[lacycakes]

Well, just to explain the subject, I'm nervous about having my second baby. I had an epidural with the first one and now live on a tiny island where that is not an option. I've read a lot on here about all the women who just listen to their bodies and have wonderful experiences and I guess I just need advice on how to do this. I have a bradley book and think that I can use the whole relaxation thing but when i'm in pain or uncomfortable i'm totally hands off so i think the whole coaching aspect is out of the question. Any good advice for an anxious mom?

 

[ecstaticmama]

There's lots of different ways to tune into your body. What works for me the most is paying attention to my breathing. When you're paying very close attention to your breath going in and out then your awareness naturally is directed towards your body. Another thing that might be good to try if you're experiencing pain during labor is hypnotherapy or hypnobirthing, I guess is what they're calling it. I wish you well

 

[Kidzaplenty]

The best, but hardest, thing to do is to relax. Getting tensed up and worried or scared will make the pain worse. Trying to breathe and relax during labor will allow your body to work the way it is designed to work.

 

[frontierpsych]

i'm teaching myself to relax completely at will, and not to assume that pain will come hand in hand with childbirth. Those are two of our greatest obstacles.

 

[lacycakes]

Thanks, I think a little relaxation is what I need, but I will definatley try to keep breathing! Thanks for your replies!

 

[Kidzaplenty]

Breathing is very important. For me, when I am in pain, I tend to hold my breath. So it took practice for me know just breathe through the intense parts. But that was the best thing that I learned to do, breathe and relax.

 

[accountclosed3]

you might also like the information in the book The Gentle Birth Method. this doctor/midwife (pro home water birth) has noted that certain dietary choices and lifestyle choices, positive affirmations and the like, help the body prepare for a gentle birth. She believes that birth can be pain free. (I believe it too!)

I also recommend hypnobabies or related.

 

[LavenderMae]

Relaxing and NOT fighting the contractrions is what helped me the best. I am very hands off person in labor so no rubbing or anything for me.
I'm a pretty tense person but I do great letting go while in labor.

 

[Kellym]

For me, I really learned how to focus all my energy and attention into the pain. It's not an easy thing to try to explain or teach, but I remember taking lamaze with my first pregnancy and they would have our DH/SO pinch us as hard as they could and then teach us to focus all our attention outward on something until that pinching didn't really hurt. I took that same principle but instead of focussing out on something, I focused on the pain. It really helped me more than anything. I use this now for any pain I might have. I had a HORRID toothache a few weeks back and laid down and just focused as much attention and energy into that spot. I am still amazed at how well it works.