Need Some Encouragement

Everything is going to be fine :)

Everything is going to be fine. I was nervous too before I gave birth last month. I had a c-section with a spinal block and everything worked out fine. Try not to worry too much about the whole labor thing. Just enjoy being pregnant, feeling that little life inside you. There’s nothing more wonderful than being pregnant and then becoming a mom.
So trust me..you can do it.

I was TERRIFIED before I had my son (a year sgo) and going to childbirth classes just made me more scared! We quit going! But it really was not that bad. I had an epidural (which I was also terrified of - but was really no big deal!) and that made it much more bearable. I hate having my blood drawn - I have almost passed out several times - but I made it through childbirth and really didn't think it was that bad!

Just keep in mind that everyone at the hospital is there to help you - and that you will get through it. I just told them I was scared and everyone was really nice and encouraging. And remember this is ONE day of your life - and you will be rewarded with a beautiful baby that will amaze you!!! You can do this! Good luck!!!

You can do it...get the epidural...I couldn't have one and I wish I could have. I had my two children naturally 11 months apart. You can do it! God is by your side.

Nothing anyone can say right now is going to ease your anxiety, it's the fear of the U. - but trust me, it is going to be the BEST experience of your life. Do you think people would go through it 2,3 and sometimes even more if it were all that bad. It sure makes things easier it you have a good partner there with you too, hopefully you've gone through lamaze(sp?) and your husband is up to the task. Try not to worry and get as much rest now as you can. Take offers to help out now and after the baby comes, the newness will wear off for everyone else and you'll be carrying the load soon enough all by yourself so graciously accept help now.

L.,
Every womans experience with birth is different. I remember my bestfriend (God bless her she was only trying to prepare me) kept tell me that once my water broke i was going to be in more pain then I had ever experienced. Granted with the first child I already had an epideral, but with my second child I didnt have the epi by the time my water was broke...and honestly it really wasnt bad. Personally, I feel the first birth is the worst just because you have NO IDEA what to expect. My suggestion, EXPECT THE WORST, that way when it is all over and done, you will realise you worried for nothing. Good luck to you, and i will keep you in my thoughts an prayers.

Hey Supermom!!
You are going to do so well. It's soooo natural and normal to be scared. I was really scared too.. but it was fine. You will be in the hands of professionals who know how to handle any situation. Let them help you-- and by all means, tell them you're scared or anxious or worried. I think it will help them assess your needs better.
Please let us hear from you.
BR

Everything will be fine; and I would recommend an epidural if you are concerned with pain. Both of my labor and deliveries were great. I had very little pain because of the epidural. The contractions feel like the cramps that you get when you are having your period. They are just much more intense; however, the minute you have the epidural the pain goes away. I was nervous with both of my kids because you just can't predict what will happen; however, everything turned out great. My husband always reminded me that that each day there are many women that go through this and I am not the first. I don't think that every really helped though! Just try and have good thoughts. Know that the epidural is there if you want it and that the minute you see your little one a feeling of love will overcome you to the point of crying. I cried the minute I saw both of my babies. My first delivery I cried like a baby after seeing my daughter for the first time. It is the most incredible moment that you will ever have in your life. It is hard to explain; however, just know that you will be very happy the minute you see your little one. I just loved that moment!!

Look at everyone around you who has more than one child. :) It went so well the first time, they chose to do it again. You'll be just fine. Seriously.

My first baby tried to come early, and then ended up going to 42 weeks when the doc said induce tomorrow or c-section the next. I ended up inducing Wednesday July 15 - getting ready to push - and having a c-section at about 6 o'clock in the morning on Thursday July 16 because the baby's head was so big he wouldn't come down the birth canal. The epidural was the worst part of that, and my baby was still totally worth it. I'm actually on tape saying it. LOL

The second baby was a planned c-section, since my husband and I both had big heads when born and our first child had an even bigger one (16.25) - I had general anesthesia, and it went swimmingly. Again, totally worth it.

S.

*hugs*
S.

I am 37 weeks also and i feel the same as you do! I wish you luck and just want to let you know your not alone alot of us are going through the same things and god will watch over us and our babys

Hello Lori soon to be mom.
Just think doesn't that have a nice ring to it, mommy.. well sweety yes just think you have a living being inside of you, that no man could go under the stress, the kicks and other things we have gone thru so far to this point, and keep in mind no man has the privilge of having a baby.. GOD gave us women that right.
Often men thinks that they can do about a women can,, well let them have a baby, no way... you are soon to be put on the path of many painful times as you raise your little one, but first you got to finsih the task that is been giving to you
and that is to finish having that little one.

