Is now a good time to admit that…

69 thoughts on “Is now a good time to admit that…”

1. I felt very prepared when I gave birth, and I kept telling myself there was nothing to be nervous about. Of course, up until 34 weeks I was going to be giving birth in a hospital, but the more I talked to the Doctor, the more I got the feeling that my wishes wouldn’t be respected in labor, so I switched to a midwife and gave birth at home.

   I was somewhat nervous. After all, I was going to be HOME.

   But at the same time, a huge amount of stress lifted, because I felt like I was going to be more in control. Or at least, as much control as you can be during labor. 🙂

   (My little guy just turned four a few days ago – if you are interested in his birth story, you can read it here: http://withoutsushi.com/fresh-out-of-batteries/)

   • Birthing at home would be a dream for me. Well, a planned home birth – I’d prefer not to suddenly give birth here unexpectedly. Good on you for seeking the birth you want.

     I think once the baby is here I’ll come back and read your story. I’m funny about birth stories – they’re always beautiful and empowering, but I’m also a wuss.

     • I COMPLETELY get that. I only posted mine because it was a positive experience (albeit a VERY long one).

       Wishing you the very best with your labor, and the bliss that comes with snuggling with your new little one. 🙂

2. Reading your post was like hearing my own inner dialogue Throughout my second pregnancy. Seven weeks ago, I gave birth to my second bubba, but was really anxious leading up to it as my first birth was quite horrible (I would never tell my gorgeous daughter, Evie this though). As it turns out, I had very little to worry about – the labour was heaps quicker, and although the pain was intense, I took the epidural and it really wasn’t a big deal. I had worked it up to be this massive thing in my head (probably more so due to birth number one) and it was nothing on that. And now, seven weeks later I have a beautiul little healthy boy, Archer, to cuddle and love to bits.
   All the best for your birth Chantelle – it won’t be so bad xox

   • I think, like you, the trauma of the first birth is a strong memory for me.

     I hope second time around is much better too. Fingers crossed. x

3. Second was a LOT faster as you may recall with my little ambulance baby. I was scared because with Finn I had been induced and had an epidural fairly early on. RJ was a new experience, naturally going into labour hard and fast. Was alarming but your body just goes with it, it knows what its doing. And once it was over… That bliss is unbeatable. It’s just a matter of hours to endure and you’ll manage it fine. promise. xx

4. This thursday it will be 16 years ago I gave birth to my eldest son. He came 3,5 weeks early and was there within 3 hours…
   4years later I gave birth to my youngest son… 4 days late and within 1.5 hours because I was waiting for dad to come home. As soon ad he arrived my don was there within 10 minutes 🙂
   You will be fine. You did this before and there is never been a baby that didn’t arrive 😉

5. There are lots of women who have more than one child. It isn’t that bad!

   My first labor I had one baby…the second I had twins……VERY different.

   I had an epi even before the induction was started with my twins. Very civilised and I was joking almost the whole way through. The first involved a lot of begging and crying for pain relief.

   I would go back for a third pregnancy if I wasn’t scared of triplets this time.

6. You will do fine. I was the exact same way right before I got pregnant. In fact, my fear of childbirth is what held me back for 5yrs until the day I got pregnant. By that time it was, “SH**! No turning back, eh?”

   I know things can go differently what we planned but in the end, its all worth it once we hold our little ones in our arms. Your body will know what to do and you will too. Just breathe and dont think about it too much. Enjoy the pregnancy and all its wonder, or you’ll never enjoy it really,

7. do what you are comfortable with. If you want the drugs, GET THEM. It does not make your experience any less than of those who dont.

   hugs

   • Thanks Linda. 🙂

8. Yes i remember being scared also. I assume it something we all go through the anticipation of everything. You will do good and I am sure you remember that once you are in labor all dignity and common sense goes out the window and in the end all you want is a safe delivery. Wishing you all the best on the impending birth. I am excited for you and cannot wait to hear the news. xx

9. I felt very scared about it but my bub had obviously read the text book and followed it. I had a midwife and a nursing student, which was great because I was studying at the same uni and knew some of the same staff, so it went contraction ‘ah ah ah’ finish contraction ‘so do you know so and so?’. I only had the gas which I was really tripping out on, and making some rather unmotherly comments about tripping. One of the midwives told me about one mum who yelled ‘get me off of this horse’ under the influence of labor drugs. The midwife I had was wonderful, and let me do things my way, but it was comforting being in a hospital with doctors on hand if they were needed. I freaked at the idea of lying on my back, I had to be standing or on my knees on the bed. My bub wasn’t quite straight at first, and I later read that the way to fix this was leaning forward. I felt like I had control and my body knew what to do and the midwife gave me the space to do what I needed.

