freaked out about childbirth after NCT classes

[Happychick35]

I read a few books on childbirth and sort of felt prepared, well to the extent you can be prepared to this with your first baby... Yesterday in NCT we were shown quite a few graphic photos of women giving birth and placenta delivery, forceps, venthouse and it was all topped up with a video. They were all quite real, I am so freaked out now, that really tempted to demand a c-section, just not to go through this. I am horrified about all the things which can go wrong , on top I only have one friend who had a nice experince of childbirth. Otherwise one quick labour but 3rd degree tear, could not walk for two weeks at all, another one catheter for a months as a result, also someone with forceps delivery, still can't talk about it. Can someone give some reassurance that it will be ok ?

Just a point... have you watched a video of a CS?

You might do that and read up on that and think 'fuck why do I want to do that either', so I'm not sure thats necessarily the answer here.

Why do you make the assumption its going to be any better? What is it about a CS that appeals? Think about that and what that means in terms of coping.

Basically what do you feel you need to cope with birth? What do you feel you can't cope with? By whatever means of birth. The method of birth is actually secondary to your coping strategies so focus on these first and go from there.

Wolfiefan thank you! Thank you everyone, it cheered me up. The most annoying thing is that this NCT class is supposed to be very popular ...
I really felt like a needed a big drink after it!!! But not just yet ...

Try not to think too much about it. (Easier said than done.) Births are so personal, it is really hard for any classes to prepare you.

In my NCT class, we watched a video of some kind of silent, serene water birth. Didn't have much in common with my first three day labour and very bad tear or my second (much harder to recover from) c-section.

But....even my births, which medical professionals wince when they read about in my notes, haven't put me off the idea of a DC3. So ultimately I guess childbirth can't be all that bad. And luckily you're not at the business end when you're doing it yourself.

I loved our NCT classes, but yes the whole labour complications bit made me feel sick! I'm 3 weeks postpartum now and fine. Not going to lie, I had a very long labour at home, arrived at hospital 7cms, gave birth within 2 hours with no pain relief (partly because no time!). I had a 2nd degree tear, but didn't notice whilst giving birth so was really surprised when the midwife told me. All in all it wasn't as bad as I imagined and would say it's not a walk in the park, but totally doable. Stay positive!

2 and a half weeks post labour, was induced, had forceps assisted delivery and an episiotomy. All things I was terrified of.

I already look back on my labour fondly! It brought me my little man! It really wasn't that bad. Yes, it hurt, yes I was worried/anxious/scared at points but although it is cliche, as soon as its over you almost forget the pain.

Less than three weeks after the birth I feel great. The first 4/5 days were a little uncomfortable but perfectly manageable on paracetamol/ibuprofen. I spent my 5th day post partum at my in-laws as it was Christmas day. I feel MUCH better than I did at any point during my pregnancy! I feel like me again. I was really frightened about recovery time/issues but I have been shocked (and I guess lucky) in that I feel fine this quickly.

I had a jug to take to the bathroom and rinsed my cut with warm water everytime I went for a wee and did take some stool softners (laxido) to calm my nerves about first bowel movements after. Have been doing pelvic floor exercises everytime I feed my baby.

Try not to worry too much, literally everything went wrong with my 'birthplan' (not going to bother with one next time!), its scary not knowing what is coming but really you will be fine, your body takes over and if you need intervention I'm sure you will have wonderful health care professionals who will make sure you and your baby are taken care of. Try to ignore the negative stories and focus on the end goal!

Good luck and congratulations!