So many posts have said wonderful things!
Here's what I would second-
Hire a doula! They can keep their head when others can't and help partners/onlookers be more effective (my dh is a HUGE supporter of doulas during birth- they take the pressure off of him to think
- he can just support me)
Think purposeful pain- this pain is going to end eventually and you will have a beautiful baby- it's not chronic even though it sometimes feels that way
Relax- you can get through the pain better if you don't fight it
I liked the book- Mind over Labor also
Remember that at some point you will probably consider drugs. This is natural. Let the compulsion pass at least once or twice before you seriously ask for it. The first couple of times might just mean that you are in the transistion(?) phase. The pain seems unbearable and many women despair, but if you can get past that part, you will be on the short side of the hill to getting your baby!
Think of us other supportive women out there who are doing/ have done/ will do what you're doing. It may be a little too wierd sounding but you're in a wierd place sometimes in labor- but draw on the strength of the women who have done this before you. Try to imagine them/us standing around you and supporting you through each conctraction. It's a powerful, spiritual time to be a woman! You are united together with women everywhere and from every time
Here's what I would second-
Hire a doula! They can keep their head when others can't and help partners/onlookers be more effective (my dh is a HUGE supporter of doulas during birth- they take the pressure off of him to think
- he can just support me)Think purposeful pain- this pain is going to end eventually and you will have a beautiful baby- it's not chronic even though it sometimes feels that way
Relax- you can get through the pain better if you don't fight it
I liked the book- Mind over Labor also
Remember that at some point you will probably consider drugs. This is natural. Let the compulsion pass at least once or twice before you seriously ask for it. The first couple of times might just mean that you are in the transistion(?) phase. The pain seems unbearable and many women despair, but if you can get past that part, you will be on the short side of the hill to getting your baby!
Think of us other supportive women out there who are doing/ have done/ will do what you're doing. It may be a little too wierd sounding but you're in a wierd place sometimes in labor- but draw on the strength of the women who have done this before you. Try to imagine them/us standing around you and supporting you through each conctraction. It's a powerful, spiritual time to be a woman! You are united together with women everywhere and from every time
