Freaking out?!!! 😣

Question

I'm am so nervous first time mom to a baby boy and all I think about it labor. Of how I don't know what I'm looking up against. Contractions and pain are making me even more scared. Makes me cry to even think about it. Or that I'll get stitched down in my area. What are your new mommy or experienced mom's opinions any tips on how to help the pain when it comes to labor day ?

Answer

Born on Halloween! She was due 11/13, my water broke as I laid down in bed after my last shift at work before maternity leave lol. Water broke on its own, 11:30pm, contractions started and were close together, dr sent me in to L&d. I was already 5cm when I got to the hospital @ 2am. By 9:45am I was fully dilated and pushed her out at 10:13am. I did have an epidural at 5/6 cm but my contractions were totally tolerable, I just didn't want to feel everything down there in case of episiotomy (which I did get), but feel I could have done without it if I hadn't had that fear. I was a little too numb and couldn't feel where to push, so we stopped the epidural so I could get some feeling back before pushing. I was only at the hospital for 8 hours before she came, had an easy labor, recovery hasn't been bad at all, just sore down there, but no problem being up and walking myself to the bathroom/showering etc. I'm hoping to calm the nerves of other FTM who are scared about going into labor. It isn't always the hectic, painful scenario that we see on tv!

This was written a few days after I delivered. It's been 3 weeks, I'm still a little sore but more in the way chafing feels, like rubbing together. I don't feel or see any stitches and never did so don't worry

Answer

Please please please, try to put the thought of labor out of your head. It will not help you to be scaring the hell out of yourself every day imagining the pain and all of the what ifs. I know it is easier said than done, but if you make yourself busy and put it out of your mind, watch movies and tv shows, visit people, go out, you will feel a LOT more relaxed when the moment fiamlly comes. :) Everyone begins and progresses and registers pain differently. Your water may break first, or you may begin contractions first. If you start having contractions first, they will not just hit you like a ton of bricks. They will slowly work their way up to painful, and you may surprise yourself at how well you kick contractions asses, by remaining calm and using proper breathing techniques, walking and squatting through them... When they start coming close enough together and you decide you can't take the pain anymore, you're most likely ready to be admitted at the hospital and it's totally up to you whether you want the epidural immediately or try to brave them out longer. I labored about... 12 hours at home and 12ish in the hospital, I got my epidural when I was maybe like a 5-6... The epidural went fine for me, just a little pressure going in and you feel a cold sensation as the pain meds go in and they'll probably warn you about it too beforehand. The epidural was lovely, it helped me get some rest before pushing. My baby was face up and apparently that can make it harder, so I ended up pushing for 2 hours and agreed to having assistance via vacuum suction to get him out because I was utterly exhausted and almost passed out... And that was what finally helped him get the rest of the way out. I had a 3rd degree tear but didn't feel it happen. Hardly felt the stitches too. Recovery wasn't bad, you feel noticeably better every day. You're sore and swollen for a good week, to week and a half. But ibuprofen helps so much. Nurses teach you how to properly care for your netherlies.

Answer

I was terrified of having a baby. My contractions hurt pretty bad. But I could deal with them. I ended up getting an epidural after I got my pitocin. Getting my epidural was the worst part of the whole thing. It took 4 tries because my spine is a little curved. The first 3 times hurt. But the last time when he got it in it didn't hurt at all. And then my epidural was amazing. It was worth the 3 times that weren't comfortable. I was in labor for 15 hours in the hospital. And I pushed for 45 minutes. I did get a 3rd degree tear. But my daughter was almost 10 lbs.

All in all I loved my labor and delivery. And I can't wait to do it again.

I was terrified for no reason.

Answer

I felt the exact same way. On 11/03/15 I woke up to a feeling in my stomach that felt like menstrual cramps. The day before my mother had told me if i go to the bathroom and i see spotting then that means he's on his way. So when i got up and went for the bathroom i saw this pinkish red discharge. I cleaned up and told my mom, she said i was going into labor and then asked if i had any contractions yet..im a first time mom i didnt know what contractions ever felt like so we simply said to wait until the pain progressives more to go to the hospital. It wasn't until the pain got more intense that i went to thw hospital. After reaching the hospital i got checked to see how far i was dialated and at 3cm i was admitted to L&D and until i was 6cm that i got the epidural. Truth be told im terrified of needles and me being the curious person i am read up on epidurals and what happens if i tear (btw don't do that it'll just scare you more) but the epidural isn't that bad that you make it out to be after your numb you dont even feel the needle..heck after you get the epidural you dont feel anything especially if you tear you dont feel a thing.

Answer

Maybe try watching the business of being born on Netflix. They show many natural births and tv overdramatizes things. My hubby has never seen a natural birth and was like oh wow! It can be so peaceful! Lol I have witnessed two fully natural, non medicated births and am going for the same with mine! They were amazing! Try to work through your fear before labor as they say fear can make it a lot more difficult. You've got time to research! And just trust that in that moment all you're gonna be worried about is getting your sweet babe in your arms!

Answer

My daughter was born on October 8th and labor wasn't bad at all! I was terrified too. I ended up finding a website that says taking magnesium and calcium can help with pain when it comes to labor and I felt much more confident about facing labor because of it. Also drinking red raspberry leaf tea when labor starts can help everything go quicker. I started supplementing right away.

I only knew I was for sure in labor because my water broke. It feels like light cramping during early labor. In between contractions I didn't feel anything. I was able to sleep during labor. It does get stronger but I promise you, when you're in labor your entire mindset changes if you can focus on breathing. If you are in too much pain and can't focus anymore, keep an open mind about an epidural. I didn't feel a thing when pushing because of it, and I only tore because I heard the midwife say to the nurse that my daughters heart rate was dropping after two pushes. When she said that I didn't care about tearing anymore. I pushed her out in another 2 pushes (total of 4 pushes) and tore up towards my urethra on both sides. I didn't feel anything at all though. Postpartum healing wasn't bad either. Even with my tear, I was walking around the next day with little/no pain. Chances are though, you won't tear if you take your time pushing and listen to the doctor or midwife guiding you.

Don't be afraid, once it's over you get your little baby in your arms and you forget all about the labor!

If you have any more questions, I can answer them for you (:

Answer

While I have not given birth yet, I have had a number of painful medical procedures including having an ovarian tumor removed.

My best way to deal with pain is a positive attitude. If you think you can't handle something or think it will hurt it will hurt worse. Go in telling yourself you can do it, that millions of moms have done it, and its only temporary and you will be OK!

Good luck.

Answer

Following! I'm due on 11/27 and I'm feeling the exact same way!!!

Freaking out?!!! 😣

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