   Hope it’s an empowering birth for you too.

10. I’ve had three beautiful babies. The first was really scary – you just don’t know what’s going to happen, which is especially rubbish if you (like me) are a control freak. The second was fantastic – totally according to my plan, with great midwives. The third time all went a bit wrong, and I ended up in an ambulance followed by an emergency section. It wasn’t nice, but it wasn’t as bad as the first time, because I knew my midwives, I knew my body, and I knew what might happen. It’s only one day. You can do it.

    I’ve been doing a series about pregnancy and childbirth on my blog. The latest one is about going into labour. It’s a crazy thing to do, and totally worth it. http://ohwedo.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/going-into-labour-5-things-i-know-now.html

11. I was more scared with the second and even more with my third. I knew pretty much what would happen, how it all feels and it isn’t really fun. The plus was my second’s labor was half as long as the first. The third was half as long as the second. So each labor was cut in half. The last two I pushed for less than 20 mins. I also was not as nervous with a newborn as the first. I was lucky and had uncomplicated births and nursed them all easily. Best of luck to you!

12. I think we are due around the same time (I’m 28 Aug) and I have to say that the spectre of childbirth is starting to appear more in technicolour and less the nice blurry possibility that it has been for the rest of this pregnancy. This is my first so I am trying to remain blissfully ignorant. Unfortunately I am a worrier and a googler so I have read way too many birth stories to stay too much in the dark.

    I have however decided to block out the bad stories and focus on the good ones – at least until I have my own story to frighten soon to be mothers with 🙂

13. My second was waaaaay different from my first. After a somewhat traumatic induction, I opted to take a Hypnobirthing course. This helped me reprocess the trauma I experienced the first time, helping me to feel confident and relaxed going into my second birthing experience. 4 hours after being admitted to the hospital and 12 minutes of pushing and my second LO was born. I highly recommend Hypnobirthing! 🙂

14. Totally petrified..and was sooo relieved when things didn’t progress naturally and I had to have a C section. With all 3 sections I’ve had, I was totally relaxed and enjoyed my experience. Surgery I can handle but natural child birth had me absolutely terrified.

15. I just had my second baby 6 days ago. My first pregnancy I went to 42 weeks and had to be induced. I went to the hospital at 7 and had her at 6:30 thay night. I tried going without an epidural the firat time around…and 8 hrs into contractions I gave in aand got an epidural. With this second time I was 40 weeks and 3days and was having contractions the night before and throughout the night and in the morning they got closer and stronger and we went to the hospital around 9 and I was dilated to a 5 then I got the epidural and shortly after my contractions were super close together, because of them being so close they couldn’t see his heart rate and had to put a monitor on his head. He was fine. Then they let me just relax and keep dilating and finally around 2:45ish I felt like he was going to “fall out” and the nurse checked and yep he was right there. So the dr. Came in and it only took me a couple pushes and he was out (there was complications) once his head was out his shoulder wouldn’t come out and his umbilical cor was wrapped around his neck and they all were telling me to push really hard all u got. My husband was even freaking out. And I was oblivious cause I couldn’t see what was going on. The dr. Even was freaking out and told the nurse to get another nurse and finally she just put her hands in and had to pull him out. When he was born Eli’s face was literally black. And he went without oxygen for 40 seconds. My poor little man. But other then thode two scary things, it was easier and faster (and my body had him on it’s own instead of being induced)
    Chantelle ..you’ll do just fine! Praying for your labor and your gitters!

