How confident did you feel before going into labour?

[phoenixrose314]

There's been a lot of recent anecdotal evidence and studies to suggest that women who feel mentally prepared for labour and childbirth had easier, more straightforward births with minimal intervention. Those who have a lot of fear and trepidation about the birthing experience apparently take longer to fully dilate and are more likely to wind up having complications.

I was just wondering if this is all total rubbish, or whether this matches up with your experiences of childbirth, particularly with your first? Would be interested to hear your thoughts... (Can you tell I'm nearing my due date?? )

I felt really prepared and confident. Then BAM first contraction! Was in full blown labour contracting every 3-4 minutes within an hour, no build up at all. Laboured for 21 hours, pushed for almost 3 before DD came with ventouse suction. Horrid barbaric experience at the end

I was feeling pretty damn confident yesterday, but today now I'm actually in the early stages of labour I'm not so sure. Ladies who have put themselves through this multiple times I am in awe.