Ok, give the little one a pat right now. Yeap right now..
and say to yourself, I'm in it for the long haull, but first I have to finish having you.
Yes there goes alot of responisible to it, but surely you thought of that before you agree to get yourself pg.

You be a fine mom, and look back on this day of how you felt and what you will encourter on the day of your little one birth.
Can you handle this, Of course you can,, no making out of it now...

Oh sweety this is a moment in history you will never forget and one that will be rolled into all kind of emotions..

Sweety you can do it, if you believe in GOD, say a prayer and start now, do one every day and GOD will hear.

I have had 2 kids, and watched 3 gkids being born, right there in the room with my daughter..

Know there are going to be things you tell your husband that you don't mean, so remind your dh that you may call him names, but to keep in mind you love him. LOL

remember that at one time or the other during the time you may say I can't do it, but just think there no way to back out of it now. LOL, so continue on and soon you be holding that precious baby in your arms and you will totally forget about any pain for that baby be well worth it. Plus it just the beginning of heart breaks that you will have as a mother.

Pain started with Adam and Eve back in the garden,and if women didn't have babies how would you be here now to have yoru own baby. One day you be around to be a grandmother watchign your own grandkids being born but none of that can happen unless you have your kids.

Hang in there sweety, and CONGRULATIONS on the upcoming birth of yoru child..
rejoice and know that when this little is put in your hands, that GOD gave you a responsiblity and a priveledge to allow another human being born thru you....

HUGS.. and prayers. and smiles

I had my first son at 18 and was scared to death...i had an epidural and some good drugs..lol and i didnt care about anything..lol ....but i had my daughter when i was 20 and i got to the hospital and i was dialated to far to have an epidural..so i was even more scared than with my first..i didnt think i could do it ...but i had to and it really wasnt that bad... if i ever have another one i would do it natural again...i seemed to recover more quickly...it will be ok...you will do fine!!

Your body was created for giving birth. I had my second child almost a year ago and it was a wonderful experience. Yes it was painful, but thats what they make epidurals for. If you are into natural birth, breathing helps. I was in labor for 6 and a half hours. Just remember your body knows what to do. Also know that each labor is different. You will make it through and the most wonderful thing is you will have a special baby when its all over with. Good luck. I will be praying for you.

Is this your first child? It's perfectly natural to be nervous the closer to due date you get (even if it's not the first child). Just remember, you're in God's hands and He will not lead you to it if He can't bring you through it. Congratulations on your future bundle of joy!

Frances

Hello,
I am Zae, 38 yrs old. I have three boys and had natural child birth with them all. My first birth was when I was 30. Natural childbrith is not for everyone. I do believe that the birthing process is a natural thing. You WILL get through it. My first birth was my best. I had disco music! Movement and rocking back and fourth helped the baby to decend very comfortably. You will feel like you need to have a bowel movement and this may be disconcerting for you. I stood, holding a rail in the bathroom, making a rocking motion back and forth during early labor. I also believe you should listen to your body and do what YOU feel comfortable with NOT the doctor. An upright or sidelaying position for birthing is much more comfortable for the woman (not the doctor!) & you are having the baby and paying them for assistance. I had my now ex husband be between me and the hospital staff if I wanted to do anything other than what they felt comfortable with.

Bring your favorite music for motion during the labor and another for relaxing after.

Bring candles. I do not like harsh lights & asked that they be dimmed in my room.

Anything that comforts you, a special picutre, robe, shower supplies. I wanted to be in my own gown (made me feel more comfortable) and told them I would take responsibility for it - put it in a grocery sack and soaked in in peroxide and it was just like new. I wanted a shower immediately after the birth when my son went to sleep. I insisted that my son not leave my birthing room unless it was absolutely medically necessarry & then my now ex was to follow him.

I had a birthing plan - I can e-mail you a link (fill in the blank to make your own) &/or my personal plan.

I memorized a small prayer to recite when I felt uncomfortable. I talked to the baby and told him that things would be ok and we would get through this together and assuring him assured me.

I reminded myself that the discomfort was for a positive outcome.