    If u look at my instagram pictures of right when he was born u can see the discoloration in his face.
    Chantelle

16. My labours were very different but both very positive. My first baby arrived 2 weeks early as we were moving home (!!) and my second baby was induced because he was 10 days late. I felt terrified of labour all my life, feeling sure I would embarrass myself…which of course is ridiculous since they’ve seen it all in those hospitals! But with the first birth I was in such shock that I had gone into labour, since everyone tells you first babies are late, that I was in a bit of a daze really. Both labours were a similar amount of time to be honest….although I had epidurals both times so that slowed things up. That was my other big fear – getting hold of an epidural, I was worried that they’d tell me I was too far along to get one. I always knew I’d want one though and having one made me feel totally in control. It took longer for the lovely epidural man to arrive during my second labour & I didn’t know what was going on for a while….I would have hated to have had that feeling throughout the birth, I wouldn’t have remembered a thing.

    I do remember worrying actually that because my first labour had gone well, then the second one would be bound to be not as good – which wasn’t the case at all.

    I think it’s so important to feel in control during your labour & if drugs are what it takes, then fine. I know so many people who regret decisions they made during labour or whose experience wasn’t quite as positive, but I feel good about both of mine….and that counts for such a lot to me.

    And yes, those people who just go the loo & the baby pops out…..I know it happens but unbelievable!!! .

    Good luck, I am sure you will be fine 🙂

17. I was induced with our first daughter. My labor was 2.5 hours but that was the only good thing about it. I won’t scare you with my horror story. My second daughter was a planned c-section due to the horror of my first child birth experience. I was nervous but everything went exactly according to plan. With our third daughter my water broke while I was making lunch…5 weeks early. She came via an emergency c-section and spent 16 days in a neonatal intensive care unit. That was almost a year ago and she’s absolutely perfect now. The point is each one will be different and unique….but it is so worth it!

18. i jwas freaked out about my 1st after i went to the preparing for birth classes and they had shown us videos and all the various equipment etc.. but after a 9 hr, basically drug free delivery it was all good. my 2nd i think i was even more scared because i knew what was coming! well he decided to arrive early and in record time! i was literally in the delivery room 5 mins when he arrived! just had time to get on the bed, waters broke and out he came. 3rd was very similar. good luck with your delivery when the time comes!

19. I could give you 3 great stories of my own. They weren’t painless at as easy as the lady at the BBQ, but under my own power I have given birth to 3 beautiful and BIG bubbas, ( last was 10lb 8)without much help from anyone else ( except to catch them as they emerged). I am now in so much awe of my body that I am planning a home birth for my current pregnancy. At the end of the day it’s your body and your bubba and nobody can tell you the right way to do it but you xx

20. You’re totally normal to be scared. (Seriously, I think those super confident mamas are a tad nervous deep down.) My second pregnancy was with twins so I was twice as scared (pun intended. Oui.). It turns out one of the twins decided to come over 6 weeks early and his water broke at 3:30am. The other twin was breech, so we did an emergency c-section. The way I wanted and planned for? Nope. But we got through it. They are here and lovely and a handful and amazing. Remember the goal – healthy baby, healthy mama. The journey to get there isn’t as important as the destination in this case. And by all means, get those drugs! That’s why they make ’em!

21. Am scared yet confident at the same time, more patient and follow the rhtym when the contraction is came. i feel comfort and more calm when the contraction is came, and just take a deep breath and let it go slowly according to the contraction. Keep positive Chantelle, you can do it 🙂

22. I think it is totally normal to be scared. My first delivery was a bit like one of those stories that you *don’t* tell to first time pregnant women so I won’t share 🙂 (let’s just say that I couldn’t sit down comfortably for many weeks afterwards!) I too, was therefore terrified of the arrival of bubba number #2. It was a slightly different experience… a few hours of minor twinges (ie I went shopping, had coffee etc), went up to the hospital and the midwife broke my waters – I rolled over with an overwhelming desire to push, 12 mins later I rolled back and they handed me a baby. No drugs, no pain (and I’m the BIGGEST sook on the planet!), and as it turns out, no obstetrician – he missed it! I’m now 29 weeks pregnant with bubba #3 and looking forward to breaking my own record 🙂 Best of luck, I think we are all stronger than we realise 🙂

