Ok guys, get your pom poms at the ready. I really need your help.

As a bit of a history,

My first son was born at 36 weeks 2 days, tragically he died inutero and was stillborn and I went through a harrowing 11 hour labour which was induced. I had an epidural (which didn't work) and I ended up with PTSD after his birth.

After a lot of work and de-briefing I managed to get to 38 weeks 3 days before I couldn't go and further and my second son was born via induction. Emotionally I couldn't go any further, I just wanted him here safe and sound. I managed to do it without drugs, not even gas and from first niggle to born was 2 1/2 hours.

This time I want to do what ever I can to avoid an induction. I want to feel what spontaneous labour feels like, I want my baby to choose their due date. I want the excitement of those first niggles turning into contractions. I want to know what a natural labour is for me. How long will it take, what will it feel like?

But I'm beginning to doubt myself. I'm feeling panicked and nervous. My Ob is very low intervention and is happy if I want to go post-dates even but the internal struggle is my biggest enemy. I'm having twice weekly CTG's and regular scans to keep an eye on bub and all is well.

I've done up a list of birth mantras (below) and I'm trying to read them as least daily. Other than that I guess I just need to quiet my mind and let my body do its work.

So any wise advice, insightful information or pep talks are welcomed and appreciated.

Lv a nervous Spring xx


The power and intensity of my contractions cannot be stronger than me, because it is me.

This is not pain, this is exactly what my body is designed to do.

I welcome each contraction. Each contraction brings me closer to meeting my baby.

I look forward to giving birth.

I picture myself calm and serene, I have looked forward to this day and want to experience it wholly.

I am not afraid. I give birth with faith and trust. I trust myself, I trust my body, I have inner help.

I believe in my body’s ability to give birth naturally.

I believe my body does not need intervention but instead knows how to birth my baby.

I believe any pain is life giving and manageable.

I believe my body will not abandon me.

I believe I will have the strength to do this.

I do not fear birth, I look forward to birth and to meeting my baby.

I will not focus on the pain but instead tell myself every contraction will bring my baby closer to being born.

I believe birth can be magical.

I believe birth to be an experience of love.

I believe I will be active and alert and that I will not need
intervention or medical assistance.

I am relaxed and calm as birth approaches.

I will not fight this process but trust in my birthing instincts.

I have faith in my body and trust in its ability to give birth.

I have enjoyed being pregnant and will enjoy giving birth.

I will search deep inside myself during birth and stay focussed.

Every breath will bring my baby closer to being born.

I close my eyes and picture my baby’s birth. I picture a gentle and loving birth.

I picture my body knowing what to do and opening up wholly to birth.

I picture my baby being in the best position for birth.

I feel the sensations and know they are life giving and not to be feared – my body will protect me and my baby.

I picture myself rocking and swaying and easing the baby down.

I tell the baby it is safe and we can do this together.

I talk to the baby and ask it to come.

I picture the birth and imagine the baby’s head descending through my body.

I imagine the sensation of my baby’s head crowning and I am relaxed. I do not feel pain, only excitement.

I imagine feeling my baby’s soft wet head and feeling love.

I imagine the sensation of my baby leaving my body to be
pleasurable.

I picture my baby being born into my arms easily and without fear.

I HAVE DONE THIS BEFORE, I CAN DO THIS AGAIN