Big hugs Lauren - I know what you're going through as I was initially scared crapless but I will tell you that you ARE in control of your body. Even if you don't think you are today, there are a lot of things you can do to ensure you have as much power over your labour as possible.

I'm not the most knowledgeable when it comes to all of the methods out there to have the best birthing experience possible or to minimise the pain of labour but I know there is a HEAP of info on here from the other girls about how to do it. My DS came very early, so I was only getting into learning about being an active participant in the birthing process as opposed to just giving up and freaking out, but if it makes you feel any better I only read part of one book and somehow between my body's natural instincts and flashes of the pictures I remembered I was able to use that info quite effectively.

I know a lot of the girls recommend some sort hypnotherapy I think and they seem to love it but I never made it that far in my pregnancy to explore it any further.

Anyway, I apologise this sounds so flighty and not very helpful but my point is that there IS a lot of help here and while it's more than ok to be scared, especially considering the potential of complications due to your anemia, there are so many tools available to help you through it.

S xo