23. I am sending you the squishiest and most awkward off to the side of your bubba belly hug I can Telle. I know every word of what you have written so intently. It will all be ok. It will be wonderful to hold your new little one. That doesn’t mean you can’t be scared of the in-between though. I was totally in denial with both my babies and I think in a way that helped me as I hadn’t, as usual, thought through the million different possibilities and what would happen. Which is good because there’s no way I could have prepared myself for either of the scenario I was presented with. I admire the Mama Wolf types who roar through pregnancy and birth but I am definitely not one! Xxxx

24. I always get like this when the birth is approaching. Last time I used a hypnosis cd for birth preparation and it really helped me relax about the physical side of things. There was a lot of other crap going on that could easily have impacted the birth but although I was worrying about those, the birth itself wasn’t as daunting. I would seriously recommend giving it a try. I recently gifted the same cd to a friend in same position and she said although she doesn’t remember a word of what is spoken, she finds it immensely relaxing and it has also helped her loads.
    Whatever happens, you probably already know that each and every twinge will be forgotten very soon after so enjoy the whole experience – fear and all – as it’s all part and parcel of motherhood. And best of luck. 🙂

25. I have given birth 3 times and everytime it has become easier and quicker. I too was scared of labour and birth but I kept reminding myself that that this is what we are designed for. The reward at the end is worth 100× more pain. Love my boys

26. My first was totally different to second birth.
    No drugs either time due to how fast they happened.

    My DS was 4w early & born in 5.5hrs, spontanious labour
    My DD was 1 day over & born in 90mins, induced labour no drip

    Emprace the power to birth & you will not need an epi.

    Good luck Chantelle

27. I don’t remember being afraid of the birth, my pregnancies were so horrible I think I welcomed the birth as it meant the end of the pregnancy. When it comes to drugs or other choices just go with what feels right for you, remember the objective is to have a healthy baby and mother. Just relax and go with the flow and remember one day you will wish you were back at this point in your life and going through this amazing and exciting time again. xT

28. As a third time mama, I decided to forego anesthesia and pain relievers entirely, after having had epidurals with my first two. I was TERRIFIED. I read a lot of books about natural childbirth, practiced meditation, made a mental list of all of the birthing positions I’d try…I was *totally prepared*. I forgot all of it by the time I got to the hospital, except that I did not want any medications. And you know what? I didn’t need them. I was in labor and delivered in about two hours, and I didn’t even need an Advil afterwards. I walked to my room from the delivery theater and said to the nurse, “that really was not so bad.” YMMV, but we’re built to have babies. We can do anything we set our minds to, and even if (when) we forget, our bodies know what to do. That said, if you need or want drugs, get ’em. Nobody should judge the choices a mother makes while she’s giving birth, ever.

29. My first was weird in that I felt no contractions – it was all just back pain, so I had no clue when to push. The second I was induced, and could feel those contractions. But I’d also watched a lot more baby delivery tv shows, and knew what to do – just grab those knees and push! And it worked 🙂

30. You will be so fine! My second birth was far better than my first (and until that point, I thought my first one had been good!) – the body knows what to do (apparently there’s often not that big wait for the 10cm dilation as things are more efficient), you will know and understand the contractions more, you will probably know how to push better if you did it last time. And you also know how good it is to hold your baby, perhaps your nerves will be less, and you know things ‘down there’ more or less sort themselves out and go back to normal in a short-ish while.

    Good luck!

31. Hi Chantelle, I just had my 3rd bub 3 months ago and it was my best labour yet, I put this down to the fact that my OB was hardly there and the midwife put me in total control, I only lay on the bed right at the pointy end as leaning over the bed seemed to help things along as did sitting on the loo, lucky hubby is strong as if he hadn’t carried me to the bed bubs would have had a fairly embarrassing birth story. Hubby and I even caught bubs coming out and placed him on my chest as this time we wanted to be the first to hold and touch him, it was magical. I think it helps that I don’t fear birth though as I have terrible pregnancies and just wasn’t them over with!! Good luck, you will be fine and whatever happens during the end result is what counts xx

32. Second time round I was on a mission for an epidural. My poor midwife and her ‘lovely, warm birthing pool’ didn’t stand a chance.