I told everyone NOT to ask about labor "PAINS" but to refer to them as the strenght of contractions - contractions are positive, the stronger the more effective and helping the birth. Just reframing from thinking the negative to trying to think of the positive side.

I had side births and only layed down when it was absolutely time. I believe this decreases your labor time and increases your comfort and it is proven to increase the size of the babys's exit. lol

Any questions don't hesitiate to ask.

Hugs. You will get though it.

Like so many of the other moms I was scared to death of the delivery part by the end of my pregnancy. The day I was to be induced I had a ruptured placenta. It just made the labor pains a little harder. Like the other ladies, I highly recommend the epidural. The whole delivery lasted 4 hours for me, start to finish! The hospital staff was wonderful and walked me through the whole process. The thing that helped me the most was the music CD that my husband made for the delivery. It was lullabies and soft soothing music. There was a boom box behind the bed and I just focused on the notes and it helped me to stay calm through the whole process. Congratulations on your soon to be baby!

Hi L. - you'll do great no matter what. Have you taken any childbirth classes? I found them helpful cause I'm an "information is a good thing" type of person. I wanted to go natural, but gave myself permission to go for painkillers if I was getting in my and the baby's way. He was my first, at 39. Labor was 9 hours long, 2 hours pushing - it didn't seem that bad. Tough, but not horrible. You see a lot of screamers on TV - I didn't scream once. It hurt, but was a 7 on a scale of 10, so not rediculous. I had Stadol at 5 and 7 centimeters (a short term pain medication to get me over the hump). NO EPIDURAL - woohoo! I didn't want one :)

My DH and MIL were in the room with me and helped when they could during pushing, etc. Only have the people in the room with you that make you feel good, comfortable, relaxed, taken care of, etc. You don't need stress. Also, don't have too many people visiting you after - you'll just be too freakin' tired! Short visits, a few a day max. Just sleep as much as you can cause it'll be a while before you can sleep a lot again (LOL). Enjoy, and feel free to contact me if you want. Take care!

L.,

God made your body to deliver a baby. Women have been doing this for thousands/millions of years without drugs and you can too (with or without drugs)! I did it without drugs two years ago, and the pain is bearable. You just breathe slowly and deliberately through it all, but just remember that your body was made to effectively deliver your child. Childbirth is amazing and wonderful; the pain is soon forgotten, but the wonder of it all stays with you always! My best to you!

All the posts have been great...so I'll just add my two cents. Something I heard in childbirthing class - no matter how difficult it is, it will be over! It did help me on the first one - I was trying to do it without drugs and I just kept thinking - this hurts, but it will end and I'll have a wonderful little baby!! Best wishes!! You'll do great - it'll probably be the easiest "hard thing" you do as a mom!!

If I can do it, ANYONE can do it. Tip--after you get the epidural, it may be OK for you to nap, but ask the nurses to be sure. I kept fighting falling asleep right after getting the epidural b/c I didn't know it was OK to do so (well, up until it's time to push anyway). And BTW I only had to push for 22 minutes.

Another tip--And I don't know how or why this works, but the best tip I got from one nurse was to have your labor "coach" put his/her finger to your forehead, right between your eyes. I think it gives you something to focus besides the labor (again, before the epidural).

Hi L.,
Giving birth is absolutely the easy part! Now rearing them is quite another story!!! You didn't say what anesthesia you plan to use, but I had one natural and one breach with the help of a little anesthesia. Both were a piece of cake. I'll pray yours will be easy.

Hi L., I know how you're feeling! I gave birth to our 3rd child this past May, so I have been through labor and delivery a few times now! ;o) Let me just say that you CAN handle it, and it is WELL WORTH the pain to hold your precious new baby in your arms! Motherhood is amazing, and you'll be surprised at how quickly the memory of the labor diminishes once that little angel arrives.

I chose to give birth to our last 2 children naturally with no pain relievers whatsoever. The births were short ( 4 hrs or less), so I was blessed! I am not a super-woman and do not have an especially high pain tolerance... I simply chose to go natural for health reasons.

For me, the worrying about labor and wondering when it was going to finally start was worse than the actual labor! ;o) Once you do go into labor, try to focus on something other than the fact that you're uncomfortable. It also helps to have someone (your husband, mom, a labor nurse, etc) to massage your back, rub your shoulders, or whatever else helps divert your mind and ease the pain a little. You CAN do this! Remember, the pain isn't in for nothing. Just when you think you can't handle a moment more, your little one will be looking you in the eyes and your heart will be gone forever!

