Honestly - tell me how painful childbirth is!

pollyanna24

PS I really wouldn't worry about the humiliating bit, they've seen it all before and if you have enough drugs in you, you won't remember. When I was rushed in for a section, I had one person taking an earring off, another my knickers, another my nightie, another my bra, etc etc. you get the picture, and you know what, I really couldn't have given a ____, I just wanted the baby out!!!

fallen121

The most frustrating thing for me was how long it took, was in labour for 14 hours!

I had a bath which helped to pass the time but doesn't really help with the pain. I am allergic to whatever it is they use in the gas and air so couldn't use that, they gave me an injection with the promise I could have two more, then it transpired I was too far dilated for me to have anymore injections.

I did all the usual, pooed and weed myself, they have seen it before and believe me by that stage you are past caring, you just want it over with.

I would describe the pain as being like really bad stomach upset which comes and goes in waves, really cramping pain and hot flushes, you get the chance to grab a breather in between. It just wears you out the longer it goes on. Try and resist the urge to scream and shout, it just wears you out even more and leaves you with a sore throat the next day. I rolled up a wet flannel and bit down on that. Having your partner wipe you down with a cold flannel helps too.

Try and have someone with you like your husband or partner, take a radio, I found sucking a glucose tablet helped ease the throat and gave me energy.

At the end of the day this is not something you are going to be able to walk away from, so just see it as something you have to get through. Do what your body tells you, try not to get too ratty with the midwives, try different positions to see if it helps, this is your labour so don't let anyone force you into doing anything you don't want to do. Imagine that you are trying to take a big crap and nothing will come out for hours and hours, that is what it feels like sometimes and you are using many of the same muscles. Try and count when you are pushing and each time try to keep it up for just that little bit longer, it give you a sense of purpose and something to aim for.

You will probably be asked by your midwife to have a 'birthing plan', believe me on the night everything just gores out of the window, I am a control freak and tried to plan everything but it is much easier just to go with the flow.

Don't take too much to the hospital with you, it is just pointless trying to keep track of everything and worrying about if it will be lost, your partner can just bring it later. Just take the basics - they give you this whole list of stuff to take but you can just borrow until your partner can bring in your own stuff, just get on with the job.

Good luck!

lisas_3

am awful with pain but had 2 in 18 months and ready to try for no 3 soon, gas and air is lovely and had diamorphine with 1st (no time with 2nd, all v quick) and works really quickly. Friends have had epidurals and swear by them but the big needles have put me off, cause I'm a coward! contractions hurt, but unlike other pain, there's a gap in between so sort of makes it ok. I think your body takes over and just wants to get them out. I think the fitter you are before the better and just go for it, its the most rewarding thing ever!
as for humiliating - well you have to be prodded and poked a bit, or sewn up in my case and I know you wont believe me (cause I didnt when people said it) but its all worth it, I think endorphins or sommething kick in and nothing else matters
Good luck x

choccycat

havent read all this but like has been said before everyones experience is different.
Nothing anyone tells you can ever prepare yo for it nor any of the books you read. They just guide you.
Personally I opted for a homebirth but after 15 hours ended with forceps and spinal block type epidural.Have hada lot of problems and actually still have issues with the humiliation i felt which stressed me so much i couldn't labour effectively and ended up exhausted in hospital( i had an audience of very unwelcome people which NObody asked to leave inc midwife even tho i begged people to leave) I have had to have counselling for post traumatic stress.
However, all this has NOT put me off and I adore my 5 month old little girl and one day do want more children.
I just hope im more in control next time.
You just have to go with the flow though really and try not to plan too much as you feel bad if it turns out differently.
Just enjoy getting and being pregnant.Even tho it seems like a lifetime it speeds by.Only feels like yesterday i was waddling along!
Good luck x

RoxieW

havent read whole thread but let me just say VERY painful! My two labours/births were definitely on my list of worst experiences in my life. It hurts like hell, is like running a marathon and you are completely stripped of dignity (i was anyway). I did find it a humiliating experience also. However - all I can say is that in spite of that, its worth it and I'd do it every day if I had to to keep my boys with me. In fact, I'm currently pg with number 3 and planning a natural birth so hey ho! The positives of a child in your life definately outway the negatives by a long long way!

bizywizy

Good luck with the trying.

Your body prepares you throughout pregnancy.

When you have reached labour you will be prepared for whats about to happen and you WILL be able to cope with it all. Its not the nicest of things but if you read up and get yourself focused you will be so fine and end up with a beautiful baby after too which is fantastic.

Its scary, everyone feels this - I was terrified of being cut - Didnt have to be in the end (not sure thats something to boast about or not LOL) (sorry TMI) but you will achieve something incredible.

good luck
x

badgerbread

I agree with what everyone is saying about it being different I have had 3 children the only thing that was the same that once I started labour they were all out within 3 hours (that was the longest) pain wise my second one was a breeze but she was very little at 5lb14 the hardest was my son who I will not deny was very painful but look at it this way if was unberable people would not have more than 1 child and I only had gas and air