Do I need to prepare for labour???!!

[LauraPalmersBodybag]

Number 2 is due to show up in about 10 weeks. Last time around I read books, did a couple of nhs antenatal classes (that were pretty shit) and took a hypnobirthing course.

All of this was in vain as my dd was born by ELCS for medical reasons!

Pretty sure I’ve forgotten most of the info I was given, but do I need it? Planning for a VBAC and I’m a bit clueless, shall I just go with it and assume my body will take over, or should I be actively doing something about preparing for labour.

I don’t really fancy spending ££ this time unless it’s truly worthwhile.

Thoughts or experiences welcome please!

Hey!

I had my first baby in May (unplanned pregnancy) and had no idea what to expect in labour. I was induced and ended up having an episiotomy and emergency forceps delivery.

I didn't really do any preparation for labour but looking back now, I really regret not trying the perineum massaging/stretching as this can often lower the chances of you tearing or having to be cut. I think it also helps with VBAC (have a read about it online).

Because of the stitches and pain which I hadn't anticipated, I wished I had packed flannels in my hospital bag so I could keep soaking them and applying them.

One thing I did take with me was one of those travel pillows that you wear round your neck (doughnut shape with a hole in the middle). It's perfect to sit on after delivery as it stops any pressure on your sore bits!

Other than that, I think you're doing just fine letting it be. I didn't do any classes or read much about it and I don't feel like I should have done to be honest.

Good luck and fingers crossed for you that it all goes smoothly and how you want it to be! X

Honestly I would research a bit just to have a bit of a ‘plan’ in place should things not be straightforward so you know what different options and choices you have along the way

I had my first baby completely unexpected at 30 weeks and hadn't been to any antenatal classes or anything, and I managed lol. I'm sure you'll be ok good luck!

Thank you, that’s really helpful.

I’m planning on having a loose birth plan and will be armed with some info on VBAC stuff so won’t be totally unprepared in that respect. Though I do respect how unpredictable birth can be so I won’t be as fixed as I was last time as I know any number of factors can change the pathway.

It’s mainly working out whether I ought to be paying for antenatal classes/refreshers etc...it kinda feels like a waste of money, but I’m not certain and don’t want to sabotage my chances of a good birth!

Most useful thing I did in a similar position was read the Birth Skills Handbook by Juju Sundin. Practical and realistic advice on coping with labour but also covers situations where a caesarian is necessary. I was lucky and had a pretty easy VBAC but this still helped me.

Thank you - I’ll definitely look that up. I must admit, I’m getting pretty worried about being able to handle the pain...I think I’m a real pansy.

I didn’t pay for antenatal classes as they were free at the local clinic (London). It wasn’t really relevant in the end as I had a section but it helped prepare me for post birth (I had absolutely no idea that you bled for a few weeks after for example).

I had an unprepared Vbac and obviously made no prep for this as I had another c section booked. I was a bit crap at pushing and felt a bit unprepared, wasn’t really aware of how long it would actually take to get him out either.
I’d maybe read some info online or prep

Keep fit ... if you are able walk more often gently
I swear it helped with pushing as I had the stamina ...
Many women are not prepared for the “labour “ which is called that for a very good reason
Try to eat healthily .. it’s not guaranteed to help but from my own experience it helped to be reasonably fit ... and I don’t mean 10 miles hikes and gym sessions either ... good luck 😀