Labor fear and recovery🫠

Hypnobirthing really helps me… try listening to these:

https://spotify.link/suqB5w0yWDb

Our bodies are MADE for this, mama! You wouldn’t have a baby in you if you also couldn’t get it out. Lean into trust - you got this. ❤️

I’m excited about having a baby, and I planned my pregnancy, but I am TERRIFIED of giving birth. Do not want to do it. Already stressing about the epidural as well which is so silly but I can’t help it. I think this is probably normal. I try to just let it go because there’s nothing I can do about it now! Also take comfort that our bodies were built for this and millions of women all over the world have already done this. That helps me

Sorry can’t help but here for the hopefully helpful comments as I’m not even 20 weeks yet and the anxiety to give birth is terrifying! good luck I hope it’s over before you know it and baby boy comes nice and easy 💙💙

I have been watching positive birth stories on you tube and practicing hypno birthing whilst bouncing on my birthing ball, the breathing technique it teaches you is actually really calming and I recommend trying it. I sit on my ball in the evenings and practice breathing. No matter what method you choose it will be the right decision for you. I was told induction at 39 weeks and personally have chosen the c section as I think if I have to have forced labour I feel more at ease with a section (personal preference) but hoping I might go into a natural labour before hand.

My favourite things to use during recovery were a peri bottle (essential. Trust me. Get one it is a god send when you pee or it’s gonna hurt) my midwife spritz for bitz spray was amazing. After using the toilet I’d spray on my sanitary towel or diaper and then on myself. The relief is amazing. Get adult diapers. Period ones or whatever. They’re the best thing for the first couple weeks with heavy bleeding. After that get some thick thick pads for undies.

For the birth. Be in control. Breathe. Only push when there is a contraction and don’t scream. Yes you can yell and shout but do not scream. Focus your mind on pushing. Don’t lay down during Labour. It’s more painful. Get your midwife to raise the head of the bed, , get on your knees facing the headboard, grip the headboard and push with every contraction. If you have an epidural you won’t be able to get on your knees but if you have gas and air make sure you have water. It’s gonna make your mouth dry

I chose to have an elective C-section and it was the best decision I’ve made. We walked down to theatre, we played our own music, we met all the team and introduced ourselves, everything was calm and they talked me through everything.
Our little girl was with us within 10 minutes.
I couldn’t feel any pain - just some tugging and pulling and pressured - they did delayed cord cutting and I did skin on skin when she was born.

The recovery is no joke - it’s hard physically and mentally for the first week then it improves. All types of births have their positives and negatives- you just need to decide what’s best for you. Our girl was measuring big so that’s why we opted for a C-section. Whatever you choose, you’ve got this! X

I was sooo scared! But honestly, I have a good birth story. I was induced and had an epidural, so everything went super smooth for me. I’ve never had a c-section, but I don’t think I’d want one unless medically necessary (but that’s just my opinion). Try not to listen to the horror stories. They’ll only increase your anxiety. You’ll be surrounded by medical professionals and that made me feel really comforted and safe. Good luck to you!

I really think having a positive mindset goes a long way in labour and giving birth! I had my daughter in September 2021 I was in the hospital with 45 mins to spare before she arrived, managed with no pain relief not even gas and air and didn’t need a single stitch afterwards, I’m due my next baby in February and actually really excited to do it all again! Please try not to worry you feel like superwoman when the baby arrives and it’s the best feeling in the world!

I had couple miscarriages and not easy pregnancy and went for elective c-section, really happy with my decision, tearing and other complications scared me more than actual C-section. The op was really calming and quick, mainly I wanted my baby to be safe and out ASAP. You always can change your mind, it’s your choice.

Don’t be surprised if you throw up after, the adrenaline might do that to you. All I can say is stay in control. As soon as you lose control you’re gonna freak out. Ask your midwife to explain everything that is happening that way you know what’s going on around you. Or don’t. It’s up to you. Have a small bag in your hospital bag that has your baby’s first everything in it. Nappy, babygrow, mittens, hat that way you’re not scrambling in the bag. Do that for your toiletries as well

It never gets easier honestly I'm pregnant with my 3rd & ive had different birthing experiences & I'm still terrified now 🙃 I think it's more the fear of the unknown like we just don't no what will happen on the day. I can't tell you what to do only you can decide that but the recovery from a c section is a lot harder then a vaginal delivery. But being induced has its downfalls also as sometimes they aren't always able to break you're waters which means you need the balloon/pessary to get labour started which could mean a lengthy time in hospital waiting. Have you tried hypnobirthing? X

It’s definitely possible to have a positive experience! I did Hypnobirthing too and delivered my son in a pool with gas and air for the last couple of hours. I was terrified about tearing and in the end did have to have some stitches after a 2nd degree tear - things were quite *tender* for a while but the actual tear was barely noticeable during birth and it healed quickly! I sprayed witch hazel into my maternity pads which I think helped, and soothed.
As much as there are horror stories online, you can find some really lovely positive birth videos on YouTube 🙏 my biggest tip would be to go in with a can-do mindset - obviously there is SO much you can’t control and don’t know, but have faith in the mechanics of your body and take strength in the knowledge that meeting your baby makes the whole thing worthwhile! Xx

I have PCOS had a miscarriage 4 years before having my first, and after it happened, my doctor basically told me I should have expected it and that I couldn't have children. The whole experience broke my heart, so when I fell pregnant with my LG, I was terrified that something was going to go wrong again.
I didn't tell anyone I was pregnant till after 12 weeks, I waited to be 20 weeks to announce publicly.
Because of all that, plus PGP, I had an elective c section it was an amazing experience, very calm, and I didn't find the recovery to be that bad.

I think if you like to feel in control, then a C-Section would give that

Read through all of these and SOBBED, bloody hormones🤣 thank you so much everyone xxx

did pgp go after birth

The positive birth company have positive birth stories on their website! And do hypnobirthing. I had 3 miscarriage and also am so terrified of still birth because I've gotten to 38 weeks... I feel your fear! Try hyponobirthing by the positive birth company its calmed me some! Good luck!

, for me, yes. As soon as she was out, I was pain-free other than the recovery, but that was completely different, and i could sleep with it. With PGP, I hardly slept, struggled to walk, and life was just hard.

Yes and I just discovered amniotic fluid embolism last night and wish I hadn’t 😰 sorry that’s not helpful. It’s my second pregnancy - first ended in emergency c section but that part went very smoothly 😊

I'm more scared of the idea of accidentally pooing in front of everyone. 😅😅

Update! Had a gorgeous baby boy on the 26th after being induced on the 25th and it was the best experience ever❤️