birth is a good start. You know what is happening, you have a good idea of what to expect & even though its still very scary, you know what is happening IS normal.
There are alot of great suggestions, but the first thing you need is belief in you You can do it xx
A non induced labour is SO much easier to deal with in my experience, so that may be a huge factor for you
I second reading Ina May. I read Spiritual midwifery. Loved it
BELIEVE IN YOURSELF!
And also don't overthink things, just look after yourself, imagine a gentle meeting of you and your bub and soon you'll be holding them in your arms.
My second birth (a planned homebirth) didn't quite go to plan, with a 9cm transfer and 3 hours of pushing but it was still AWESOME to meet my son.
Good luck
it is natural to be wondering about all these things, i haven't checked all the replies but i def think a doula is worth looking into and also having a good chat with the birth centre about everything might help.
I too was far from fit with both my girls, i am 'technically' obese and was so so worried about the fact that i am normally the biggest sook in the world when it comes to pain.
I guess you just need to find something that makes you feel calm, surround yourself with people that understand your wishes and go from there.
Sorry i don't have much to offer except a big and the best of wishes, i had both of mine natural and without pain relief, it's the greatest feeling and i NEVER thought i would do it, DP and i joked that i am such a sook i would have every drug imaginable.... believe in yourself and your body and you will be fine!
Feel free to read my birth stories, they are in my sig...
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it is natural to be wondering about all these things, i haven't checked all the replies but i def think a doula is worth looking into and also having a good chat with the birth centre about everything might help.
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