Getting Scared

[Ezz]

I think I've been in denial that there was actually going to be a labour at the end of this pregnancy. But as I get further into 3rd Trimester, I'm actually starting to think about it. But I feel like I don't know anything! Birth classes don't start for a couple of weeks, I don't know which way bubs is positioned (although I think it may be sideways still - because all my kicks are on the right side), and I'm concerned I haven't been doing much to prepare for the birth (I looked at the spinning babies website today & it suggested starting the fetal positioning stuff early in pregnancy). My placenta is anterior, so I'm a bit concerned bubs is going to posterior - and if that's the case, I'm not sure how I'm going to go with labour. My pain threshold is pretty low!!!

Hmm... well there wasn't really a question in there - but I would certainly appreciate some encouraging replies!

[Claire]

In hindsight I'd suggest finding out as much as you can about active birthing. Not just positions and stages but what it looks, feels and sounds like to birth a baby. There are so many great resources out there; The Big Stretch is one, The Pink Kit is another. Knowing what to expect demystifies the experience. There's no reason to be scared, your body and mind are capable of birthing this baby. But not preparing means that the fear of the unknown will have some control over your experience, leading to possible interventions.

My daughter's birth was mostly posterior, had a midwife suggested a good position to be in to encourage baby to move around, I would have took it. She didn't suggest anything and I opted for the epidural.

This time I'm much more prepared

[blue daisy]

hey Ezz

it is perfectly normal to feel a little fearful about birth...it is a pretty big event in your life

try not to focus on the what if's, and rather focus on learning as much as you can. Think about how you would like to labor and birth...read, read and read. Avoid anyone who is willing to share their negative perceptions of birth...you dont need to take on other peoples emotional birth stories

There is still a great deal that you can do right now...and many women find they can only get into the 'birthing' head space in the 3rd timester, so you are not alone.

Use BB...it has a wonderful resource of all sorts of postive advice, guidence, and friendly hugs

I hope this helps

xx yogababy

[~Trish~]

Hi Ezz - I highly recommend reading a thread created by the previous poster to your message yogababy. It can be found here: why we feel pain in labor and pain relief methods - BellyBelly Forums ~ Pregnancy, Birth & Baby . I have actually printed it out (hope you don't mind yogababy!) and forwarded it on to my sister who is due three weeks after me. It has really helped me to understand the whys and hows of labour.

I had a fairly negative birth experience with my DS and a lot of it was because I really didn't know enough about what to expect and how to handle things. I have found BellyBelly to be such a great source of information and I feel so much more confident this time around. Believe me, I was scared again at the start of this pregnancy, but thanks to arming myself with lot of information, I feel much more empowered and I really look forward to giving birth again!

I wish you the best of luck, as said above you are capable of birthing your little bundle and it is all worthwhile when you get your first cuddle!

[blue daisy]

Hey Trish

course I don't mind ...I'm really flattered



xx yogababy

[Trillian]

have you given any thought to how you want to birth this baby? By that I mean do you want a natural, drug free birth or are you open to using pain relief (epidural etc) or alternative methods to help you like hypno/calm birthing methods? I ask that as it can help determine the way you approach your upcoming birth. The resources suggested by the PP's are great, I suggest you look in to some of them.

Some great books to read would be New active Birth by Janet Balaskas - there is also an article about this and many other birth articles on the main BellyBelly site found here www.bellybelly.com.au/birth that you should check out too.

One other important thing is you have time to use some optimal fetal positioning techiniques to make sure that bubs is in a great position for the birth, found here www.bellybelly.com.au/pregnancy/optimal-fetal-positioning and check out the spinning babies website too - www.spinningbabies.com It is believed that having an anterior placenta can encourage a posterior bubs but you can give yourself the tools to make sure that doesn't happen.

Good luck and I HTH.

[Ezz]

Thanks everyone . I have started reading info this week & am feeling a bit better (I think the fear of the unknown was definitely worse than knowing!).

[Jayney]

There is good news. I have a low pain threshold as well. I whine about a papercut. I was worried about #1 also but through reading and asking (positive people only) you can feel more comfortable about the idea.

I went into it with two thoughts. At the time there had been some flooding in Africa. A woman delivered her own baby by herself and caught it in her skirt while up a tree. I thought If she can do that. I surely can do it in a hospital with people around who know what they are doing!

As much as I liked the idea of no drugs etc. I knew they were there if I needed them. I asked for them both times when it was getting to be too much and was in transition only to be pushing minutes later. Needless to say I didn't get drugs there wasn't time.

Both my births were amazing. I have never felt so proud of myself. It was such an empowering experience.

Your body knows what to do. Trust how you feel. Want to lay down. Want to walk around. Your body will tell you what to do or not to do.