Last birth experience 10 years ago. Doing it all again.

[nellythebelly]

Last time I gave birth I was early 20's. Terrified. Alone. Had an epidural. All went well. Didn't feel a thing. Lovely DD.

Now pregnant again and I feel like a first time mother. I'm scared, have no idea what to expect and I feel like everyone expects me to know what I'm doing!

I'd like a more relaxed birth this time, ideally in a birth centre so I can get home quickly as possible.

Bottom line. I'm scared of transition and I'm scared of crowning. What were those like for you and how did you cope?

I had my second in a birth centre after my first in a hospital and it was a much more relaxing experience. Spending most of my labour in a birthing pool helped as did getting out and using G & A during transition and while pushing. Transition was still not very pleasant nor was crowning but it was much more relaxed and manageable with just my MW and DH compared to the first birth where there seemed to be a whole time bustling around. I found having the MW hold up a mirror while crowning helped me to focus and take my mind off the pain as I was able to concentrate on seeing my DD's head and how much more I needed to push out. My birth centre had quiet private rooms for ladies who gave birth there and I actually chose to stay for three days as it was so relaxing compared to the busy noisy hospital ward I had first time round where I couldn't wait to get home. Hope everything goes well and usually, and certainly in my case, second births are much easier.