Planning for Birth

[Sandy]

Hi gals :wave: ,

I had zero complications with DD's birth but the memory of the pain of labour really, really has me worried this time round:( . It is the only thing that puts a negative slant on my pregnancy, in my mind anyway.

I have a midwife friend who lives in America, I have mentioned her before I think. We have been talking about labour, pain and fear and she has given me some very good advice. Chris is an earthy/alternative mother (6 kids) and midwife and has provided some links on hynotherapy for labour (meditation really) and other resources that discuss ways to learn and deal with the fear of childbirth. She believes that fear + anixety = pain and I agree.

Has anyone else been thinking along these lines or done something in the past that made labour bearable?

I gave up with DD and had an epi as I couldn't cope with the pain any longer. I fought my labour the whole time and I don't want to fight it this time. I recall my mw at the time telling me to breath with it, don't hold your breath and she was right but I need training now I think to prepare myself better.

Thanks for listening to my concerns anyway :hugs:

[Mummy-2-2]

I think that pain is to be expected, obviously, but if you can really get into the mindset that yes its gonna hurt, but YES its gonna be fantastic, NO you dont need an epidural, you CAN do this etc.

This time round I have decided to try and see the spiritual side of pregnancy and birth. Keeping fitness levels up during pregnancy, seeing how utterly amazing it is to be able to grow a baby, to have that power, it is AWESOME!

Last two times had nothing but problems in my pregnancies, and ended up induced and with epidurals. NOT gonna happen this time. This time its all about me. I WILL do things my way, no one will take that power from me. I will birth at home at it will go according to plan.

I think once you have the fear, it is VERY hard to let go of it. especially in your first birth. Of course you dont know exacly what it going to happen, how could you, you never will, but you will know more about it, and be able to recognise what is happening. Doctors dont know better than you in all circumstances, some yes, but just let it happen and **** yes its gonna hurt, but instead of being untolerable stress and anxiety causing pain, it will be a pain looked upon with something different, not usre yet, havent been there. But the power of the mind is a great thing.

Birthing from Within is a FANTASTIC book to read.

Feel free to PM me if you want to.

good luck.

[Secretive]

I read a hypnobirthing book last time and even though I didn't get the full hypnobirthing experience I laboured very comfortably for the first 8 hours of my 14 hour labour. So much so my midwife didn't think I was in labour!!
I plan on getting into a hypnobirthing class this time round! I'm so excited about the birth...I'm crazy I know!

[Mummy-2-2]

thats not crazy, so am I!

[chicken]

Sandy, I've been thinking about it too, and I haven't even had a bad birth experience to make me that way. My accupuncturist told me about hypnobirthing. At first, I thought it sounded like some hippy thing were you are hypnotised whilst giving birth :confused: , but then discovered it was more about relaxation/meditation and it really appealed to me.

I'm naturally a very anxious person so anything I can do to calm myself down and go with the flow has to be good. I would love to go to some classes when the time comes, but don't know how available they are in Brisbane.

[Sandy]

I am curious too because I know "the enemy" this time and I can remember the way it escalates, you think that its going to stop, you're at your threshold, but the pain keeps getting worse. Thats what I recall. But I also recall the pushing stage being the easiest. The labour then is different somehow but not as painful. But I'm getting side tracked, I recall the pain stopping as soon as DD popped out and them handing her to me. I remember the looking into her blue eyes for the first time and I will treasure that memory forever. I am hoping that memory will get me through this time.

Am about to order that book mummy 2-2 and search for hypno classes here in Canberra.

[Sandy]

Hi Chicken,

I missed your post while I was posting!

I am about to google hypno classes now....

My mw friend described it as meditation and apparently 98% of mothers who practice it go on to give birth drug free. Some say its pain free but not many. They say that it helps you relax and therefore deal with the pain. Thats what I need! I remember DH looked just **** scared during the whole process. When I got the epi (for a whole hour!) DH gave me some watermelon to eat. I took it as I was exhausted and then I puked right at his feet. It was the first time I have puked in front of him. Yep, there is NO dignity during childbirth! Poor bugger, he looked so scared!

[Sandy]

M'kay, I have signed up for a Hypnobirthing weekend class in Bowral in April/May when I will be 27 weeks. You go with your partner (toddler stays with grandparents) and you have 2 days of classes (theory & prac) and you get a book and DVD to take home to practice up until the birth.

Its a start!

[starlight]

I have been wondering about this myself, hypnobirthing that is - I am not apposed to having drugs in labour but I would like something to ease the fear and help with the pain and this is something that seems like it would help, mind you I don't know much about it.

So you recommend "birth from within Mummy2-2

What book did you read Secretive?

[Sandy]

On the phone to Angus & Robertson as I type....book is not on any shelf in any of their 150 stores. Small distributer...can they order in? YES!!! He has just taken my details. Right! I feel like I'm doing something pro active now!

[Mummy-2-2]

oh 100%. I have also read Active Birth by Janet Balaskas (and a billion more) but these two got me ready for this time to come. Still have months to go, but was absolutely s### scared before reading these.

I really wish I had done more research before my last two kids, because the difference in head space is amazing.

This time is about me. I want to feel the power that I have, not let some doctors take it away. I really believe that this will be the difference with this birthing experience.

Read as much as you can about the options that you have, dont just take someone elses say so.
The first time I had a posterior baby and they wouldnt let me off my back. Yeah whatever, worst thing you could do.

I sound like some rambling twit, but I know so many people who have had empowering and natural births through doing this, and I am going to be the next.

If you keep your words all positive as well, well most of the time;) some of them have got to rub off deep down inside.

[Sandy]

If you keep your words all positive as well, well most of the time;) some of them have got to rub off deep down inside.

Affirmations. Totally agree. I am studying Personal Training and we have talked about affirmations and how it can change your mindset and therefore help you lose weight.

[Mummy-2-2]

hehe, well maybe I should keep em going after bubs and lose some weight!! HAHA!

[Sandy]

Exactly!! I am following a program, well was, can't really while pregnant and I will get back onto that after bubs is born. "Burn the Fat, Feed the Muscle". I am all for this guy's work. I'm studying to become a Master Trainer (out of interest only) and half the stuff we learn is in this guys book. Its not for the faint hearted though and lots of reading to do. Exercise is a major component of it so it ain't a get skinny quick thing.

I remember that I couldn't feed DD after I exercised last time due to lactic acid in my breast milk. That was ****. Had to put my exercise program on hold and only walk for fitness.