Anxiety about labour

Jo_R_2

clairehi wrote: »

Perhaps it would help to have a "debrief" of your previous birth experiences to work through what happened. your m/w should be able to advise how to arrange this.

I have previously read through my birth notes from DD1's birth, I don't know if this explains some of my worries I've mentioned (thinking about it it probably does) - she was a hospital birth but I actually gave birth on my own in my hospital room as no one realised how far along I was!

I have thought about reading through DD2's and DS's notes but I'm worried it's too close to the event and might cause more worries than it solves - despite wanting to do it.

lea10 wrote: »

Firstly im so sorry for what your going through, sounds like your hormones are having a feild day! with all the complications you have had previously its only natural that you would have this reaction about a homebirth. if i were in your position i would consider having a hospital birth where you know if there are any complications there is lots of help at hand and maybe making this decision will take away some of the immense pressure you are putting yourself under. you can always just start at home and see how you go from there try not to get too hung up on your plans just go with the flow.

i agree with a earlier post that said having a elective c section may not be the smartest move with 3 other children having had one myself the recovery is much longer.

hope you feel yourself again soon
lea xx

Thanks - I've got the c-sec idea out of my head now. I am thinking along the lines you mentioned of going with the flow, I still love the idea of a HB and possibly a last-minute borrowing of a birthing pool.

mrcow wrote: »

If only.

Mine was more like watching Cash in the Attic on loop - you know, when you would really, really, really like to punch someone........;)

ROFL!

I feel a lot calmer about labouring now, my main concern at the mo is when baby will arrive. I am hoping that letting go of some of my panic and worries will cut out the constant adrenaline I have been feeling every time I think about giving birth and will leave room for my happy birthing hormones to kick in:D

clairehi

Jo_R wrote: »

I have previously read through my birth notes from DD1's birth, I don't know if this explains some of my worries I've mentioned (thinking about it it probably does) - she was a hospital birth but I actually gave birth on my own in my hospital room as no one realised how far along I was!

I have thought about reading through DD2's and DS's notes but I'm worried it's too close to the event and might cause more worries than it solves - despite wanting to do it.

Glad you are feeling better now. Agree about reading notes on your own. I read mine for DS1 and it was a bit :eek:

What I meant by a debrief was to have a meeting with a midwife or other HCP for them to go over the notes and give you the chance to ask questions about why things happened the way they did. Reading the notes on your own can be quite shocking or scary.

I still feel angry about what happened with DS1, 11 years on and Im considering whether to talk to my m/w about it again now that I am pg with DC3.

However this isnt for everyone and I fully understand if you feel that it would be more traumatic to go over it all again.

londoner1998

Jo_R wrote: »

Thanks pigpen.

Reading back my post does sound jumbled but will try to explain some bits if that helps.

Is definitely something to do with the lack of control and fear of pain. I don't "do" labour well. Of course it's not a walk in the park for most women! The first thing is I don't have anything like a warm-up or precursor to labour. My body launches straight into intense contractions which I find hard to handle.

Secondly are the circumstances surrounding my 'extended' pregnancies. I have had a hard time feeling like I have to justify my decisions previously to continue pregnancy after T+12. Midwives seem to be okay but I have had some nasty things said to me by doctors. I of course take it very seriously, I am of the mind that as long as baby is happy in there then they will come out when they're ready but seems this isn't good enough for some and I don't know if I have the strength to 'argue' this again.

Pain relief is an issue too. Gas and air does nothing for me, I have used pethidine a couple of times but it doesn't always take the pain away, just makes me spaced out. I have a curvature of the spine and ever since knowing this I have had a horrible fear of getting damage to my spinal cord and thus not being able to feel my legs - it's odd to explain but it puts me off any kind of pain relief that will numb my lower body - ironic really considering my last-resort thought of a c-sec!

We don't have a birthing centre nearby unfortunately although there are good facilities at the local hospital including birthing pools which is something I have considered briefly.

I have used hypnobirthing CDs previously; although I found them useful in pregnancy to relax and for 'coping' techniques during labour, that was it. I think I was hoping for some miraclulous natural pain relief that didn't happen:(

Hey
i can imagine your anxiety- have you though of yoga? It is fantastic to get control over your breathing and once you focus on the breathing, your mind will follow- if you lose the breathing, panic sets in.
I have suffered from panic attacks and this sorted them out with a bit of practice.
Also, just remember that birth is a natural process and your body will do whatever is has to do to deliver the baby safe and sounds. I wodul very much recommend fidning somebody who especialises in pre-natal yoga... I know quite a few women how had and they all said it realy helps.

Ax
PS- I just realised you are very close to the birth itself- may be no time for yoga this time, but if you coudl try some breathing technioques, that would really help you during labour...