    It felt much more relaxed second time round as I knew what I wanted but both times, the joy of holding a brand new, healthy baby was exactly the same.
    Good luck – you will be awesome! x

33. I thought that my second, being an elective c/s would be a walk in the park compared to my 2.5 day failed induction hell of the first. But you might remember that Elliott decided that the day of my c/s was the day he wanted to be born after all, and so I still had to go through labour pains, and having an epidural through contractions! But you’re right, that newborn squishy delight makes anything worthwhile! xx

34. My second time was soooo much better than the first, won’t go into details but the first involved no drugs, a 10.4 pounder coming out and a very long time pushing and a chaotic birthing suite. My second on the other hand was quicker, calmer, and involved an epidural and a much smaller baby on arrival!
    You’ll be fine. Good luck. xx

35. Is it weird that i completley LOVE labour! I have two babies now and as far as having children to look after goes, I’m done, but I would happily go through that birth experience over and over again. My first labour was very long, like days & days & days long, but eventually she was here. My second was (comparatively) short (I went from 6cm – 10cm in 25 mins) and that moment, that moment at the end when they’re in your arms and it’s all over, that moment is worth everything!

36. With my first birth I made a point not to ask for the stories (because I knew they would be horrific!); I made a point not to watch the birth video’s (because I knew they would be even more horrific!); and I made a point not to think about the birth (because I knew I would be thrown into a state of panic!). Almost two weeks over-due meant I just wanted to go into labour – LIKE NOW! But… when labour started I felt like a fish trying to back-peddle from a predator. I didn’t enjoy it, as most mums in this feed would agree. I remember thinking how unfair it was that I had the burden the pain and the sight of my husbands face (the one who did this to me) made me feel violence, and I am normally a very calm person. It is really amazing that women are programmed with the ability to ‘forget’ the pain and do it all again. For my next birth I will be terrified and pray that it was not as long as the first one. But in all honest when they rested my son on my heaving chest after giving birth it was all worth it. The cliché is totally true. Childbirth is a gift and I would do it again for the reward of another baby in a heartbeat. x

37. My births were very different to each other. My first was spontaneous early labour. Raya was premmie and small and I only needed Panadol. The contractions were no worse than period pain and by the time they took me in for my c-section I was already dilated and trying not to push. The c-section was already booked due to previous spinal injuries. Fastforward 4 years later and it was time for Raf’s delivery. Since he tried to make an early exit from 28 weeks I spent a lot of time thinking ahead to the delivery. When would it be? How would it be? I ended up attempting a VBAC with a supportive obs and doing a Calmbirth class. I guess I felt pretty cocky after my fairly quick, fairly painless labour the first time.
    The second birth was totally different. After every drug known to man to keep him on the inside he then got stuck in my pelvis when I was 9.5cm dilated. My labour had to be induced because I got pre eclampsia and so there were no gradual increase in contractions. It was 1 min long, 1 minute apart from the start. I got an epidural.It was hard. I wouldn’t say it was incredibly painful I would say it was dreadfully intense pressure particularly across my scar. The midwife laughed and reminded me he was a MUCH bigger baby.

    I was disappointed I didn’t get the vbac I had prepped for but the midwife just held my hand and said ‘birth isn’t about us mums. We think it is because it helps us feel in control before a huge life change. Our little ones decide how they want to enter the world and we are just along for the ride”.

    You will do brilliantly Telle. Your only birth plan needs to be to deliver a baby safe and well. Anything else is icing on the cake and there are no gold medals handed out to new mums as they leave the delivery suite. Take the drugs!!!

38. I have two little boys, the youngest is just about to turn 1, so it’s all relatively fresh in the memory. Leading up to the birth of my first (now 3), I was actually looking forward to the birthing process – I was fearless and confident! No. 1 turned out to be posterior and so labour was quite the wild ride. It was 12 hours start to finish and I managed (just) to get through without medication (my diaphragm and throat hurt for days afterwards thanks to all the ‘vocalisation’ I did to get me through!). Till I experienced my second labour, I actually though the first had been OK, although I was more than a little scared second time around, knowing what was coming! Labour with No. 2 turned out to be much more acceptable (shorter start to finish and not posterior), and I realised how hard the first one had really been! No. 2 arrived first thing in the morning and I spent the whole day saying, ‘I’m so relieved!’ (a. because we were safe and well, and b. because he was out of my body!)

