Mindful labour meditation

[Mumtoboys87]

Hi!
I'm due to give birth in 12 weeks and I've been thinking now a lot more about the labour and that maybe this time I should be preparing myself a little better than last time. Last time went horrifically wrong, I wasn't in control at all, the pain consumed me and it was a really terrifying experience which resulted in an emergency c-section after 25 hours. So, I have seen online about mindful labour meditation to centre and calm yourself during labour as a coping technique and I wondered if anyone has any experience or opinion on this? I would like to try and feel more in control this time especially as it now looks like I'll be labouring on my own (joys of having a husband in the military). I would really appreciate any insight into this and if reccomend what resources I could use. Thanks in advance! 😊

Hi @Mumtoboys87 just bumping this for you so hopefully some Mumsnetters will be along soon with some useful advice.

Well, I used hypnobirthing techniques with both of my labours and found it very beneficial to help stay calm and "in control".
The focus is heavily on controlling and focusing on breathing during contractions. I found this worked well for me (although it did mean that I didn't get on with G&A). I used the techniques in combination with a TENS machine for pain relief.
I was lucky though that I have had two relatively short labours (although one was an augmented labour with the dreaded hormone drip)... I can imagine it would be harder to maintain the focus/mindset during a protracted labour (I was totally open to an epidural in these circumstances or if I felt unable to cope!).

I didn't use them myself, but I have heard very good things about the positive birth company online courses. I did some actual face-to-face classes during pregnancy number 2, which I found particularly beneficial, these were with a local company run a pair of doulas.

I think these techniques work better for some than others, and a lot depends on how the labour goes generally - positive affirmations won't prevent difficult complications from occurring, but for me it was about feeling in control of my own mind and not panicking in the face of the uncontrollable.

Second the Positive Birth Company. I'm half way through the course and enjoying it.. also second pregnancy and I think fully understanding the realities of labour first time makes me appreciate the PBC course more. The course includes lots of videos explaining the science behind labour, what the uterus is doing and how breathing can actually help to minimise pain. It also includes MP3s of guided meditations...that bit doesn't really do anything for me but I've found the course in general to be really helpful, especially as an add on the NCT courses first time round. There's a lot to get through though so worth starting sooner rather than later.

KG Hypnobirthing is meant to be really, good check that out as well as the Positive Birth Company. You can generally find in person courses as well as online courses. If your husband is away, have you considered hiring a doula? x