Hello! I'm 40 years old and expecting our first child late November.
I am nervous of the pain but more scared of not doing the birth well. My husband is wonderful and has no preconceived ideas or opinions on how I'll manage, it's all in my head, but what if I panic and what if I become a monster (?!)
In a weird way I'm looking forward to the birth - I suppose I don't know yet how bad it'll be.
Aside from the pain, here's what I'd like to be in the (possibly changeable, unpredictable circumstances): stoical, brave and flexible to the options and ideally keeping a grip on some level of calm, but knowing myself, I'm dreading being: panic-stricken, a pest, horrible to my husband (unintentionally of course) and making a scene... basically although I'm a friendly, calm woman, I'm scared I'm going to turn into the girl in the Exorcist. Agh! I just can't predict what the pain will do to me.
I'm always incredibly calm and composed in the dentists chair and I've had 3 painful root canal treatments (don't shout at me, I know the dentists is NOT the same!!) so maybe I might have some modicum of ability to cope with some pain, but I'm scared of the feeling of exhaustion and fear I guess...
We start NCT classes tomorrow (hooray!!!) and I cannot wait actually! That may help.
I read loads of positive birth stories but they are generally from second births, often (understandably) referencing how good the second birth was in comparison to the first panic-ridden, problematic first... (agghhh!)
So - any positive stories from first births much appreciated please.
Thank you!!! 