Congratulations, mama!

How exciting this time is for you. The fear of the unknown can make you full of anxiety. Breathe deeply and relax, your going to have a beautiful baby. There is no more precious gift. Enjoy the closeness these last few weeks, they will never be closer. By now you should have an idea of where you are birthing. Hopefully it is in a place where you are free to birth in your own way, without pressure. I am sure you have heard all the suggestions but only you can decide what's best for you and your child. I am a huge wimp myself when it comes to drs and needles. I had a birth without drugs twice, over 9 lbs babies, such a tiny tear-no stiches. I was terrified of the epidural, I have heard many scary stories, from horrible tearing to back pain for months afterward and even the "not taking" of pain relief you expect. I used deep breathing and relaxation. I used warm showers and baths. And massage! My whole family was right in the next room, even great grandparents. My immediate family were all in the room, husband, mom, mother in law and on my second birth, my 11 year old son. The midwife and birthing assistants said it was the most amazing, wonderful birth. We all toasted champagne afterward and I felt so much love and support. I also got to go home 3 hours after I had him. Your body has amazing drugs inside itself and they kick in and help you thru, birthing is a entrance to motherhood, and many sacrifices begin there for the sake of your body and you baby.
Think to yourself, "you can do this and you are powerful!"
A suggestions, get a notebook and journal about your experiences. When you child is grown you can give it to them and the can relate to your experience and even though you think you will remember everything, you won't.

Hi there L.,

Just sit back, kick your feet up and try to relax...BREATHE!!! I have given birth to two beautiful girls and there is really nothing in the world that will ever compare. I felt absolutely no pain during labor or delivery. The best thing you can do for you and your baby is to trust that your body knows what to do. Our bodies are made for carrying and birthing children and if you can let it, nature will take care of everything for you. Just take long, deep breaths along with your contractions and release your fear. You will feel pressure and tightness in your uterus, but not pain. The things you feel will be intense, but not painful. Let yourself feel empowered by this miraculous thing your body can and will be able to do.

Best of luck to you and I hope you have a wonderful labor and delivery.

~A. H

Hi Lori
Congratulations to you and your family. This is such a wonderful thing and soon you will be telling your story to other young women about to give birth.
I love to share my story about my wonderful boys. I have 2 of them and even though they have a lot of similarities they are very different too.
When I had my first boy, who is now 19, I was terrified. My doctor was the old small town doc and had delivered several of my nieces and nephews and cousins. So he thought he knew my family well. My sisters and cousins had all had hours and hours of labor but mine was very easy and short.
My husband was the only one who knew how really scared I was
so he began to pray for me and with me. God knows that I am a wimp. lol When the big day came my water had broke at home at 4:30am. My wonderful husband called the hospital they told him to bring me in right away. So we made our 30 minute trip to the hospital.
We got there and the nurse began to ask me questions. She asked me if I felt any pressure or if I felt like I had to push. I said maybe, yes. She grabbed me and said lets go lay you down. I laid down, she looked, she ran and next thing I know we have 2 more nurses in there and we are on our way to the delivery room. My auntie who was a nurse at that time was in the room with me telling me to look at her or my husband. She kept talking to me I told her that my back hurt. It felt like a nagging backache. The doctor walked in and said ok you can push. I pushed once or twice and he caught my 7lb 2oz baby boy. The doctor was not ready for him to come out that fast, but he did catch him and things were great for all. The time was 7:31am.
My doctor laughed and said, finally one of you girls who was made to have babies. lol He told me that I could of had my boy on my own. So I almost did with my second one.
The doctor was not even there. He was off at a party when the nurses called him and said that they were taking me to the delivery room. On the way to the room they kept saying don't push so I didn't. They got me on the table and I said ok I am pushing. The nurse slipped her arms threw the gown and as her hands got out the holes she caught my other boy.
The doctor walked in and said ok lets push. I told him he was too late we had a beautiful baby boy and he wasn't going to get his cut of the pay cause he wasn't there. lol
My advice to you is take the stories that you want to hear and listen but the rest let go in one ear and out the other we are all made differently.
Remember that it is the end results that count. Holding that precious little one that lays there in your arms sleeping or looking back at you. Those precious little eyes trying to focus so they can see their mommy. There is no feeling in the world then the feeling you have holding that little one.
You will experience a lot of first now and you will look at a lot of them with great pride and some of them..... well you will see.
I will be praying that God will give you inner peace as you go into your great journey.
((HUGS)) TO YOU
D.

