Hand hold someone?

[BastilleBastille]

I know I’m going to sound like such a wimp. I’m currently in hospital being induced. Arrived at 7pm this evening, pessary inserted at around 9ish.

Everything was going fine, 2 other girls in the bay with me. All seemed calm until one of the girls waters broke. Her contractions seemed to come on literally 0-100. Within minutes she was screaming the place down, begging to pain relief, begging to be moved her her partner could join her (COVID), just in complete turmoil really.

They didn’t move her for a good half hour because there weren’t any delivery rooms free.

Eventually they did get her shipped out but she’s down the corridor screaming bloody murder in agonising labour right now.

I feel totally naive and wimpish but I’m literally shaking and uncontrollably crying right now. I’m completely traumatised by what I’m hearing and what’s ahead of me. I’m a FTM and I honestly feel like throwing myself out the window of the ward if that’s what’s in store for me.

Please someone tell me it’s going to be alright?

It'll be fine, everyone handles it differently and not everyone has to scream the place down.

With my first I did scream the place down because I was panicking and scared about what was to come.

With my second I was walking through the hospital and very calm at the same point I was screaming my head off with the first if that makes sense.

Try and stay calm, you're in good hands and it will be ok

Offering a handhold.
I was induced for both of my labours, and they were over relatively quickly compared to others I know.
Try not to panic, breathe through your contractions and every one you blow away is a step closer to meeting your baby.
Don't be afraid to ask for pain relief as you need it.
Good luck, I hope you have your little one safe and soon x

You’ll be fine, ask for an epidural!

It’s going to be ok. Focus on the end result- that feeling when you snuggle into your little one.
Can you do some grounding exercises to help yourself calm down? The 5 things you can see, 4 tho ha you can hear etc is a good one. Or do you have the calm app?

What are you looking forwards to having that you gave up In pregnancy? It was smoked salmon for me!!

Distract yourself- have you a favourite baby grow you are excited to put on?

You are going to be fine.

It's all going to be fine! The thing I wish I'd known about childbirth is that the noises women make are part of the process- might sound horrific but releasing that kind of noise helps you and makes you physically stronger (think of the racket female tennis players make).

You'll be absolutely fine- once labour comes about instinct will take over- you'll make the noise you need to make and do what you need to do- it's what your body's designed to do. So close now, I'm excited for you!! You've got so many lovely moments ahead of you, honestly, and one day tonight will be a distant memory Xx

Oh OP this was me three months ago! I know the feeling, it's quite traumatising to hear people around you going into labour. It is scary! But you will be fine. It is tough, but you'll get through it and it won't last long in the grand scheme of things. But I totally get how you're feeling! Sending you a hug.

Pethadone was pretty amazing! I don’t remember much after having that. Also recommend walking around at first if they’ll let you - gravity and all that!

They call I it labour for a reason but honestly it’s do-able. I Hope everything goes well! Please post an update!

In a very short time, that woman screaming will be calm and blissful holding her precious little baby and gazing into its eyes, forgetting how much pain she was in.

Of course you're scared. It is scary. It's extremely unsettling hearing another human in pain like that.

But you can do it, OP, the prize is worth it. We're cheering you on!

Someone screamed bloody murder in the bay next to me. Then the screaming stopped. The nurse leaned over and said, "she's just got a diamond tennis bracelet. Nice push present". I joked with DH that I should have been less stoic.

You will soon have a baby. A BABY!!!

Once in labour try to stay upright, walk or stand. All fours if back pain.

Remember gravity is your new best friend. Use it and your labour will probably be shorter

If you do end up on your back then gas and air is definitely your friend too. Long deep breaths and bite down on the mouth piece if you need too

All my births were different. You really can't worry about other peoples labours. Listen to some music to distract you and it will hopefully be over before you now it.

Good luck ❤

I know someone who said screaming helped her manage the pain.

The induction ward does have certain pain relief, no epidural but for example gas and air (I don’t know if it is offered during the pandemic). You can call a midwife and speak with them for reassurance. I saw a few midwifes who were excellent at this.

Everyone and even the same women with different pregnancies can handle labour differently.

I would put on headphones and listen to my favourite music while bouncing on a birthing ball.

Good luck op.

What got me through it for 14 hours was the thought that people can live through anything if it is just for one day; and you really really can. Later you do actually forget, or no one would have 3 children, ever!!

Handhold for you OP. This was me 8 months ago listening to another women go into labour on the induction ward. She was being very dramatic and the midwives came into my cubicle, rolled their eyes and told us it was her 7th child! If it was really that bad, she wouldn’t have put herself through it that many times.

Just keep calm, remember your breathing. Perhaps go for a walk to get away from the screaming, or I f you haven’t done hypnobirthing then can I suggest search it on YouTube and use it to find some calm. You have to remain calm, keep your body relaxed and nature will do it’s thing.

In my experience they don’t offer gas & air on the induction ward. I asked for it but they said no, you have to be on the delivery ward.

I am a screamer, but I went back for more children. Yes it hurt like nothing else but also the end result was beyond wonderful.
Just keep telling yourself “this too shall pass!”
Two of my births were overseas and I wasn’t allowed DH with me. I actually coped better, and remained more focussed without him. When he was there for the others his loveliness made me feel sorry for myself I hope that helps for the first bit until yours arrives. Oh and my induction took 3 days so rest while you can!

OP I was recently induced for my second and while intense ( as it was pretty quick) it was fine! I did hear 3 women screaming through their labours and looked at my husband in horror and laughing as didn't remember making any sounds like the last time. He confirmed I didn't. I actually labour pretty quietly. When I stop making sound shit is getting real - until I start mooing a bit in the end 🙈.
I really recommend getting up and mobile if you can. I had to have continuous monitoring throughout with my induction but with the help of the midwifes was able to get up and bounce a birthing ball where I stayed throughout until the final moments - I actually ended up giving birth stood up!

I did a lot of wailing through my labour but I wasn't doing it because I was in utter agony. I mean, it was painful, but the wailing happened because it felt like everything was being squeezed and that's how my breath came out during the contraction.

No idea if that makes any sense.

I remember being surprised at the time that I was wailing and didn't seem to be able to stop it.

Have you had your baby yet?

Seriously.. ask for an epidural, inductions are not pleasant..

How are you doing OP?

Hi everyone, thanks for your replies. You’re all complete gems! ❤️ I’m currently still on the induction ward. Hopefully being moved around to delivery in 1hr where they will break my waters and start me on a drip. Planning on firmly asking for an epidural from the outset as baby is back to back and because I’m going to have to be on the bed on a foetal monitor.

Hopefully tonight is the night. I’ll let you all know!!

I had a back to back. No screaming but the epidural was bloody awesome. I could have kissed the anaesthetist!

Ah best of luck OP - minute by minute, breath by breath, you'll get there

Just think it won't be long until you hold your baby. Good luck

Oh bless you, I was more of a groaning kind of women 🤣 of and the swearing kind.. but I've since learnt that making noise during pain is actually good for you.

So go with the flow we are all so so different and nobody knows how they will react.