Getting into the mindset, "I can do this!"

[jackiev0626]

This might sound silly, but I just recently got over a stomach bug, and it got me thinking about labor. I was sick as a dog for 2 days, throwing up every 10 min and diarreah (sorry if thats TMI). It was awful!!! At one point (the worst of it), I was laying in the tub letting the water run on me an had a brief thought of, "if I can deal with this, I can deal with labor". I don't know if that sounds ridiculous cuz I know labor is going to be a completely different feeling, but I don't know, maybe I'm just really trying to get in that mindset that when I go into labor, there is nothing I can do about it. I just have to get through it. Like, with having the flu or whatever you just have to let it run it's course. I guess thinking about it like that helps me to block out the thought of going in for an epidural, and making that just "not an option". After all, I think it really is just mind over matter. Any thoughts?

[craft_media_hero]

You can do this! It's going to be awesome! Whoooo

[sunfish21]

I think that the belief that 'the only way out is through' is helpful. Like you were saying, it is a completely different situation, but you can't control how is progresses or how long it takes. Fighting it (the contractins, pain, whatever) will only slow things down. I am 36 weeks now and have been trying to "gear up" myself lately!

[xixstar]

You can totally do this!! And honestly, what is the reward at the end of being sick? Nothing. What is the reward at the end of labor? You get to meet your baby! Two totally different situations!

I don't like being sick either and am a baby about it sometimes. But for me, birth is a whole different ballgame and something my body was designed for!

[lizvt]

You can do it!
Have you read Ina May's Guide to Childbirth or Marie Mongaine's (sp?) Hypnobirthing? I found both REALLY helpful during my first pregnancy and am a huge believer in the more relaxed and comfortable you are during labor the faster, easier, and more enjoyable labor is. I also found listening to birthing affirmations during pregnancy felt really cheesy, but then heard myself repeating them inwardly during labor and finding a lot of comfort and relaxation in them. I just pulled them back out to start listening to again!
And of course the best part is in the end you have a beautiful baby and not the remains of the flu!
Good Luck

[Plummeting]

As long as everything goes normally, it is absolutely mind over matter! It's just a decision that you make, knowing that you aren't going to change your mind. Period.

[jackiev0626]

Thanks so much everyone for the encouragement!!

xixstar: That is so true! I think that knowing I'm working toward something instead of it just being pointless pain, will really help me through it!

lizvt: Yes I've read Ina may's book. It was very helpful at making me realize this made so much more sense, and relaxation is the key! And I also have the Hypnobirthing book, but haven't started it yet. That's next on my list! Thanks!

[lindsayncadence]

Not here very often but I had to reply. I really think it is "mind over matter". I had planned a homebirth and chickened out after I finally found the "perfect" midwife. I ended up with a completely natural drug and intervention free hospital birth that was beautiful. But I still missed my homebirth bc I just let the worry take over. You can do this mama its not always easy but it is worth it good luck

[alton]

jackie - you put me to shame! I had a really nasty vomitting bug lately too and it totally shook my confidence. The day after, I was dragging myself about and coping with an extrememly cranky toddler who was dealing with the aftermath of his own vomitting bug and a bad bout of molar teething, and I was feeling like I couldn't take anymore. I suddenly thought of trying to manage to labour with no pain relief in a paddling pool and started to cry. First and only time that homebirth has seemed like a negative!

On the other hand, in the throes of the bug, I found that some of the lessons from my last labour really helped - relaxing into the pain instead of fighting it, responding to what my body tells me it needs instead of overthinking things, and generally remembering that this too will pass.

I'm just bad at being at sick! But for all that labour is more intense, it is so, so, so much better than having a bug. When you're sick, the cramps build and build until you throw up. You know the pain won't ease until you do and you are dreading vomiting. But with labour the sensations come in a wave, building to a peak and easing off and weird as it sounds, the easing-off part of the pain cycle can actually be quite comforting. And all the time you are moving towards seeing your baby.

[ExuberantDaffodil]

You can do it!!

Your post reminded me of when I was pregnant with my first and had to have a wisdom tooth removed. None of the numbing agents were working on me, and I couldn't have anesthesia because of being pregnant. I felt every excruciating moment of that tooth being removed. And I cried. But I made it. And I thought to myself, if I can handle that, I can absolutely handle unmedicated childbirth! I mean, after the tooth pain, all I got was a nasty old tooth. After my birthing, I got a delicious, cuddly baby!

[jackiev0626]

Wow, these words of encouragement are so awesome to hear! I feel so confident that I can do this! Thanks!!!

[laughymama]

This thread is making ME feel good too. I have a ways to go but I figure it's never too early to start getting into the right mindset.

[billikengirl]

You can do it! I found with my homebirth that since pain meds weren't available without a very uncomfy car ride, it never occurred to me to ask for them and most of my focus went into getting it done. IME, it helped to only do one surge at a time--don't anticipate the next surges or do labor math about how much longer/stronger it might take to get done

[at_the_hip]

FWIW, I do believe that stomach illnesses like that, are much worse than labour. Yep, much rather have a baby than go through that. I have thought the exact thing whilst getting sick, too!

[NettleTea]

Originally Posted by billikengirl

IME, it helped to only do one surge at a time--don't anticipate the next surges or do labor math about how much longer/stronger it might take to get done