Probably Need Therapy

popart89

Hi everyone I'm new here! I've been married for 3 years now and my husband and I are def. thinking of babies BUT I'm in a stage where I am just super scared of the actual labor to the point where it has become really stressful thinking about getting pregnant, and I told my husband I don't want to talk about it anymore. Deep inside me I actually want children sooo... I just don't know what to do? 

popart89

Thanks for replying! I will continue to do research, it's just so stressful to think about it, maybe I'll stop thinking and do more reading

popart89

LOL yes I hope! 

Can I ask you, did you have a natural birth or did you get the epidural? 

jnnfrrose6

I always said I'd never have a kid because needles and pain terrify me.  Of course, here I am with a 1 year old now.  I did almost pass out when they drew blood early on (seriously, they had to put me in a bed and monitor me because my BP dipped so low) and then once I was in labor it took about 4 tries to get the IV in, but once you're at that point, it doesn't matter.  You're too excited to meet your little one (and I ended up having an unplanned c-section...talk about having a fear of pain and getting over it!)

msronzio

The first comment is correct -- no one can fully prepare you for it. However the grand general consensus seems to be that once you deliver the placenta, all of the pain melts away. Even ladies who have had the awful experience of tearing during delivery claim that it's not so bad, and then they go on to have more babies.

Definitely just educate yourself the best you can. I'm sure it will help with the anxiety (which I can totally relate to, since I'm due with my first this month).

Ducktale

I've heard advise to, at some point in your pregnancy, only read/listen to positive birth stories. Of course, you still need to be educated and informed on what could happen, but after that, focus on the positives. I'm not sure why but it seems people share a lot about birth horror stories, and less about the normal, positive ones. Maybe because they are less dramatic? Or maybe because they don't want to brag about a nice/easy/normal (relatively speaking of course) L&D? On another board, someone posted on how they were featured on an episode of A Baby Story and the L&D was very normal and not complicated and all around a great experience, but when the episode aired, it was full of drama and made it sound life threatening, when it was far from the way it actually was. All I know is that very few of my friends and family have had serious complications (some minor ones, sure), but I hear way more about the negative and horrible aspects that the positive.

TikiTurtle

When I was younger I always feared childbirth, but I can honestly say that after reading stories and doing research, I've actually become excited about giving birth. I think it will be a very trying, empowering experience, with the most amazing reward. just keep reading and learning, and yes, stay positive. A good place to check out is the Natural Birth board.

popart89

Thank you so much everyone! This is what I'm talking about I need to surround myself with positivity!!! I'm def going to spend my days here more often : )

@TikiTurtle: I will check out the natural birth board, thanks!

pmarie33

Have you ever done anything you were too scared to do?