STM fear

Swainb

I am having baby #2 in a few months and I'm starting to get anxiety about going through childbirth again. My first experience wasn't particularly traumatizing, I was induced with Pitocin so it was very painful, but I broke down and got some pain meds and then an epidural. The epidural was worn off by the time I pushed though. I don't know why, but I'm really anxious about it. I really don't want to do it, but that''s not really an option. Anyone else experience this?

CoffeeBeen

I've only had #1, so I haven't had personal experience.  But I think it's how everyone feels about childbirth.  It's not fun.  I'm not sure if it's better or worse now that you know what to expect.  But at least you know by the time you get there,  you will be so filled with hormones and adrenaline that you'll just do what you need to do, y'know?

While you only have so much control over pitocin, when epidural wears off, etc, did you learn anything the first time around about what you would/would not do differently this time?  Like, different pain management techniques or hiring a doula?

Swainb

CoffeeBeen:

I've only had #1, so I haven't had personal experience.  But I think it's how everyone feels about childbirth.  It's not fun.  I'm not sure if it's better or worse now that you know what to expect.  But at least you know by the time you get there,  you will be so filled with hormones and adrenaline that you'll just do what you need to do, y'know?

While you only have so much control over pitocin, when epidural wears off, etc, did you learn anything the first time around about what you would/would not do differently this time?  Like, different pain management techniques or hiring a doula?

I went with a midwife this time and plan on doing a water birth and I am not getting induced unless the baby is in distress. I guess I feel like this isn't the normal fear, it is irrational. I was afraid with my first, but nothing like this. 

judahsmommy1

I don't know how true this is, but I've heard that getting an epidural and having it wear off can actually be worse than just going through unmedicated childbirth because your body has no time to adjust to the intensity. Since this will be your second, your labor is likely to be shorter and so an epidural is less likely to have the time to wear off. You could also consider trying to postpone the epidural this time to when you're 6 or 7 cm (or starting transition) in hopes that it would work for longer.

What are your tools for pain management before the epi at your hospital? Do you have a tub? That worked really well for me last time. I'd talk to your doctor about it. They might have some good ideas for you. 

CoffeeBeen

Swainb:

CoffeeBeen:

I've only had #1, so I haven't had personal experience.  But I think it's how everyone feels about childbirth.  It's not fun.  I'm not sure if it's better or worse now that you know what to expect.  But at least you know by the time you get there,  you will be so filled with hormones and adrenaline that you'll just do what you need to do, y'know?

While you only have so much control over pitocin, when epidural wears off, etc, did you learn anything the first time around about what you would/would not do differently this time?  Like, different pain management techniques or hiring a doula?

I went with a midwife this time and plan on doing a water birth and I am not getting induced unless the baby is in distress. I guess I feel like this isn't the normal fear, it is irrational. I was afraid with my first, but nothing like this. 

You said that you "broke down" and got pain meds, are you trying to go med-free this time?  Maybe that's stressing you out.  I know a lot of people that beat themselves up over how much medical intervention they had, don't fall into that trap.  You do what's best for you and baby.

When's your next appointment?  Maybe you should talk to your midwife about it, she'd probably be able to help evaluate whether it's a normal level of anxiety or not.

Swainb

judahsmommy1:

I don't know how true this is, but I've heard that getting an epidural and having it wear off can actually be worse than just going through unmedicated childbirth because your body has no time to adjust to the intensity. Since this will be your second, your labor is likely to be shorter and so an epidural is less likely to have the time to wear off. You could also consider trying to postpone the epidural this time to when you're 6 or 7 cm (or starting transition) in hopes that it would work for longer.

What are your tools for pain management before the epi at your hospital? Do you have a tub? That worked really well for me last time. I'd talk to your doctor about it. They might have some good ideas for you. 

I think I was 8 cm when I got the epi, my OB wouldn't let them "recharge" it or whatever after it wore off because she wanted me to feel when I was pushing. I do have a tub. But it's not really about the pain, I don't know I can't explain it I guess.  

Swainb

CoffeeBeen:

Swainb:

CoffeeBeen:

I've only had #1, so I haven't had personal experience.  But I think it's how everyone feels about childbirth.  It's not fun.  I'm not sure if it's better or worse now that you know what to expect.  But at least you know by the time you get there,  you will be so filled with hormones and adrenaline that you'll just do what you need to do, y'know?

While you only have so much control over pitocin, when epidural wears off, etc, did you learn anything the first time around about what you would/would not do differently this time?  Like, different pain management techniques or hiring a doula?

I went with a midwife this time and plan on doing a water birth and I am not getting induced unless the baby is in distress. I guess I feel like this isn't the normal fear, it is irrational. I was afraid with my first, but nothing like this. 

You said that you "broke down" and got pain meds, are you trying to go med-free this time?  Maybe that's stressing you out.  I know a lot of people that beat themselves up over how much medical intervention they had, don't fall into that trap.  You do what's best for you and baby.

When's your next appointment?  Maybe you should talk to your midwife about it, she'd probably be able to help evaluate whether it's a normal level of anxiety or not.

I want to go med free this time and did last time, but am fully aware that I might not be able to do it. I will definitely be talking to my MW at my next appointment.  

CoffeeBeen

Swainb:

CoffeeBeen:

Swainb:

CoffeeBeen:

I've only had #1, so I haven't had personal experience.  But I think it's how everyone feels about childbirth.  It's not fun.  I'm not sure if it's better or worse now that you know what to expect.  But at least you know by the time you get there,  you will be so filled with hormones and adrenaline that you'll just do what you need to do, y'know?

While you only have so much control over pitocin, when epidural wears off, etc, did you learn anything the first time around about what you would/would not do differently this time?  Like, different pain management techniques or hiring a doula?

I went with a midwife this time and plan on doing a water birth and I am not getting induced unless the baby is in distress. I guess I feel like this isn't the normal fear, it is irrational. I was afraid with my first, but nothing like this. 

You said that you "broke down" and got pain meds, are you trying to go med-free this time?  Maybe that's stressing you out.  I know a lot of people that beat themselves up over how much medical intervention they had, don't fall into that trap.  You do what's best for you and baby.

When's your next appointment?  Maybe you should talk to your midwife about it, she'd probably be able to help evaluate whether it's a normal level of anxiety or not.

I want to go med free this time and did last time, but am fully aware that I might not be able to do it. I will definitely be talking to my MW at my next appointment. 

Well, good luck!  Pregnancy can be filled with fears and anxiety that are impossible to articulate.  I hope you guys figure it out and that you have the birth experience you want.