Starting to doubt...

eg214

Any suggestions for when you're starting to doubt you can do it? I had some serious pain/cramping/contractions earlier this week and ever since, I've been a little doubtful of myself. I listen to the Hypnobirthing CD every night and have  been for months. I try to remind myself of these affirmations, but it's tough. Any advice/thoughts would be great.

SidraJedi

Relax. Go get a massage, chiropractic adjustment, acupuncture or all of the above. Look at pictures of happy babies. Be sweet to yourself. Talk to your SO or support person about your fears.

Don't stress, that baby is coming out whether you are confident or doubtful but if you can't relax you are going to make labor harder. So relax, let it happen.

Just breath and don't get all worked up -unless, of course, you're just getting pumped about meeting your new baby!

aylafsu88

I felt that way a lot towards the end. I was a FTM and I had no idea how it would go and how I would handle contractions. When I went into labor I just let go and let my body do its thing. I got into whatever position my body instinctively told me to get in and made noises/movement I felt. Honestly by letting go and working with my body I was able to get through early labor. Transition was a bit tough since my body wanted to push before I was completely dilated. Fortunately, I had my H and doula with me. My doula got me through that part and they both kept me positive and focused. Just remember you can do this because your body was made to give birth. GL!

juliadanr

It's simple. dont doubt. Women have been doing this for thousands of years, and although it may be painful, it's good pain, this pain isnt associated with harm, or negativity, no one is hurting you. this is what your body was made to do. and at the end of that long day, you'll see the sweetest face you'll ever see for the very first time. 

at least this is what i tell myself. this is my first time, im 36 weeks today. im going to a non-hospital affiliated BC, so there will be no giving in. my goal is to remain as positive as i possibly can. lets hope it 

nosoup4u

Only focus on the contraction that is currently happening, don't let yourself freak out about the whole labor. Make sure you have some relaxation techniques, take each contraction one at a time.

Eve_Angelique

You can do this!! Our bodies were made for this! Trust that your body will know what to do. I did get nervous towards the end but was also pretty stubborn that I was going to be able to do it!! It does get uncomfortable but there are so many non-medical ways that you can cope and deal with the contractions. Since you won't be drugged you can move around into more comfortable positions, use a birthing ball, or be up on your hands and knees. You can walk or be in a tub, which was my favorite! I labored in the tub for about an hour and that really helped me relax in between contractions. I also had a doula that helped me with some breathing techniques that really helped as well. 

Verstej2

With my first, when I had doubts I would read positive birth stores and that helped a lot. There are a number of great sites out there that have tons of wonderful positive natural birth stories. Ina May Gaskins books are great for that too. Each time I read her book I close it feeling excited and looking forward to delivery. Take some time for yourself and remember that your body was build for this purpose. 

eg214

Thanks! I borrowed an Ina May book from my birth center and got about 1/3 way through before class started for me again...I'll take some time today/tonight to read it some more.

LimaD

I agree with what PPs have mentioned.
Focus on 1 contraction at a time. That's really all you can do. And remember that labor is SUPPOSED to hurt. Usually pain is associated with something going wrong but not in this case.  In my birthing class we discussed the PAIN acronym in reference to natural labor:
P: Purposeful
A: Anticipated
I: Intermittent
N: Normal
Relaxation techniques are good, if anything they get your mind off of the physical pain and put your focus on making it through the contraction.  The thing that helped the most was putting my arms around DH's neck, and swaying side to side and letting out a quiet moan sound. Looked like a weird slow dance. but it is what worked best for me!
You can do it!