    I hope this time around is more straightforward for you! My midwife told me something comforting leading up to the birth of my second – she said, your body now has a memory of the process and it will probably be more efficient about it! While it wasn’t a guarantee, it helped me mentally, nonetheless!

    May the force be with you!

39. Telle, you are a beautiful person and it is completely natural to be afraid of giving birth. I managed to delude myself that Eliza would “just pop out” and it would all be good, right up until I went into labour and I realised that getting a watermelon out of a lemon sized hole is actually not that natural!

    If you want drugs, take them. If you don’t, don’t. Don’t let taking drugs during childbirth define the whole process. It is only one minor part, that has no relevance to your tiny humans life at all.

    xoxo

40. I have just given birth to my fifth and still had those feelings leading up to this one! I think that the fear with any babies after your first is worse because you know what is going to happen. And how much it will hurt! Amazingly though, my last two I was drug free. I had a fantastic midwife that I went back to for three, four and five and I think this makes all the difference. I trusted her to make the right decisions for me and she trusted me to try what she suggested had worked for her in her lifetime of birthing experience. I screamed for an epidural with my first two but it didn’t even cross my mind this time. I was more focused on breathing deeply through the pain and getting it out! As she said: screaming does not make it come out any faster and makes you lose energy!. My biggest hint: Plenty of walking during labour to bring the baby down then push it out as soon as you feel ready! Don’t hold onto that baby when it is ready to come. I was scared of the pushing pain and prolonged that part of labour but once it is out you feel heaps better. Best of luck – it has to come out eventually so make the best of the experience!

41. I had two Csections. The first was an emergency and the second one was planned. I gave birth to my second daughter a month ago and I was okay with it….until I sat on the operating table and awaited the spinal injection. The nurse had me sit on the table and she looked at me. All I could see were her eyes because of her mask and hair cap. Her eyes told a lot!!
    When she held my hand, I immediately started crying and she thought it was because I was nervous about the surgery and the birth. Heck no!! I was crying because they were going to give me a spinal in my back and I was super nervous and anxious. He missed and had to do it a second time. Oh the tears were flowing!

    Even though mine were Csections, my second was much easier. I was up and walking less than 24 hours later. The worst of it was me being sick (due to the drugs I had) after she came out and for the next 12 hours. After the meds wore off I felt good, well as good as a person can feel after having their tummy open and a baby pulled out!

    You will be fine. There are times in life when you just suck it up and do what you have to do because you have no other choice. This is one of those time. Plus, you have already done this so technically you are a Pro! Good luck!!!

42. My second was so much easier, and faster, than the first. I was induced first time round on the drip, it was just over 8 hrs from start to finish. So I really was just hoping that the second time would be natural and I wouldn’t have to be induced.
    I got my wish. It was a natural labour, 3 hrs. When the contractions started. I didn’t even believe they were contractions, as they were so much milder than the first time. It was only for the fact they were 1.5 to 2 mins apart from the onset that I thought I better get to hospital. Just in time too, 30 mins later she was born. And so quickly that hubby almost had to catch her as the midwives weren’t even in the room!
    I hope it all goes well for you 🙂

43. No matter how good or bad it is, at the end you have this amazing child, a life you and your husband have created! Good luck x

44. I was so scared to give birth but when she was 11 days late, I didn’t care how she came out, just.get.her.out.now! In the end I had every drug available, the gas, the pethidine and the epidural and at one stage I turned to my husband and said “I love this” – after being sober for nearly 10 months, it was like a really good night out at the club. Next time, I hope I feel the same x

45. It’s like you’ve just read my mind! Everything you’ve written here is exactly how I’m feeling at the moment.

46. I remember being terrified of child birth and that was for all 4 pregnancies, the last two pregnancies being twins.(yup two sets) Having a good relationship with your Doctor and Hospital is helpful, made me feel more in control, gas is good, epidurals are better :o)

47. Ladies!!!! Now I’m terrified to get pregnant! 🙁

48. I hated pregnancy with a passion so I used all of my anger toward it to keep focused on getting the baby outta me as fast as possible! I found that the more I tried to plan the birth and the more I found out about the specifics (placenta-ugh.) the more I began to panic and scare the life out of myself, so I stopped planning all together. I went in a little blind and it worked for me. I did as the midwives instructed step by step through my labour and it seemed to make things move quickly. I didn’t have time to panic because I needed to listen or id have had no idea!
    Ignorance is bliss.

