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Get updates on how your baby develops, your body changes, and what you can expect during each week of your pregnancy by signing up to the Mumsnet Pregnancy Newsletters.

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Get updates on how your baby develops, your body changes, and what you can expect during each week of your pregnancy by signing up to the Mumsnet Pregnancy Newsletters.

Pregnancy

Positive Labour Stories

35 replies

Ficidy · 25/07/2013 22:21

I'm 37 weeks now and growing more and more scared of labour as the days fly by. I thought it'd be a good idea to inform myself of all things labour/birth related, but I've only read the horrible stories/seen the freaky videos. I know it's not going to be a walk in the park, not by any stretch, but would love to hear stories of labours that went well and if you have any tips at all regarding how to achieve this. I know being calm helps, but it's a futile exercise at the moment. Not possible at all. Thanks.

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LaRosaBella · 26/07/2013 09:59

Not my dad, my dd!!

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Hawkmoth · 26/07/2013 10:04

Managed all three of mine by walking up and down through contractions. It helps gravity-wise and helps you to focus.

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Ficidy · 26/07/2013 21:46

Thanks everyone. I really appreciate all the help x

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MangoJuiceAddict · 26/07/2013 22:28

At 6am I went into labour. I stayed at home until lunchtime, in the bath and practising breathing exercises. I realised I could breathe through the pain and I sniffed things as a distraction (lavender water, rose water and DH gave me coconut oil massages). I then went to hospital and had a completely natural water birth- DD was in my arms by 4pm. No pain relief at all. A few stitches but it was fine. The pain wasn't as bad as when I broke my leg. It was a gradual, but relatively fast, process. I ruined my pregnancy panicking about the birth, convinced I'd die and my vagina would be tore to shreds and I'd break my back and pelvis. But it was fine. I recommend breathing exercises, things to sniff, oils and definitely consider a water birth!

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Ficidy · 26/07/2013 22:37

Thanks Mango. Yeah, I've been doing pregnancy yoga for the last few months to help with the breathing, so I'm hoping that comes in useful. Unfortunately I'm in Ireland and my hospital doesn't allow water births for some stupid reason because I would have loved this. I'll definitely get in the shower though, if I can, to help ease the aches and pains.

Am putting lavender on my shopping list for tomorrow! Thanks.

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MangoJuiceAddict · 26/07/2013 22:43

Water is amazing- I really don't know why your hospital doesn't allow water births . Showers will help! The breathing exercises in yoga will definitely help- I really did get lost in my breathing routine when the contractions hit. Lavender will help, its very calming and refreshing- it perked me up when I was feeling exhausted and sick. Good luck! I'm always happy to give advice

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Ficidy · 26/07/2013 22:46

Thanks Mango. Yeah, some of the hospitals here allow water births, but they're few and far between. I don't really understand the reasons either. Very annoying.

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Mandy21 · 26/07/2013 22:58

I know it sounds silly but just remember its only the contractions that hurt (and obviously the pushing at the end). But if, for example, the contractions at 5 minutes apart, even if they last for a minute, that's 80% of the time that it doesn't hurt and only 20% when it does. I know that's overly simplistic but its worth remembering.

And remember, that if it was SOOO bad, the world would be full of only children. It can't be that bad if the majority of people do it again and again!

And the most important thing - its a few hours of pain, but at the end of it, you get the most wonderful prize for your efforts. A gorgeous bundle that you've waited 9 months to meet.

Just keep an open mind, go with the flow, stay in the bath as long as you can and trust your body to get your through. Good luck

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whenhenshaveteeth · 27/07/2013 08:55

Don't be scared, it'll be fine!

I posted my birth story with DS2 this morning on the childbirth section under- " have you considered hypnobirthing" or something like that.

I can easily said it was an amazing experience and one of the best days of my life.

Good luck x

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BettyandDon · 27/07/2013 09:20

Ficidy constipation can be worse than labour! Well in my case anyway

I had a long induced birth which was fine as I had a ton of epidural to help me through it.

Then my second birth was over in a jiffy. Before I knew what was happening the baby was here and the midwives were asking me what sort of toast I wanted. I gave birth 2 mins after I arrived at hospital and didn't even get the chance to sit down.