Reassurance for everone worried about childbirth

[Inchacha]

Seeing lots of messages about being scared of the bit where you divide into two people

Just thought I would add a small bit of hopefully reassuring experience- yes it blimmin well hurt, yes it was a bit scary but it was the most empowering thing I have ever done in my life. Not because of the reward of my lovely little boy (who is now 22 months old and a huge joy) but because afterwards I had this feeling of "wow! That was really really hard but I coped with it!"

The thing I was designed for actually happened and it all worked.

SO if you're about to have your first (second third fourth umpteenth) baby and are worried, (I won't tell you not to be worried cos that's another thing women are designed to do I think)remember that you CAN do it.

And I can't wait to do it again, I am actually looking forward to childbirth! One small problem, I am not pregnant- will have to persuade dh that we should have another baby...

It's fantastic. Preferable to the dentist any day. I wish I could do it again (not possible due to age,now ) I'm so envious of all you gals who can still do it. Good luck to you all One of the best experiences in the whole world.

Mrs Tittlemouse - was your baby ok?

Before I became a mum all I heard was how terrible childbirth is. I never heard a single positive story! But since having a baby I've met lots of mums who thought their labour and childbirth was a great experience. Very positive, min intervention, min pain relief etc. It is great because many people do manage to do it really well even first timers. I didn't, my experience was hideous, even though I was really positive and not scared at all beforehand. I was actually looking forward to it. It is a personal experience, it differs for everyone and you never know what you're gonna get til it happens. All the prep and worrying in the world doesn't change the outcome.

I walked miles and did yoga every day of my pregnancy, hypnotherapy, breathing, positive visualisation, reflexology, cranial sacral therapy, bowen therapy, supa dupa diet throughout. Result - 3 day labour, em CS under GA.

I have friends who sat on their bum eating french fancies all pregnancy to have a dream of a childbirth. Good for them!

bctmum:
She's absolutely fine!
We had a scary couple of minutes until the MW came back to tell us that she'd been rescusitated successfully, then she had 20 minutes on oxygen. But no problems since and a clean bill of health from the paediatrician.

Happy that your dd is ok Mrs Tittlemouse - best wishes xxx

Hello all I did the original post and have sort of sat back and said a silent thankyou to whatever might be out there- there are other women like me who found it positive! I feel the same way as a few other posters have, that I've kept quiet about it because of not wanting to seem like I'm bragging to others who have had a less rewarding experience, and that it is is a shame I've not been able to share this.

I also felt the same about breastfeeding- I was incredibly fortunate in that this went very well for my baby and I, and I fed him until he was about 18 months old (albeit about once a week at the end). This for me was the only choice- but I would never judge another mum on how her baby was fed. I really believe that it's each to their own. But I was so terrified of other mums who didn't breastfeed thinking I WAS judging them, that I just didn't ever discuss this with them, and felt like a complete freak and misfit for exclusively breastfeeding. Which again is a shame! But there we go.

Just hope the blighters (saggy as they are now!) work as well if we ever have another baby

nothing else to add to that....!

This is a great thread and I can't let lulumama have the last word...

I had what you would consider a 'traumatic' birth, very medicalised with a failed induction at 37 weeks followed by a c-section. People have been really sympathetic and say 'it must have been awful' etc.

The thing is, while I was worried at the time, I now have a beautiful ds. How can I be traumatised by that? Pregnancy and childbirth are a means to an end, enjoy them if you can but if not, it all passes but motherhood is forever.