49. I had baby number four in February after an eighteen year gap and in all honesty it was pretty much the same as the first one 22yrs ago only this bub was 1pound and 4ounces heavier…..the only drugs I’ve ever used in labour was the gas….I never had an epidural as I didn’t like the idea of a needle going into my spine…..luckily for me all four pregnancies and deliveries went off without a hitch and all was good for me and babies….I also have to admit I was much more relaxed about giving birth this year even though there was such a big gap, I guess it really is like riding a bike, once you’ve done it you don’t forget how…….I’m sure you’ll be fine and once that sweet smelling bundle is in your arms you’ll be wondering what you were so worried about……..xo

50. Half way thru my first pregnancy 11 years ago just like you I realized this baby will have to come out. It was then when I started thinking I wanted a microwave baby just like popping popcorn 2 minutes and voila! Best wishes to you,no worries things will be fine!

51. Your body knows what to do. It did it before! And think of the billions of women who have done it before you and know that it’s a means to a squishy, red faced, sweet newborn baby finish 🙂

52. I was absolutely terrified to give birth the first time around. I’m not pregnant with my second yet, but I know it’s in the future, and I’m sure I’ll be scared again. And you can bet I’ll be getting that epidural too! I never regretted it with my first.

53. I was freaking out about labour for a few weeks then near the end I didn’t care I just wanted her out because I developed pupp rash, had psd, carpel tunnel and severe heartburn. In the end my labour was nothing like I imagined. I wont share my story because it was pretty traumatic for me and I don’t want to freak you out, but I do have a beautiful baby girl now so its all worth it.

54. Oh, not sure if you want to know how my second labour went in comparison to my first. First was a breeze, went to work, came how cooked dinner for extended family who were visiting. Had a sore back, but then who doesn’t when heavily pregnant? Had worse diarrhoea during middle of night, called hospital, they said come on in let us check you out, got there at 6;10 in the morning, turns out I was 9cm dilated and well ready to go. Gave birth at 7;11. No tearing no stitches no drugs. All very easy.
    Second labour…. hmm did not think he was every going to come out. Was induced four times. Still no action. Labour finally started on the Friday night around 5pm, Will spare you the long painful story, but ended up having an emergency C-section Sunday. Yup one long painful labour. That boy just did not want to get out.
    Oh but I am sure your second will go heaps easier than mine.

55. My first birth ended in an emergency c-section. No details, but my labor was difficult (keep with me, no horror story I promise!!). My second daughter, even after such a difficult birth with my first, I CHOSE to go through labor again. I attempted VBAC, yes labor is hard and painful etc etc…BUT I would still choose to do it again rather than skip it for a c-sect!

56. I was scared to tell the truth and when i went into labour with my second child i changed my mind,i said i don’t want another one,but you know what scared or not you will be over the moon at the end,I hope you have a great birth and not too much pain and it is quick xx

57. I think I knew I was ready to have kids when I was more scared of raising them than I was of actually birthing them. I think I felt calmer towards the end of my pregnancy than I was at the start and felt quite confident and okay-ish most of the way through the labour. Only really started to feel scared once I was being wheeled through the corridors of the hospital on a gurney looking up at the lights. That and them trying to strap down my arms when I went into the theatre (needed forceps and they wouldn’t do it in the birthing suites after two failed epidurals – I think pregnancy and birth definitely kicked my fear of needles).

58. I gave birth for the 1st time 3 weeks ago and was terrified. I was lucky I had a 55 minute waterbirth. Water is fab for pain relief. I also used hypnobirthing cds every day for a few weeks prior to delivery, i’m not sure if they helped but I did manage to keep control throughout. Have you thought about hypnobirthing?

