I’m 36 weeks today, and I want to be excited about my baby, but I’m not really. I’m really scared of labor. I’ve taken a birth course, watched videos, read testimonials, read books, etc. So I’m not going into this unaware. I just don’t know how to shake this sort of depression I feel about it. It’s really clouding what should otherwise be an exciting time.

I’m not religious or spiritual so praying and meditation are NOT going to be helpful to me. No offense to women who take comfort in those things, but I know myself and those won’t be helpful now or during labor.

Is anyone else feeling this way? Or did you feel this way before your first birth? Have you learned anything helpful? I just want to be excited and happy instead of stressed and scared.