Baby #2 Coming and Fearing Labor.

[TristynsMommy23]

I'm sure it sounds strange but even though I've been through labor and delievery before, I am once again fearing the pain of doing it again. With my first son I was induced with pitocin due to having pre-eclampsia. I did not get an epidural and of course it was painful, but luckily it was fast. Now that I am ready to do it all over again in a couple months I'm freaking out about going through the pain. I do not want an epidural due to having a very sensitive back and the last time the guy couldn't even do it because he claimed the spot where my epidural was supposed to go was too soft. Anyway, I just don't want it and I was wondering if anyone could give me some tips on how to get through labor and delievery naturally. Anything, any tips or techniques would be great. My husband probably won't be here during this time due to returning to Iraq (he is military) so that is another reason I am freaking out. Any help would be great, thanks so much!!

[hetaera]

you seem like a perfect candidate for Operation special delivery!!!!

http://www.operationspecialdelivery.com/index.htm

I have no advice otherwise, I hope you get some help.

[AKmoose]

Hire a doula!! The support one can provide sounds ideal for you. Best wishes to you and your family...you can do it mama!

[ckberkey]

Read Birthing from Within by Pam England. Wonderfully empowering.

[hapersmion]

Since no one's said it yet: Remember that Pitocin makes labor horribly, unnaturally painful. If you managed to get through that first labor without pain meds, in all probability a labor without Pit will be much easier. I haven't had Pit, but everyone says there's just no comparison with a natural labor.

If you can manage it, the best thing you can do for a natural labor is to just stay home. There you won't have to be on guard against all the interventions, you can devote all your energy to having the baby. Water is supposed to help a lot too - shower or birthing tub.

It would be really rough for me not to have my husband there. Making sure you have good support is a good idea. A trusted friend, family member, or doula who is on the same page with you about natural birth can work wonders. Especially if you're in the hospital - there you'll need an advocate to make sure your wishes are respected.

You can do this again - you've had practice.

hapersmion

[TristynsMommy23]

Thank you so much for the info and support ladies. I greatly appreciate it and thanks for that link to the doula's I'm definitly going to check into that.

[SublimeBirthGirl]

Second the info on Pit. An induced labor is NOT natural. I was more scared with my 2nd than my 1st, I think, early on. I was having a UC so I was careful to really face and deal with all my fears, but I just remembered the intensity of it, which you can't anticipate before you've ever had a baby, and dreading it. My 2nd labor was just as intense, but somehow easier. Get a doula, and do your best to really think about what you're afraid of and why, what you can do about it if anything, and try to let go of the things you can't control. It'll make a big difference!

[TristynsMommy23]

Yeah I know being induced isn't natural I just mean't I did the first without drugs. I know things will work out and hopefully this time I won't get pre-eclampsia and maybe this time I can actually have a natural birth, but I guess I'd rather be induced than risk my health or my babies if that happens, but hopefully it won't. I think right now my fears are steming from the fact that we were hoping my hubby would be here and now we know (that unless there is a miracle) he won't be. Even though he wasn't here for the first I think it is mainly because this time we thought he would be, and I guess I got my hopes up. But I know everything will be alright. Thanks so much for all your help.

[mizznicole]

Just curious on the pre-eclampsia - do you think it was related to your protein intake? Has anyone explored that possibility with you?