birth anxiety with #2 « Back to Group Discussions

[withlittlelungs]

I had my son in a hospital. I didn't receive any pain meds, but I was on pitocin.  This time around, I will be delivering in a birth center. So many factors will be different (for the better), but I am still worried that I won't be able to do it. Theoretically this birth should be more relaxed and easier (sans pitocin), but I am so nervous about it. 
Anyone else feeling the same way?

[Chapsie]

I totally felt that way going in to birth #2 (my VBAC).

Have you read Ina May's Guide to Childbirth? That will for sure get you excited about birth.

Also, I took the hypnobabies home study course and highly recommend it. It teaches deep relaxation exercises to help you through labor and they have a "fear clearing" session to release any negative thoughts about birth. If you are wanting a birth prep course, this is a great one!!!! I loved it. I had a very comfortable labor with hypnobabies (not hypnobirthing). I went in to the hospital at 9.5 cm and the unit clerks didn't think I was in labor! Midwife thought I was only like 2 cm because of my demeanor. It was awesome.


P.s. I am so impressed that you didn't need meds on pit! I was induced with my first labor and those pit contractions were so hard!!

[cocoanib]

I second the hypnobabies to help deal with fear and relax before and during birth.

I did the home study course and I'm thinking about going over it again with this birth.

[jodieanneanton]

Originally Posted by Chapsie 

I totally felt that way going in to birth #2 (my VBAC).
Have you read Ina May's Guide to Childbirth? That will for sure get you excited about birth.
Also, I took the hypnobabies home study course and highly recommend it. It teaches deep relaxation exercises to help you through labor and they have a "fear clearing" session to release any negative thoughts about birth. If you are wanting a birth prep course, this is a great one!!!! I loved it. I had a very comfortable labor with hypnobabies (not hypnobirthing). I went in to the hospital at 9.5 cm and the unit clerks didn't think I was in labor! Midwife thought I was only like 2 cm because of my demeanor. It was awesome.
P.s. I am so impressed that you didn't need meds on pit! I was induced with my first labor and those pit contractions were so hard!!

I had the same experience of hospital staff not thinking I was in labor when I arrived.  I used hypnobabie and LOVED Ina May's Guide to Childbirth.  That book makes me feel super empowered!

[withlittlelungs]

Originally Posted by Chapsie 

P.s. I am so impressed that you didn't need meds on pit! I was induced with my first labor and those pit contractions were so hard!!

Pit was hell (i spent the majority of my contractions crying), but my fear of the epidural needle was way more intense than the pain!
I plan to read Ina May's Guide to Childbirth. I am glad that it has such positive reviews! Thank you for the hypnobabies recommendation. I'm going to check it out!