Do I watch One Born Every Minute before giving birth?

[HK171]

Hi everyone,

28 weeks pregnant with first baby. I'm reading and listening to some hypnobirthing stuff, which I really like - being relaxed, feeling empowered no matter how things pan out etc. I'm generally a fairly chilled person and don't put myself under too much pressure, though know I can get overwhelmed in certain stressful situations.

I don't know how much to go into the less positive side of birth beforehand. For example, watched Yorkshire Midwives, which I loved but is really pretty gentle viewing! Have friends who went into birth a bit uninformed or not knowing much about the stuff that can go wrong and both had quite traumatic births. My question is, does going in knowing a bit more about the scary stuff help you to cope if that is eventually what happens or just it make you more scared? Do I crack open One Born Every Minute?

Beware of forming misconceptions. I was absolutely sure that the last thing I wanted was to give birth with legs in stirrups. I had a long labour and was exhausted. Cramp in both legs. Midwife suggested stirrups and I was very reluctant (my research said no!). All my birth planning out the window. The exact place I didn't want to be in. But the midwife was brilliant. She just said try it. It really was what I needed. Very much more comfortable at that moment in time. So yes, research, know what you want, but be open to anything.

My second birth my midwife never even gave me an examination. She just said no need, you are doing perfectly. She was just as brilliant as midwife for first. That birth was drug free, over in about two hours. No stirrups. Not even a bed. I was basically on the floor, leaning over a sofa. And again, that was what worked for me at the time and the midwives instincts in both births were spot on. I am so glad I trusted them.

I also recommend Birth Skills by JuJu Sudin.