Lurker who has a few minutes...

[RaisinGirl]

Hi Mamas-to-Be! I rarely post here, but I lurk all the time and can't believe how close we're all getting to meeting our babes . I wish I could participate more, but with a spirited, energetic 2.5 year old boy running loose in the house, I just can't seem to find a spare moment to sneak upstairs to get online. When I do, it's all I can do to read a few threads before having to run back down to save the cat from another tail-pulling :LOL !!

Anyway, I feel your pain in regards to being incredibly uncomfortable, unable to sleep well, backaches, and all the other joys of late-pregnancy. I am trying to enjoy and appreciate these final weeks (5.5 to go ) but in all actuality I just want to go into labor, like.... NOW : . I'm so excited to find out whether I'm having another boy or a little girl this time. With DS#1, my intuition kicked in around 24 weeks and I *KNEW* I was having a boy. This time, I can't seem to figure it out. I'm thinking boy, but having more girl vibes than I did during my last pregnancy. :

I plan to attempt a natural birth again this time, but have to admit I'm a bit scared. Last time, I didn't know what to expect.... now I'm not so innocent!! I had a LONG labor (36 hours) and pushed for 1.5 hours, and did real well for the most part until the later stages of pushing when I had a mild panic attack and thought for CERTAIN I was in the process of dying . It took awhile to recover from the birth, mentally. Does anyone have any suggestions for keeping a relaxed, positive attitude in the midst of pure exhaustion and pain?

Well, DS is awake now so I need to run~ it was nice "chatting" with you and I hope I can keep finding time to hang out .

[jeanieloz]

Well usually the second labor and birth isn't as long as the first. My second was cut shorter by 16 hours from the first. So knowing that can be good insentive to stay a bit more focused. But also you made it through one birth and have the knowledge that you will make it through the rough parts of the second. I always liked the fact that it doesn't last forever and the end result is far better than the pain.
Good luck!
Donna

[BinahYeteirah]

bs"d

Hi! I am sure you've probably heard this before, but I always though it was a comforting piece of wisdom, so here I go. Whenever a laboring woman gets to a point where she feels she can't do it anymore, that she's going to split open, or the like, it is often a sign that the birth is very near. So if you find yourself overwhelmed, you can take comfort in the fact that it's almost over, and you will soon meet your baby.

[anamama]

HA! We could be living parallel lives! I, too, have a 2.5 year old ds who rules the roost. I tend to lurk, too. And I had a 36 hour labor with ds! Too funny!
I just keep reminding myself, too, that second labors are often much shorter than the first. I have read Ina May's Guide to Childbirth, and the Birth Book, and am thoroughly convinced that relaxation during labor is key.