Starting to get nervous-need encouragement please!

[edensmomma]

I am almost 37 weeks and perfectly healthy and I am starting to get nervous about the birth. This is my second baby. My first was born in a birthing center-all natural. It was very hard for me, 25 hour labor. No problems but a slight hemmorhage after I had her but it was taken care of quickly with an IM of Pitocin.
I'm not nervous about the homebirth, I am just nervous about the pain of labor again. I'm just scared and need some encouraging words/stories/advice please.

[Thandiwe]

Sending strength and peace your way....

[xixstar]

*hugs* I think this nervousness and fear, especially nearing the end, is totally normal and okay. Just remember that you can do this, your body is made to do this, and in the end your little one will be here.

I also had a long (25 hour) and natural birth with my last and I sometimes feel a little panicky when I think about doing labor again. But I also remember how wonderful it was when she came out and I knew that I Did It! Yes, it was hard, but I made it and I'll do it again.

Also wishing you a much shorter birth this time, you and me both in fact!

[Kidzaplenty]

I have the same apprehension with just about each birth. But, I have found that once labor actually begins, the fear dissipates and experience along with instinct kicks in.

[edensmomma]

Thank you everyone for all of the kind and encouraging words! I went to our local homebirth monthly meeting and I feel more at peace today. Still nervous but much better than before.

[greenthumb3]

These thoughts help me when I start to feel some apprehension as I think ahead to the impending labor and birth of our fourth child, also a planned homebirth. Hope something here resonates with you as well.

Just as your body knew how to grow this baby, it "knows" how best to give birth to this baby.

Relax into the sensations of labor, release yourself into the "world" and inner work of labor. Find your "safe" place inside your mind and let your body do it's work.

The last baby's birth was the last baby's birth. Birth itself "gives birth" to new experiences; this child's birth will not be like the last because it is it's own experience and all you've learned and gained from your first child' birth adds to this new baby's coming labor and birth and makes it even better than last time.

Baby is right there with you; she/he is going to go through the labor, too. It helps me to "connect" with the baby, checking in mentally and emotionally, reassuring the baby and myself that everything is okay and we are going to work together when the time comes and that I will hold her in my arms as soon as she is born--that is a good feeling.

Best wishes for your labor and baby's birth!