I remember how nervous I was...It will be fine. I was more worried about knowing when my water was going to break. Luckily for me I was at home :) I was concerned because of the color but the nurse at the hospital calmed me down. I remember my water broke at 1:15 am and my husband was just about to get in bed. Bless his heart he had been up for 24 hours already. I was strangely calm and he was a wreck. When we got to the hospital they took my blood and we were waiting on the tests to come back so they could do the epidural but we never made it that far. I was only in labor for a little over 2 hours. I didnt get the epidural but I also didnt feel most of my contractions. I only pushed 3 times and it was over. To be honest I had shots that hurt worse than labor. Good Luck and It will be fine. Just enjoy the moment because you wont believe how amazing this whole experience is :)

L.,
I am also 37 weeks today. I have had all my babies naturally without any drugs. You can do so also if that is your desire. I am anxious also because each labor is different. Remember the pain you have in labor is purposeful to deliver you baby. Woman have amazing strength when it comes to labor and you will also. I pray that everything will go well.

L.,
I know how you feel! Before I gave birth to my FIRST son (at the age of 19), I too was so very nervous. On the way to the hospital I actually announced to my husband that I had "changed my mind & couldn't go through with it"! LOL!!! Well I was obviously not in my right mind! I was scared out of my mind actually! But... there was no turning back. Labor carried on & my son came into the world at 10lbs 12oz!! That is not a typo, he was 10lbs & 12oz!! I did have an epadural (sp?) though which from that point on made it a piece of cake. Well sort of. If you knew me, you would know that 1) I pass out if I see blood! 2) I pass out almost every single time I get a shot or blood taken. Amazingly though I did NOT pass out when I got the epadural or at any point during the labor or delivery. What I am really trying to say is that if I can "handle" it, ANY WOMAN can. Any pain that you will experience will be forgotten the moment they hand you your little bundle of joy! I am now 36 years old & now have 3 boys & 1 girl (all teenagers). LABOR & DELIVERY IS NOTHING COMPARED TO RAISING TEENAGERS! That's what you should really be scared of! LOL!! Just keep in mind that if it were really THAT BAD, no one would have more than one baby! Best of wishes to you & your family & Congratulation!!

If you can get to the book store, there's a book called Pregnancy and Childbirth. It will give you a month by month description of what is going on and what to expect. It will even go through the actual delivery. It was a godsend to me when I was pregnant 31 years ago. Of course the book has been updated and revised but it will get you through many a tight spot and question. Good luck to you and enjoy your baby. The other S.

Just remember that this is what our bodies were made to do! It can be scary and no doubt, you will be anxious - just let your body do its job and go with the flow. The more relaxed you can make yourself, the better. Take it easy the next few weeks and get some rest, you will need it!

Best wishes! You CAN do it! :)

YOU CAN DO IT!
You will be in the hands of great professionals who know what to do. I had to have a C-Section and I was so scared! Turns out the Epi was easier than I expected and the surgery was a snap! My DH held my hand and kissed my forehead. The next day I was surprised to find it really didn't hurt to get up! (drug still going on!) Don't be afraid to ask for pain meds afterwards! Don't let anyone make you feel like you have to be super strong and resist meds. I never had any pain or problems and am looking forward to my next even tho it will have to be a C.
Good luck! I am sending you happy prayers and positive blessings!

You absolutely can and will handle it!! The most important thing is that you trust yourself and your doctor. I too like information, I want to know what every case may bring so that I am prepared. I never had to have a c-section, but I learned about what reasons it might be necessary, and how to handle it, so that I was prepared. Not to scare myself, or to prepare for every wrong possibility, but for me the thing that scared me the most was having a c-section. I opted for an epidural, but mine did not always work, so I wish I had learned more about pain management...I thought epidural meant no lamaze breathing you know!! So, arm yourself with as much knowledge as you can, stand up for yourself when you need to, and have people there with you who understand you and can do what you need. My husband struggled with seeing me in so much pain, so I wish I had another person with me to help take the pressure off of him. He actually cried, which really broke my heart! I should have had my mom, so that my hubby could have at least taken a step back for minute. But, like everyone says, we were born to do this, and I have done it 4 times, so clearly the reward is so much greater than the sacrifice. BE SURE to take it easy for a good week or two, no matter how you deliver. You may be on a high after the baby is born, so you will try to do too much...but your body is not on the same high, and cant do it all!! Do let us know how it goes!! Good luck and take care ~A.~

Bless your heart, I think I was terrified with the first one but one way to look at it is that it doesn't matter whether you are scared or not, it is happening and the best thing you can do is try to make sure it is as good as you can make it.

