1.) for those that have done it..can I have your story?
Never actually written a birth story, but all four of mine were natyral births. I used a TENS machine for the last one, and would absolutely recommend it to anyone. The one thing in common about all of my births, is that I tend to go inside myself mentally and just shut out the world around me - so I go very quiet, rather then vocal (which unfortunately also tends to have the effect of the midwives not beleiving / understanding how far along I actually am until bubs decides to show themselves...).


2.) Was there a point that you wanted to turn back and what made you change your mind?
Natural birth was actually not my choice for labour (definitely not for at least two of them)- the choice was taken out of my hands due to the speed of my labours. I only had the oppertunity for pain relief for the secind birth and my last birth. With my second birth I definitely did change my mind and want something (anything) at about the transition stage - but by then it is too late. With my last, I had fully embraced the reality that a natural birth was what I would end up with, and I didn'tchange my mind about it at all. I think the big difference was about me feeling in control of things and being able to not feel afraid. I felt alot more in control this time because I did have my TENS machine (which gave me something to focus on) and because I have been through it all before.

3.) Any good books you recommend?


4.) Is the pushing stage so horrible or do you have adrenaline to push past it?
Thanks for all your help guys
The pushing stage is not pleasant, but you have no choice. One thing I have learnt is that your body will take over at this point whether you want it too or not - and when you body is ready to push, you won't be able to resist. My last two births I really didn't "push" at all in the traditrional sense. Rather I just allowed my body and mind to 'relax' and my body pushed the babies out by itself.

sorry probably not a great explaination, but I don't know how else to describe it.

5.) In your opinion, which is worse? Transition or pushing?
Transition - this is the most likely point where I feel out of control and am more likely to want to just give up run away and hide (luckily that isn't an option by then).