Fear of childbirth

[NervousNell]

Does anyone have a fear of pregnancy/childbirth? We are wanting to expand our family and I am worried something will be wrong with the baby or something will go wrong during the c-section delivery and happen to me. I have 2 boys that were both c-sections so I would have to have another. My first delivery was very unexpectedly difficult but the second was smooth sailing. My dr says I still have what she thinks is ptsd from the first delivery. We have talked plenty and she has reassured me there is no reason she would worry about doing it a third time. Everything checks out great and she says go for it. I want another baby so badly but can’t shake the fear. Anyone else?

[Sprinkle1]

Hello, I think I understand your fear, then I come back to the old saying of Roosevelt, "there is nothing to fear but fear itself". I seldom feel frightened as I made up my mind at age 16 I was not going to let fear rule my life. I am sorry you had such a frightening first birth, then you say the second one went well. I would put my mind on the second one, and if you have the same doctor she probably does hundreds of delivery's a year. One thing I would suggest you find a therapist who helps with PTSD and see it you can free yourself of the fear. You want the baby so you deserve the baby, and the delivery should go quickly. I am with you, get rid of your fear and replace it with a new baby to nurture. Hope this is of help. Sending love and healing with big hugs. Sprinkle 1........xx

[NervousNell in reply to Sprinkle1]

Thank you so much. This made me smile. And made my day.

[LibraryLove]

I agree with Sprinkle1. I totally understand your fear. My mother is a childbirth instructor and I would overhear her talk to moms all the time about all these details about birth and pregnancy that makes me scared of ever wanting to get pregnant. But my mom does give this piece of advice to every single mom she talks to - you are in the safest period of history to have a child. We are in the most medically advanced point in our history right now and there has never been a safer time.

Your anxiety and fear is totally normal, especially since the first pregnancy was unexpectedly difficult. And then, you were able to face that fear and have another child, which is exceptionally brave. You are a brave and strong mama, and if you think you'll need some extra help in getting pregnant a third time by talking to a therapist, then more power to you!

[NervousNell in reply to LibraryLove]

Thank you for this. It also made my day and made me smile.

[Sprinkle1 in reply to NervousNell]

I think I have to tell you about my birth. My Mother was pregnant with her first child (me), it was the middle of the war l942 in England. She was at her Mothers house when she went into labour. There was an air raid going on, so I think I decided I did not want to come out of my safe warm well fed place.

The midwife could not get me to come, so she went for the doctor who lived just a few doors away. He turned me, and I was able to come down the birth canal. My Mother did well as did I. So as you can see, we can and do well with modern medicine. I am a healthy 76 now, and plan on living many more years.

Hope this is of use to you, remember your are a woman, and we women are STRONG, You can do it. I had my son in 4 hours and no stitches. So I say go for what you want and send fear out the door Now.

I send you strength and wisdom, love and Hugs. Sprinkle 1 ....... xx oo

[chinadoll1374]

I can understand your fear, especially since your first pregnancy was so difficult. Fear of childbirth is normal, regardless of how many times you have gone through it. I remember when I went into labor with my second child - I was full of nerves and it was hard for me to understand my feelings since I had already gone through it once. But I think it is BECAUSE I already went through it and remembered some of the negative points that create my fears. Remember that dispite the challenges, you ended up with a beautiful baby in your arms and my guess is (since you went on to have a second child) you decided it was worth it. I know it is hard, but try to focus on the positive instead - meeting your new baby and being able to hold him/her for the first time. The baby smell. The bright eyes. The smiles. I wish you and your family the best.

[NervousNell in reply to chinadoll1374]

Thank you so much 🙏🏼