Stressed about second birth

[TheLetterOfTheLawTheLetter]

Pregnant with dc2

First birth was actually textbook in a way, in MLU but very fast and intense. I didn't have time for pain relief, which I'm glad of in a way (not that there's anything wrong with it! I swore I would be an epidural kind of person before that!) but honestly without scare stories, it was the most intense, at times terrifying 2h of my life. I just have flashes of memories, I wasnt able to recover physically or mentally in between contractions as they came in waves, one after the other with no break. I still count myself lucky though because tearing aside, it all went incredible well (medically speaking)

I thought that next time (now!) , I would prepare myself so I could retain a modicum of control. I'd even said, prebirth, in my wisdom, that women who lost the plot in one born every minute had lost control and fear had taken over. Oh I probably deserved it didn't I?!

But now the reality is looming, honestly, what can I do? Willhypnobirthing actually make a difference? Desperate for your suggestions and experiences x

I’d definitely try Hypnobirthing. I haven’t given birth yet but I’m not scared, which for me is one of the main things. I’m going into it with an open mind on how the labour will go, but I’m not frightened by any of the outcomes (ie c-section, etc)

What’s to lose? It could put your mind at ease

I think my first could have been fairly similar to yours although I did get gas and air. Not convinced I was doing it right though.
I had a big tear which is my lasting memory as well as feeling out of control as it was quite fast.
I'm watching hypnobirthing videos (positive birth company) this time and i like the terminology they use and that it's about trying to go with the Labour and not let it control you. I'm even considering a home birth this time as I think it's all the other things like logistics of child care and getting to the hospital (our MLU has sadly closed for refurb works) is what is stressing me more than labour itself.
Sorry I can't offer an actual outcome but try and think what it is that is making you nervous. If it is the control thing then I'd give hypnobirthing a try. I've heard a lot of good things about it (hence why I'm trying) and it links to things like mindfulness which are all about being able to maintain some level of calmness and control whilst letting your body do what it naturally wants to do.

Thanks, I will definitely try it then and as you say, nothing to lose! Funnily last time I was a total optimist, thinking my mind was strong enough to get through it. I was even looking forward to the experience! Did not worry for a single second leaving up to the birth. Guess I know what's coming this time

I was petrified to give birth with #2 because i knew what was coming, even though my first labour was 8hours no pain relief a few stitches, nothing too crazy.. but i was so scared the second time. I went to get monitored at 40+5 because i had pains, everything was looking fine with baby but dr said i may aswel stay in and get induced as i was already over due. I said nooooo thankyou! I was too scared even though i knew he had to come out eventually🙈 i ended up going into natural labour the next night, lasted 3hrs, no pain relief, no stitches only a small tear, was a much easier labour so this time im going to try relax and stay positive. I just keep telling myself it wont last forever!x