I wound up being induced with the first one and having a c-section after 14 hours. It was not the most pleasant experience but by the time the decision was made to do the c-section, I wanted the baby out and didn't really care how that happened. Get the epidural. Natural child birth is still natural with the epidural and it can make a huge amount of difference, what is most important is having energy after the baby is born and a protracted labor without medication leaves you totally wiped out even more than you would be with the epidural.

Now, I didn't mention my first experience to alarm you and if this has just freaked you out, I apologize but my point is that I had three children, had three c-sections, and if the first birth had been uber awful, I think I would have had a smaller family, lol.

My other advice is to be your own advocate or make sure you have someone that is not intimidated by hospitals. I had a friend who was a nurse, and instead of doing what I asked, she would tell me well that is the way they do it, not. The pitocin i.v. for example, made my arm feel terribly cold, which sometimes happens and I said they need to slow down the drip. Well, that wasn't an option but the nurses can bring you heated blankets that solve the problem. If you are uncomfortable, tell people and they will do the best they can to help take care of the problem. They know how hard you are working and in most hospitals, everyone is really nice and helpful and encouraging so don't feel like you are alone even if you don't have family surrounding you.

My second and third child they scheduled c-sections so I never really went through much labor except with the first and induced labor is different than natural labor because instead of progressively building the contractions, you go from not much to pretty much full-blown labor. With my youngest, I did go into labor but with none of the kids did I ever dialate beyond 3 cm, funny, to have three kids and still feel like you have never "had" a baby because none were delivered vaginally.

Oh, and post delivery, get a recliner if you do not have one. I don't know about other folks, but the worst thing for me after I got home was getting up in the middle of the night and forgetting to roll sideways to get up. After pulling those stomach muscles, it was terrible. With the second baby, I slept in the recliner for a couple of weeks and it was really helpful in terms of my incision pain. If you have a c-section take the pain meds. Some people are worried that they will hurt the baby and they do not go through the breast milk and you are better off taking the medicine and being able to do what you need for the baby instead of having the same activities wipe you out because you are in so much pain.

Also, before you go to the hospital give yourself a wonderful long pampering bath. Make sure you take a robe and do as much walking around the halls as you can, helps you get back on your feet and take better care of the baby. I would also recommend allowing the baby some time in the nursery so you can just rest because when you get home, the extra hands at the hospital aren't there.

Also, I usually had no help and wound up doing laundry and things when I really shouldn't have done them so when you get close to delivery, make sure all that kind of stuff is done so you really don't have to do anything but take care of baby and wash a load of baby clothes when necessary. If you don't have one, get a parenting magazine subscription because they have numerous helpful tips for every age child you could be dealing with. Baby wipes are your friend, keep them in more than one room of the house and your vehicle and also cloth diapers are great to function from burp rags to just plain rags to clean up whatever is coming out of baby.

Bless you heart!!!! I have had three children and each labor/delivery was different. It is totally normal to be nervous. The best thing you can do is talk to your doctor and ask how different situations would be handledby him/her and the other docotors who may deliver you. Also you just need to go in there with a really flexible attitude. You really don't know how it will be, BUT at the end you get this wonderful gift! Someone will tell you none of it hurts, another person will tell you awful stories, everyone is different.
Epidurals are your friend, ask for it earlier rather than later because there is a list they place everyone on and you don't want to be waiting when you need it. :)

{{{hugs}}} and Congratulations!!!
L.

Is this your first baby?? It will all be OK. Just know that there will be some pain involved but after your baby is born and you see him or her, everything that happened before that will be irrelevant. Just focus on the end result. Know that so many women do this every day and you will too. Best of luck. The unexpected it very scarry, but you will be fine.

YOU CAN DO IT!!! I was uncomfortable for about an hour and then I got my epidural. The rest of the labor was fantastic. I slept all night and was well rested and able to push with all my energy. I was up walking around about an hour after my daughter was born. Never any problems or true pain. Just a little minor discomfort.

