35 weeks and panicking - how to prepare for birth?

[LeeMiller]

I'm 35 weeks. Throughout my pregnancy I was told that I'd almost certainly need an ELCS for a variety of reasons (pre-existing conditions, placenta issues, breech baby etc). The last of these has been struck of the list and suddenly a natural birth is on the cards.

I'd got used to the idea of an ELCS and spent a lot of time researching it to the point I was almost looking forward to it. When the doctor told me today I wouldn't need one I burst into tears, I think the doctor thought it was relief but it was actually panic! I know birth isn't something you can control anyway, but feeling massively unprepared for labour and natural birth doesn't help my anxiety.

So, given I hopefully have a few weeks left, how can I best prepare? What did you find useful, mentally or physically? I've signed up for the positive birth company online course but would love recommendations on other stuff to read/watch/listen to/do. Is perineal massage worth a try? Any other tips? Anything you wish you'd done or known?

Hypnobirthing! Definitely worth starting that now, helped me stay calm and in control. If you have time I found a book called ‘The Positive Birth book’ good at explaining all your birth options, pool, types of pain relief, different positions to give birth in, gives you example birth plans etc.

This happened to one of my friends because her baby was breech right up until the last few days then he flipped and she was so upset by her plan changing they let her have a C section anyway. Have you asked the midwife/told her it’s causing you so much anxiety?

Thank you Aspenn, I will check out that book.

It makes me feel a lot better to hear someone else felt the same way, I feel a bit guilty as everyone around me thinks it's great news! I'm not in the Uk and here they won't let me have a c section if it's not medically indicated (my anxiety isn't bad enough), plus at 35 weeks I guess I still have time to get used to the idea.

Hypnobirthing!! Check out The Positive Birth Company on youtube for a 10 free videos... if you like that and think it's for you, then they sell a more in depth digital pack ( emailed to you with tons of videos and handy print outs) for £35... it's been such a revelation to me and I'm so excited for birth ( Iv had a previous c-section and V-bac)
Xx