Okay, so getting to the business end of this. All along, I've been so adament about wanting to have a VBAC, but I'm starting to feel really unsure and scared about it.
I've been doing RLT, EPO and acupuncture like a crazy lady this time, to give myself every chance of a VBAC, but in today's acupuncture session I was super-sensitive, and aspects of it really hurt (in a good way, not dodgy). And it's made me anxious that if I can't manage acupuncture without sooking, how on earth am I going to manage a VBAC...
I don't actually know what I want/need - probably just need to write out loud that this birthing thing scares the daylights out of me in a way, and if anyone has any tips about how to keep my confidence up, that would be great. Either that, or feel free to drop by with a bit of 2x4...
Babe - you're not crazy - its normal to be scared!!! I was $hit scared and I didn't let that out until the night before I went into labour, it was like it was blocking me yeah?
But yeah, I felt all sooky like because nobody else appears to be scared - but honey - most people are scared about labour, because its so unpredictable ya know? We can't control it, therefore we fear it.
It can be done though, acknowledge your fear, don't repress it.
Good luck babe!
ETA - and I agree acupuncture DOES hurt... but its different to labour
Definately not crazy for wanting one. I was crapping me dacks the whole time leading up to going into labour, i was so scared but once i was in labour i was so determined to acheive it that the fear no longer registered.
You will be fine just go into it with an open mind and see where it takes you.
Bhoysgirl- It's definatley only natural to be feeling scared. But just think, your body is built to be able to give birth, and you will have all those beautiful hormones working with you to help you along the way too.
Try not to fear labour but set up your environement so that you can feel as safe and comfortable as possible - and having a support person who believes in your ability is also important.
I laboured at home and arrived at hospital and hour before the birth - I remember thinking at one stage "I can't do this, I need pain relief", as I was at home this wasn't an option, and I actually managed to find different things to do which helped relieve the pain, such as walking up and down 'jigging'.
My point is, I think that a lot of us feel that it is something we cannot endure, but I also think that we underestimate the power of our body and our strength as woman. You CAN do it! YOu are strong! Of course, we never know what is going to happen during our labour, so all you can really do is plan as much as possible so that you have the most comfortable, safe environment and supportive people around you.
You are not crazy! There is a difference in the pain and you can cope with it. At this stage it is natural to start over-thinking and worrying about the birth. You will be fine!
its not crazy to want a vbac...unless of course you have medical reasons why you needed a c-s in the first place
if thats the case, then i'd call anyone crazy for trying for a vbac
But the pain of labor is scarey for everyone until you are actually there. We can endure a hell of a lot of pain and the upside of labor is that it starts off mild and slowly increases which gives you time to adjust and get used to it.
the other thing to remember is that pain relief is there on hand if you feel you need it.
I was nervous about labour when I was PG with all my kids - even after having been through it!
It's a big thing to be confronting but it's amazing how you cope when you're actually in the thick of it. (and by coping, I do mean yelling, swearing, crying - whatever you need to do and my personal favourite was repeating 'I can't do this' even though I clearly was doing it!)
And as PPs have said, it's a different kind of pain, and it's different mentally too IYKWIM. I'd rather labour than have a toothache any day
J, thanks for starting this thread..I have been putting on a brave face, except in our thread a couple of times..so its good to hear that other people have felt worried nervous as well. When I hear birth stories they make it seem so easy or that they coped really well and I often feel really intimidated by that and a bit of a failure that it (labour/birth) makes me feel so anxious??? And wonder exactlly the same thing as you "am I crazy by even thinking about attempting this" I guess we can only try.
HUGS, HUGS, HUGS Pam xxxxx
Thank you everyone, it really is very special to be able to come in to BB and just let it all out. My DH is brilliant in lots of ways, but like lots of blokes, he likes to "solve" rather than just listen. So if I were to tell him about this, his solution would most likely be to go straight for a CS, cos we know we can get through that. He is already baffled by my "no pethidine" stance this time, cos it worked so well at knocking me out last time, and he doesn't cope so well with the idea of me being in pain.
Thank you again - hopefully in a week or so I can write up a " I survived a VBAC" story
You are not crazy! I posted about getting scared, and had lots of replies that let me know that it is a normal thing at this stage. (although not going for a VBAC) i have thought all along that i was going to be so mother earth, zen and breathe the bub out but as it gets closer i kinda get why women think a c section might be the answer, you at least know the day that it will happen! Being your second bub, knowing abit about labouring and having a repeat c-section as an obtainable option,i understand that it might seem pretty good right now. BUT, you know you have been working towards a VBAC, worked through the risks and advantages and decided that it is right for you. I will be cheering for you! and for Black duckies too!
Tell me I'm not crazy for wanting a VBAC...
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