Need fast methods for mental preparation

[dogmom327]

I'm posting this here instead of the more general forums because of the unique issues with homebirth (type of support system, lack of medication options, etc.)

This is my second baby. DS was a homebirth. I did great (stayed very calm) during labor, but panicked during transition and pushing really scared the h**l out of me for some reason.

I thought I had more time but it is becoming obvious that this baby is likely coming in the next 2 weeks or so (I'm 35 weeks now). I could go longer but the odds aren't in my favor.

I had planned on listening to the hypnobabies CD's but haven't started yet (but I could start today). Is it worth it at this point since it's unlikely I'll have the full five weeks? I listened to them last time (and took the class) but didn't actually use it for labor. I was hoping to use it this time but I don't know that it would work given the limited time.

What else can I do to mentally prepare? My last birth was only 2 years ago so on one hand, it's not like I've forgotten but I just don't feel ready and I want to stay as calm as possible. I also want to have as much as a UC as possible (MW on the couch in the other room for as long as I'm okay with it which hopefully will be until the baby is born).

Maybe I'm worrying unnecessarily but I really feel like I should be doing something even though it's the last thing I have time to do.

[super mamabug]

join the hypnobabies yahoo group and ask for the modified schedule. They have a schedule designed for latecomers to get everything in, in a hurry. Then you'll have had your refresher and can be in maintenance for as long as you go over 37 weeks, which will put you at ease. Go ahead and do your fear release. Try and figure out what you are afraid of and address it. You can do this, you were made to do this.
groups.yahoo.com/group/hypnobabies
Good luck and happy birthing!

[simplykate]

I think listening to the hypnobabies birthing day affirmations would be good to get your mind in the right place. You could always listen to them whole in labor as well.

[tracymom1]

Okay, this all may sound a little silly, but I really believe that the way to truly find your peace is to surround yourself with a bit of beauty and serenity. Then when you are in a tough spot, you can draw from the feelings you had from that experience and use them to help you through. Make sense? All the meditation in the world cannot compare to the memories of a beautiful time and place. Use remembrance as your meditation.

If you cannot draw from a previous experience, make a new one! You live in Portland - a wealth of wonderful is at your fingertips. Take a day trip to the coast, the gorge or just cruise on out on 26 and find some wilderness. Ahhh, Oregon... how I miss you!

Or maybe look into aromatherapy. Keep in mind there are lots of homeopathic remedies for fear in labor, too. Gelsimium and sepia can be very helpful.

[dogmom327]

Thank you all! I'll try the Yahoo group for the expedited schedule. I love the beach idea. Maybe this weekend. It's only an hour and a half drive and maybe sitting on the sand and watching the rhythm of the waves would calm my mind (and give me a good visual for the rhythm of labor).

[dziwozony]

you sound like you labour very similarly to me! i have no problem staying ultra-calm during the first stage, but during transition i start getting a bit overwhelmed & then once i start pushing i feel really panicky. part of this is due to my fast labours, i think.

this is what happened with DS1 and, not to be negative, but with my second birth as well. HOWEVER, transition & pushing were much shorter this time around. so during transition when i started saying things like "ok, i'm ready for the baby to come out now!!" my midwife just reminded me to focus on the baby moving down & that i've done this before & it's not much longer now. my waters broke on their own at full dialation & for a few minutes after that i started to get panicky like i did before, but i held my midwives hands & she comforted me & i just kind of got it together. i reminded myself that i COULD do this & what i was feeling in that moment was really temporary & the only way to get PAST it was to go THROUGH it.

i think that's it really: you can't be scared of the intensity. with my first birth, when my wonderful midwife heard me start to wimper weakly, she told me "sometimes you just have to get angry with it!" & that really shifted my approach...i did get angry with how much it hurt & chose to meet it face on rather than shy away.

it sounds funny to encourage anger during this positive childbirth, but it helped give me energy to move forward when i was feeling defeated.