Need Some Words of Encouragement

Omgzombies

I'm 38 weeks, and I'm so tired. Between the aches and pains, heartburn, reflux, vomiting, (due to said reflux) I hardly ever sleep, not to mention chasing after my two year old DD during the day, I don't know how I'm going to make it through the marathon that is labor. There's a very real part of me that just wants to schedule a repeat c-sec and be done with it. I've put so much effort into finding a supportive OB, travelling an extra 45 minutes each way for my doctors visits, and I'm a great VBAC candidate, but it just feels so daunting right now. Anyone else here mentally? Words of encouragement? I was so upset with my c-sec last time, that I know I will look back and be upset with ,myself for giving in, but the thought of having something go easy this pregnancy is just so alluring. I'd have a set date to be done, no physical labor of pushing, possibly failing anyway, it just seems like the easiest path sometimes. And I really want easy right now!

margeincharge3

Honestly, I saw a c/s as being harder in the end than a vbac. Post-birth, I didn't want to have to deal with recovering from surgery on top of a newborn and a 3 year old. That was one motivation for me to push ahead with a vbac. I was fortunate to have my vbac and my recovery was so much easier than my c/s.

I think if you look at it from that perspective, a repeat c/s loses its appeal from an "easyness" factor.

Also, you never know how labor is going to go. That's obviously good and bad. But, if you're a good candidate and you want to do it, you can do it! When I got to the point of being tired in labor, that was when I got an epidural. My OB was also starting the pitocin and I didn't feel I had it in me to handle that without pain meds. Plus, I wanted to rest and conserve my energy for pushing. I did and it was a great decision for me. I'm not sure how you feel about an epidural but that could be something to consider if you are worried about being too tired.

I know how tiring the last few weeks are. See if your H can relieve you more at night so you can get as much rest as you can.

MeggM1

I don't post often and my ticker is probably completely out of date, but I was right where you were at 38 weeks, with an almost two year old to boot.  I went back to all of my reading materials and watched for the first time The Business of Being Born's VBAC special (you can find it on Amazon, iTunes, or Netflix) and remembered all the reasons why a VBAC was important to me.  I was still tired and anxious, but all that did help.  38 weeks, 4 days I had a successful VBAC and a four hour labor (you may not have a marathon!).  It was absolutely the right decision for me.  And I felt great physically afterwards - so you have that to look forward to.  Hang in there, you are almost done! 

cchill01

Hang in there!  You're so close.  Labor is exhausting and energizing all at the same time.  It honestly doesn't matter if you go in well rested or sleep deprived.  If you were upset with your first c-section, you'll be even more disappointed if you give in now. 

Can you find some time to go have a massage or pedicure?  Maybe take a bath or a nap.  Try to find ways to be comfortable and relax. You're almost there!