How to stay calm and positive for second labour and delivery (feeling a bit fearful!)

[featheredcloud68]

I'm due in just a couple days with my second baby. I've been reading about hypno birthing etc this time and everything I've read about staying calm, letting your body do its thing makes perfect sense however knowing what's to come second time round I can't help but fear birth. I had a natural no drugs labour last time and I felt quite traumatised by the pain I experienced, baby was back to back too so I doubt that helped.

When I read about hypno birthing and positive, calm births I feel confident and then the minute I get labour signs I can feel myself getting really nervous and worried before anything has even begun.

Any tips for staying calm and positive before birth and not letting adrenaline and fear fight the process of labour?

How close are you pregnancies?
Second labours tend to be much faster. Your body has done it once, so much more prepared this time. My second labour was very fast - no time for anything except goalie gloves! Compared to days of horror the first time. Try not to overthink things. It's mostly in your head. You have and can do this.

Second was relatively easy for me. Much faster and never unmanageable pain.

I think you have a pain memory and your brain is reacting to that. It's just trying to protect you. Accept that you will naturally fear something that's caused you pain in the past.

Treat each contraction as the thing you have to get through. Each time you get through it you will know it's totally do-able. You can re-train your brain to know you can do this. Each new contraction, you will know you got through the last.

Don't challenge yourself not to have pain relief. Know that it's there whenever you want it.

You can do this. In no time you will have a baby next to you and you will be marvelling at how much easier it was than last time.

Thank you for the reassuring words :) x

My second was a lot easier and faster. I managed by making an amazing playlist of my super chilled favourite songs. Huffing on the gas and air and swaying to the music. The important thing is to stay calm, ask midwives questions if you are unsure of their choices, say what you want. Like I knew they wanted me on my back to get some reading, it was easier for them but as soon as they were done I asked to get on all 4s again as it felt better for me.

I felt exactly the same, however my first labour ended up in a forcep delivery and he was also back to back. This time I went in with an open mind, I chose to have an epidural early on when the contractions were getting more intense and I was about 7cm dilated and I had an amazing experience this time. I know that epidural’s aren’t for everyone but knowing I could ask for it at any point made me much more chilled about the labour.
Good luck and I hope it’s a better experience than the first time around.

Honestly, in most cases second births are waaaay easier and quicker than first- hopefully this will be the case for you.
My second birth was an absolute walk in the park. 2 hours from first contraction to baby born. I was sat in the birthing pool chatting to the midwives until my waters broke, then I started pushing and that was it. No gas and air, just paused the conversation to breathe through the contractions. It was so easy as soon as it was over I told the midwife, "that was so easy i'm ready to do it all over again!"

My third wasn't as quick or easy- its something about second time so best of luck and hopefully will be a quick and easy one for you too.

As others have saud, second time is supposed to be easier?

How far gone are you? There are lots of exercises that are supposed to help baby get in a prime position. Also your general posture.