Thread: Birth Prep....

Ok, so I didn't have a *real* birth last time...a scheduled c-section due to a breech baby. Well, now I'm scared about labour and stuff. I need to do some research/planning. Any suggestions of what to do to prepare myself?

I find myself scared about labour every time, even though I have had 3 vaginal births! Every time is different and new.

I have never taken a birth class or really read too much literature - maybe some other ladies will have good recommendations!

I took a Bradley class for my first and used that info for my second..both were vaginal/unmedicated. I was thinking of looking into the hypobabies this time....not that the first two times didn't work, but I've heard good things about the hypobabies.

I did a meditation for an easy birth - and I have one to do this time too. And then I stopped listening to all the people who said bad things about labor and delivery! Honestly, your body knows what to do. I would say go find some beautiful birth stories and just keep filling your head and heart with wonderful easy delivery thoughts and feelings.

As much as I hated elements of dd's birth I loved it overall. I am excited to do it again. Weird I know. I just felt so accomplished after and while pushing

I did take a birthing class and of course read books and magazines. But really nothing can prepare you for the birthing process. This being my third, I am still scared! Focusing on the positive stories are good, but I also think being aware of the negative is a smart thing too. I think if you let yourself think your birth is going to go the way you want, you could be majorly let down if it doesn't.

Originally Posted by Momma Leah

I think if you let yourself think your birth is going to go the way you want, you could be majorly let down if it doesn't.

I think that's SO true. I was going into K's birth with an open mind...hoping for less intervention but knowing it could happen. Then she was breech and I had a c-section. The MOST intervention! LOL. So funny. I'm hoping for the least amount of intervention this time too, but who knows.

One of the first questions I asked my midwife was about a breech baby. She told me they were trained to deliver them vaginally, but don't. But that they had the resources to set me up with an OB who would deliver one vaginally if I wanted. I doubt you'd have that option with a VBAC. But I definitely think you need to go into your birth knowing what you want, that way you are less likely to require and succumb to intervention you might not want.

I remember my doc last time around talking to me about epis during an appointment. And I told her I'm not getting one. She said, well lots of women say that and then change their minds, so we should discuss it. I said, I don't think you understand - I'm NOT getting one. There was no discussion, because I needed her to know that it wasn't an option for my birth. Same thing for inductions. It was not even to be a topic of conversation until 42 weeks - and even then it was to be every natural kind possible. I know there are some extreme cases, and I'm not negating the fact that there are many cases that require intervention. And I'm surely open to whatever will be the healthiest delivery. But you do need to know what YOU want out of your delivery. Especially with a VBAC. What are your limits for pain, for induction, for switching to a c/s etc.

Also, my mom asked me this time around if I was nervous for labor/delivery - and I told her honestly no - I'm more worried about having to pee after giving birth!

The issue with the breech delivery is while they do them here...my DD's head was measuring big and as she was my first they had no idea she'd even fit head first...so it was too risky.

I always read a lot of birth stories. That way I know about all kinds of experiences and options. I went into my births will a fairly open mind and a mindset of. "I'll try anything to avoid a c-section" (being sliced open like that is such a big fear for me, I think I'd have to be knocked out completely).

Overall, I didn't mind my births. Given my miserable pregnancies, t
Birth was a relief to me.