First baby and scared

[PhoebeBear]

I'm only 23+1 so I have a while to go get and I'm trying not to think so much about labour but when I do it really scares me. I know everyone's different and everyone's experience is different too..
In my head I'd love to do a water birth as I've heard so many good stories from people but then I'm scared I'll chicken out and want a epidural.. I haven't taken up any classes yet but I will do once I'm offered them.
What was your experience?x

I can’t describe how scared I was of labour with my first but honestly now i’ve been through it once it really wasn’t that bad. And even if it is my advice is don’t have a rigid plan, be prepared to go with the flow. If your managing great if you need more pain relief have it. For me even with numerous complications which I won’t scare you with I did feel I went into my own little world and somehow managed with it all

Thank you everyone for the advice 😊

So far I'm planning a water birth BUT like I know to always keep my options open as things could change (there couldn't be a pool available also by the time I go into labour)
I'm looking into hypo-birthing classes also.
2 and a half months to go, actually feeling more excited than nervous now

It's really not as painful as people make out. If you think of each contraction as a step closer to the finish line I found that helped me. Plus if you need to drugs then take them, no one gives you a medal for going without them xx

Please don't be scared. Take the drugs; you still get a baby whether you've had an epidural or not! If you need some help and have an assisted delivery with forceps / episiotomy, I found the week after birth really really tough because I didn't have a good pain management routine. Make sure if you have tears or pain you get good painkillers before you leave hospital; tramadol or cocodamol if you need them. None of this "take 2 paracetamol" nonsense. It really really makes a difference. Also - my big advice - pushing doesn't hurt nearly as much as you think. After contractions it's kind of a relief; it gives you something to focus on. That's what I found anyway! Enjoy your little one when they arrive, you really do forget the pain when they are here!!

Yes to hypnobirthing, and also try to read Ina May Gaskin's guide to childbirth. She's the only book I've read which says 'it's really stretchy' and a lot of other amazingly down to earth encouraging stuff. I'm going to pass mine onto my daughters such is the compassion and wisdom it's written with. Bit hippy but it really helped me to be less terrified, and I'm reading it again now I'm expecting #4!