Should I panic!?!

Question

I’m 36 and 5 and it has dawned on me today that I have no clue what I am doing! Haha. This is my first baby. I haven’t been to any antenatal classes, read anything (apart from Google doctor that predicted I died 20 years ago!) and I go through life ‘winging it’ and felt like I could do the same about labour/after birth. Should I start to panic?? I’m 38 now and realise I have no idea what I‘m letting myself in for! Tips, advice, happy stories etc would be much appreciated.

Answer

Honestly I think you’re fine..

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I would recommend an antenatal class even if it’s just a YouTube one.
Understanding of the stages of labour and what happens for you and your birth partner is very helpful. 
Also a basic understanding of when to call to it midwife or go to hospital is also good.
Otherwise you can wing it.  It’s painful but there’s always medication.

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I'm doing the Kopa birth course and its helped. Most women plan for epidural but you still have to make it to 6 cm before you get it. Thats along time dealing with pain before relief with no strategy.

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I was 17 and clueless and I raised and Angel. You got this momma

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If you can get to an antenatal class and breastfeeding class then I think it would help you a lot. Education now is a great tool for later

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You sound like me with my first pregnancy. I didn’t take any classes or read any books. 5 years and 2 kids later and we are still winging it! Although, I worked in childcare so felt pretty prepared for baby. I would advise researching your body, the phases of labor, etc. just so you can be empowered and know what’s happening and what choices/options you have!

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Nurse Zabe on YouTube is helpful for pregnancy and postpartum. 
I'd also say that no one knows what they're doing when they first have a kid. You're going to learn as you go like we all did. Try not to be too hard on yourself. You're going to be a great mom.

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Get a app that you could count contraction and have the midwife number on hand or labor and delivery number.  5 1 1 it's stands for 5 minutes apart , last for a minute,  1 hour length. Before you go in. Also , if you can't talk through them go in.. And no matter what,   midwife or nurse will help you e every step of the way.

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YouTube is my friend! I’ve been stressing out as well! My husband and I took a prenatal class and I took a breastfeeding class and that helped. Go to the library and get some books as well! You got this :)