Help me think I can do this!

[Bobian123]

Please .

I'm 38+4 with DC2 and last night started getting regular mild contractions. Dc1 was quick so MW advised to go in if i thought things were starting ASAP. Needless to say, I wasn't dilated!

I've posted here a couple of times regarding my fear of the next birth and have felt more accepting of labour. That is, until I went into hospital. Seeing the beds and the pads and all the medical "stuff" sent me into a spin and I thought "shit, I can't do this". Was actually relieved when I wasn't dilated. Still contracting this morn less intensely but I think things might be imminent.

I suppose it would be great just to hear some voices of reassurance! I don't want to go into labour with a negative mindset

Thanks for reading.

It's so, so much easier the second time around. Even friends who had tough second births said they found them easier because they knew what to expect. You can do this. Is there a possibility of going to MLU instead of the hospital this time round?

No great advice, as I'm also awaiting DC 2 (now 5 days overdue), but I feel your fear. I've just been telling myself that even though it was really hard and horrific last time, we did get through it, and we did recover eventually. And now I have a beautiful and amazing daughter. It's really hard when reality hits home and you remember labour hurts though, isn't it! I am in that weird hinterland between dreading labour and really wanting to get it over and done with!

You can do it, because the baby has to get out somehow! Second labours are generally easier, and even if it's not, it has an end point and you get to meet your newborn.

Is there not a MLU option in your hospital? should looks less like a hospital ward.

Also you could look at this Ina May

Thanks all. I was in a MLU last time (within the hospital) before being transferred to delivery for help. I want to try the MLU again as loved the pool but last night I was just examined in the delivery suite. I think it just brought it all back and I know there's no way of getting round it .

Slacktacular-I totally feel the same way. I felt ready to get the baby out...until I thought the baby was coming, then I decided she could stay in for longer! Wishing you masses of luck. It'll be such a relief when it's done. Then just a newborn to contend with

I know I need to focus on the end result and also take each contraction as it comes. Someone on another thread a while ago referenced "Bear Hunt" which I really liked-"can't go over it, can't go under it, we have to go through it!"

I liked juju sundin's Birth Skills. Gives you practical ways to deal with pain. Was also helpful knowing that the more contractions hurt, the more effective they are (unless it's back to back labour). Good luck OP. I had two relatively quick births, but second one hurt so much less and was so much more in control.

Thank you gunpowder-I got that book just yesterday from the library and have been storming through it! First time round I went down the hypno route but just couldn't get into the visualisation as I found it all too intense. I like the practical stuff in the birth skills book, so will be giving it a go!