Congrats L.. I'm a realist....get the epidural ASAP! The more relaxed you are during labor the more you'll stay calm and be alert to what's going on around you. Just be ready for anything. With my first child everyone said that I would be in labor for at least 12 hours. NOT! I got to the hospital at 10 pm and he came into this world at 2:07 am. I barely got my epidural with him, so when I delivered my daughter, I walked into the hospital asking for one. Good luck, and enjoy your last weeks of having your baby all to yourself!

Stay encouraged, please. Labor is no joke. There will be pain unless you are put to sleep or have an epidural. But I will tell you after having two children, it is the best pain in the world, if you know what I mean. And it is not something that lingers you will forget all about it when it is over. But it will be ok, just have someone there for support. It will be great, and you will be fine. May God bless and keep you.

of course everything will be great! all the drs and nurses that you will have at your disposal, support from family and loved ones in the room with you. You are stronger than you know and this will prove it to you. your body knows what it is doing and women have been having babies since the beginning of time. take a breather, babies don't like stresses mommies.
It will be great!

Dear L.:

You may noot like my reply, but I hope it is helpful. Your nervousness is okay. It serves a perpose. It is encouraging you to think things through and prepare. As others see your nervousness, it prepares them to be on alert and take care of you. These things are important. You may need others to be your advocate. With proper care, everything will be all right. You will have your needs met.

If you go into everything too relaxed, it may not go as well. Doctors and nurses can get busy. They may want to do things that make it easier for them. You may be so focused on your labor and delivery that it is difficult to convey your wants or needs.

I was terrified to deliver my second child, but because I had expressed it, people prayed for me and my husband was attentive. It was really a great experience.

Good Luck!

Jen :)

I'm expecting #2 in about a month and my first is only 15 months old! Not only am I not scared or worried about delivery, but I am so excited about it. I made it to 8 cm before I got the epidural, and even then, it was due to a back injury, not contractions! If you don't want the epidural, don't let people make you feel like you can't do it without! I'm going to try for an epidural free delivery this time again, but if my back acts up again, then I won't have a choice. If you want the epidural, go for it, but doctors often don't tell you that your recovery time is much longer after the epidural, so keep that in mind.

On the flip side, if you want an epidural, don't feel bad about that either. Just don't let people pressure you either way. Get informed about both options and then make the decision that is right for you.

If you have any specific questions, feel free to email me!

Keep thinking about the baby. Once it is in your arms, it will be over.

God will only allow what we can handle. You will do just fine.

Blessings,

P. <><

no matter what, when you see that beautiful little person for the first time, any pain that he/she may have caused will diapear, you will fall in love and cry with happiness. I was told this story before my first, and it stayed with me, yes there is pain involved, don't kid yourself, but the end result erases it all. Consentrate on the prize, and the rest will fall into place.

You are going to do great, women have done this every day for centuries. I have had four children, all of them natural..per say. I had my first all natural, with no drugs, and that's all it took for me, had no desire to do all natural again, but got to experience it once, and that's enough. After my first I had epidurals, and God bless whoever invented the epidural. Either way you choose, to use drugs, or do it natural I suggest taking your favorite thing from home, a picture, a object of some kind, something that you love, to put in the labor room as a focal point. When the labor becomes intense you do your breathing calmly and focus on only that during the contraction, believe me it helps.
Don't be afraid to have your coach crawl up in bed behind you for support during heavy labor, they are so much better than any pillow, this is the perfect time for back rubs while they are back there. Your nurse won't mind. Ask your doctor who is back up is, if he's not on call and you go into labor during the night or the weekend, you may have the oncall doctor deliver, so find out who that is, and find out about that doctor.

During my labors I had only two people in the room with me. I had my husband, and my SIL, I needed him for support, and I needed her to be my advocate. My husband is wonderful for support, but he's the kind of person that says "do what the nurses tell you to do" and my SIL is the kind of person that says "UM she is cold she needs another blanket, or she wants to get up and walk and you have the moniters hooked to her, so let her walk" It's a good thing to have an advocate in there with you. You will have moniters around your belly, but walking during labor, or standing rocking is very helpful and comfortable, so don't let the nurses MAKE you stay in bed, because you don't have to. You can however compromise and walk for a while, and be monitered for a while.