59. My aunt was born when my grandma was hosting my older aunt’s eighth birthday party. She said “kids, keep playing, i have to go to the bathroom, I’ll be back in five minutes” and back she came .. with a little baby sister as a birthday present. She just fell into the loo, my grandma said she didn’t feel any pains before, it just suddenly happened, within seconds.

    I could tell you a few horror stories as well – but that’d be mean. I’m sure all will be fine! I hope it will!

    Good luck!

    Maria

60. I recently gave birth to my second child and it was beyond all my expectations, definitely one of the best experienceof my life.

    I had to have my waters broken (high blood pressure), went for a walk around the hospital and then bam, labour started on its own… 3.5 hours later with an epidural on board just in the nick of time, my husband delivered our daughter with our amazingly supportive obstetrician watching on.

    My first child’s birth (my son), whilst joyous, was scary for a number reasons… most of all because it was the unknown and I had no concept of how it would be. Second time round you kinda know what’s in store.

    I too am a massive control freak, yet with my daughters birth I felt fully in control, calm and determined to make it a beautiful experience no matter what the journey.

    I can’t wait to hear about your wonderful second journey to meeting your little one. It will be magical no matter what happens!

    X

61. My second labour was awesome!!! I had a different doctor and we were laughing during contractions and he was able to direct me alot better at to where to focus my pushing… it is not jsut contracting like you ahve to poop! And to prove my point I gave birth naturally to a 12 pound baby with no tearing the second time around. I wasn’t even feeling like a bull dozer pummled me afterward. The whole process happend a lot faster and a lot more intensely than my first but since I knew what the rodeo was going to be like it was managable. You as a control freak (hee hee hee) have all the power, and you have a voice and are more likely to use that voice too. You will do awesome… even if the experiences are slightly different than your first!

    • What an empowering comment! Thank you. x

62. I had a planned caesarin for twins first up and I was terrified. I shook so much a nurse had to hold me still for the epidural, and then the dividing curtain fell down a little and I saw inside my stomach lol. oh and I was on a tilted table and when my first sons sac was broken my partner and I were hit with a tidal wave of womb water.
    But I’m due in January and can’t wait to go through it all again 🙂

63. I’m sure you’ll be just fine! You did go through it once already, and you survived that well! 🙂

    I only have one boy, he’s 3½ now and a great joy – as well as a great pain at times of course, but that’s another story!

    I went to pregnancy yoga before giving birth and my amazing instructor encouraged us to take prophylaxis classes where you learn specific techniques for coping with the pain, especially breathing techniques, as well as partner massage and relaxation methods. It was very helpful.

    On the day, I had no pain relief at all, despite being in labour for a fairly long time and the staff eventually having to use a ventouse. We found out afterwards, that the registrar had insisted on giving me an epidural in preparation for a possible c-section, but the midwife, who was very well versed in the breathing techniques I used, managed to convince him to give us a little while longer, and then it all ended in natural labour, although assisted. I’m very pleased with the whole process, even though it took much longer than anticipated, and I had also wanted to be upright – seated or standing – but that was not possible.

    I mostly remember having pains in my lower back, and my poor husband having to massage me for ages through the contractions. His thumbs were sore for days after, but I guess that was justifiable!

    We had music on in the room the whole time. Music I had collated on my laptop in advance. It was lovely. I know you had been asked if you wanted any specific lighting, but I can’t honestly remember the lighting in the room, apart from it being dark when we arrived (at 5am), daylight in-between, and dark again when we got to our overnight room (at 11pm).

    Best of luck! 🙂

64. CALMBIRTH chantelle! I’m not sure how far along you are, I think youre near the end, but all i can say is a Calmbirth course is AMAZING! i was so scared first time round, did the course, and it empowered me immensely. Im currently 21wks and cannot wait to do it all over again!

    can I just mention I dont wax down there because i cannot handle the pain. yup. i get anxiety, it freaks me out, takes (well ‘took’ because i havent done it again since DD was born 22 months ago) about 45mins all because i try to calm down in between each strip. birth on the other hand makes me excited! letting go of fears and being informed and aware makes it so different, it becomes so primal and intuitive. and just great.

    I initially contemplated an elective ceasar first time round to avoid it all. progressed to wanted an epi in the lead up, but after that course my mind was changed. I was positively empowered. good luck mama!

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