what did you focus on during the pain of labour?

[finbarr]

I have 7 or so weeks to go now, and thinking back to my first 2 births, all I could think every time a contraction hit was ' ow ow that really f hurts' which I'm sure didn't help! Can anyone give me any advice/ tips on more positive things to focus on which will maybe shift my focus from sore bits, and help me get through.
Please guys, I know you are all good at sharing and giving advice, and I would really appreciate something other than 'picture your cervix opening like a flower' which just doesn't do it for me
maybe that first bacardi and coke?
or counting backwards in spanish?
finding out what flavour it is - blue or pink?

what thought kept you going?

thanks guys!!

[hester]

I focused on the pain, visualising it as colours swirling down a tube - like the beginning of Dr Who. Started off red and green, but as the pain intensified it got black and yellow. I don't know where that trick came from, but it DID help. Something about not trying to escape from the pain, but going to meet it I suppose.

[vizbizz]

focussed on staying relaxed, and breathing.
Think Mr Miyagi from Karate Kid: breathe in through the nose, and out through the mouth. Nice deep breaths

[finbarr]

wow, so many replies and suggestions - thank you all!
I love the contrast between the calm, relaxed breathing, and the hand clenching, swearing: it just proves how individual childbirth is for each of us, and how comfortable we are with different ideas.
Think I might try singing Keane's 'this is the last time' - coz it definitely is!!!
I was also thinking how some of us would just love to be able to say 'oh yes, I managed without any drugs or intervention', and then the pressure we put on ourselves to meet that idea is ridiculous - who would even know if I lied and said that? No one will be there but me, dh and medics........You'll not believe me now whatever i post in birth announcements!
I am due at the end of April, and my 2 ds's are now getting rather excited - one wants a sister, and the other would prefer a brother, so at least one will be happy!

I really appreciate your suggestions, no doubt I'll run out of time to plan, and go into labour thinking 'ow ow ow' again.
(must try harder)
love the idea of smelling dh's t-shirt: I do have a slight washing powder smell fetish, so that might help - imagining clean sheets on my own bed at home (hopefully my mother in law will do her fantastic usual big clean while I'm in hospital.........)

[finbarr]

vizbizz - am now thinking of 'wax on, wax off'..........