Something else I would suggest if you happen to have to have a apezotomy (spl?) or you tear, is (I think it's called) lidocaine. My doctor prescribed it to me, and the hospital will give you tucks pads but they aren't as great as some people will have you think, but this stuff numbs "that area" so much that it helps A LOT! You might want to ask your Dr. what the correct pronouncation of it is. This sounds tacky and very unlady like, although if you are married or have a significant other you can start now by having him to help "gently stretch the area a little" by running fingers around "the area" gently. My doctor suggested that my hubby and I do that with my last, and I didn't tear at all, and he was my biggest at 9lbs 6oz, when I tore with the other three 7 pounders. Don't worry it goes back to normal after birth. This is something a doula or midwife will suggest also to help in the birthing process, so I'm not just being gross.

Pray before your birth that all goes well, and I assure you that it will help. I did with all four of mine, and not only did it make me feel better, but I truly believe God has his hands in every new life before they're ever here, and he will help while they're comin and after they're already here. Course I pray everyday, but I'm not the Jesus Freak that's going to push God on you, I just wanted to share my experience, and hope something that I put in this post helps you a little.

Good luck, God Bless, and don't worry, you'll do great!

A.

You are going to do great! I found it helpful to read books like "What to expect when you are expecting" and take the prenatal classes at the hospital. Knowledge on what's going to happen really helped.

Overall, I have to say it is my faith that kept me at peace during pregnancy and delivery. I gave all my fears to God (daily, as they came up!) and had faith that he would take care of everything (and he did). He can do the same for you.

Hi L., I am 31 weeks pregnant with our second child. Like most moms to be, I am a little nervous about the delivery, but I feel much more confident this time around. Ohh I know how you feel. I was PETRIFIED about giving birth during my first pregnancy. Although I thoroughly enjoyed my pregnancy, I did spend a lot of that time counting down and worrying about labor and delivery. I felt like a kid on a roller coaster...I was excited about the ride and going to the top of the hill was fun...now I have to go down the hill??..I WANT OFF!!I was even more concerned when they told me to expect a 9 lbs baby (He was 8 11.5)! When the big moment came...I was so relieved to find out it was nowhere nearly as bad or scary as I thought it would be! As my doctor (and several other posters) later reminded me...it's what our bodies are meant to do. It was hard work, but worth every second!! Keep your mind on the goal. As soon as you hold your baby, you won't give the hard work a second thought! I would agree with the other posters, arm yourself with knowledge and try not to stress. Good luck and Congratulations.

I had an emergency c-section and let me tell you know matter what you will have the courage to go through it.i told my doctor he could have opened me up with a kitchen knife and I wouldnt have cared I just want my baby out and healthy.It will be ok even if things dont go well you wont care when you see you baby for the first time.That will be the most exciting moment of you life.Im not going to sit here and tell you that you will have a painless labor and everything will be perfect cause chances are that is not true.But I can promise no matter what happens it will be worth it.As women we are strong enough for this we were made for it you can do it!!I know that this is awful but it helped me more than anything else.i used to always think about all the little fourteen year old girls out there with babies and I would think to my self if they can do it so can I>Good luck be strong it is normal to be nervous you dont know what to expect but expect to hold your little angel in your arms and weep with happiness cause that will happen.congrats!!

First congrats!

It's natural to be scared. I am a super ninny when it comes to pain and needles and I managed to have 4 kids, so you can do it.

I mean, it is not pain free, but an epidural is your best friend. Some labors are short and some are long, but the nurses will take good care fo you. My labor nurse have always been great.

Just try your best to relax and sleep while you can, cause once the baby comes sleep will be few and far between. Enjoy your last couple weeks by doing something special for yourself. Spoil yourself a bit, you deserve it.

Good luck!!

It will all be fine. I was so nervous before I went into labor to, I would just break down and cry and tell my husband I was scared to death. I did not go into labor on my own, but I was induced. It was the easiest thing I have ever done. Getting my wisdom teeth taken out was worse than labor and delivery. I was induced at 6:30 in the morning I never once felt any of my contractions and I see my self as a pansy when it comes to pain. I got my epidural at a 6 and still did not even want it then because my pain was not bad, but I took it because the last thing I wanted was for it to get to be too much. The delivery part I only pushed for 30 mins. Every story is different and I hope your's turns out as great as mine. I wish you the best of luck and don't worry too much it is better than you think.