Hypnobirthing but last minute wobble

[BiscuitLover2391]

I used to be so anxious about childbirth but then did a hypnobirthing course and was so much calmer, taking control over everything and so excited for labour not caring what other people said or experienced. Now I'm 39 weeks I've had a bit of a wobble last two days, being anxious and teary, unable to sleep and fearing labour might start when I'm not ready (dp have everything packed etc so really we are ready).

I'm so nervous of all the possible interventions and not being strong enough to speak up. I want as little intervention as possible and quietness with reduced vaginal examinations due to issues I've had in the past. Now I just feel emotional and like I can't do it :(

Did anyone else have a wobble like this but still get back control and have a calm, decent birth?

I don't even want to meet the baby right now, I just feel uncomfortable and rubbish :(

One thing I would say is, you don't have to do everything the "hypnobirthing way" in order to have a calm, positive birth.

I did a hypnobirthing course. I also had gestational diabetes and was always going to be induced unless the baby arrived early. So I couldn't really "avoid" intervention, I just applied what I could of the course to the labour I thought I'd probably end up with.

My labour was long, 40 hours, with several examinations, and it ended up in a ventouse delivery. But it was also calm and positive, and at times restful. I had a wonderful nap at one point having listened to the Rainbow Relaxation, for example. I went on as many walks as I could manage in the early stages - really good memories of those - and in the latter stages, I practiced the birth breathing. The night before my baby arrived was wonderful and magical.

My point is, please don't think there's only "one good way" to birth a baby. Yes, medical interventions can be unpleasant and you will hear lots of horror stories. But for all these horror stories there will be plenty of positive ones. No one is going to grade you on your labour. The best birth is a safe one.

Get in touch with your midwife today to go through your fears. Don’t work yourself up feeling stressed when there are things that can be done to ease your mind.

I can say once you’re in established labour, you really do just focus on giving birth and you don’t really have time to worry. I was so terrified of the process, but once in labour I did not give a fuck. This isn’t the same for everyone of course!

I had an epidural in the end, but a walking one so I could still get out of bed to use the loo, and I felt all my contractions when it came to push so I had no intervention. Just stitches for a small tear (dd came out with her hand next to her face).

Sometimes intervention is necessary, but the midwives and drs know what they are doing and will explain everything to you. Have you spoken to your birth partner so they know what you do and don’t want? It’s easier having someone on your side when you’re giving birth. But equally make sure they know things change and you may want something different when it comes to it.

I did hypno birthing and just thought I'd pass on a positive story. I found the education part really helped in that when labour started I understood what was happening to my body and I was able to believe in myself that focusing on my breathing was all I needed (so what I learnt kinda kicked in in the moment) so it really can help, my labour wasn't massively long but it wasn't quick but I felt in control during the most of it. However saying that sometimes things do happen that we don't plan for so if your labour goes off course from what hypno birthing would describe at "ideal" then I'm sure you'd deal with that in the moment. I'd get your notes back out, read through your hypno birthing book, watch some examples on you tube etc and try to get some confidence back in the technique because it elreally does work, and good luck!!!! xx

I’m due any day and started to get cramps the other night. I began to panic and my whole body was shaking with fear. I’m not even thinking about meeting my baby, i’m Just so anxious about labour.

I’m going to spend some time relaxing, reading up on hypnobirthing and listening to positive birth stories. I hope when the time comes my natural instincts will kick in and I will get my head in the game and not fight the pain.

Just know you have prepared as much as you can for this