Labour advice please

[Anyflippingname]

This is my third child but with my first two I had to be induced at 38 weeks. This pregnancy won't necessarily need to be induced as the baby doesn't have the same issues as the previous 2 did.

Both my inductions were quick and easy but for the second I had an epidural before they broke my waters so I didn't really feel anything.

For the third labour, I'm anticipating it being too quick for an epidural so I'm wondering what, if anything, people would recommend to prepare for it? My normal approach to life is just to power through but wondering if Hypnobirthing or something might make it easier?!

My one piece of advice would be - don't panic! With my first labour I had an epidural (due to a certain set of circumstances) so in my second labour, when the pain reached a certain pitch I started to panic which made it a whole lot worse. The lovely midwife calmed me down and after that, it was was MUCH easier to breathe (grunt/growl) my way through it. Also finding a position that is most comfortable for you, as lying flat on your back (unless there are complications that mean this is necessary, or unless this is how YOU feel comfortable) is not generally the most productive way to push out a baby!

Good luck, you will be absolutely fine. The midwives are there to guide you, and your body knows exactly what to do.

Thank you so much @WeMustGetOffTheMountain! Did you do anything particular to prepare for labour?

I made a playlist, practiced breathing exercises that I found on the internet and just tried to mentally prepare myself - telling yourself out loud in the mirror "you are string, your body is designed for this, you can do this" also really helped.

I work as labour ward midwife. I find a lot of women find TENS machines helpful, especially in combination with gas and air. They are less than £30 on Amazon

You are string 😂😂

Oops 😂I definitely meant "strong". However, if you prefer to use "string" - whatever works for you... 😂