Looking forward to labour - is it just me?

[Danielle86]

With just 5 weeks to go until our due date, I am really excited to give birth.

I know with the joy of a new baby, comes a lot of pain, but having read up on how to try and remain relaxed, I am looking forward to being able to bring my baby into the world.

For those mummies who have already been there, was it as horrific as OBEM makes it appear?

and for all of those mummies in a similar position, how are you feeling right now?

xx

[Bea9000]

I think it is fab that you are excited, just shows all the aches and pains were all for something wonderful! I am 27 weeks today, so still a fair bit to go and I am starting to get nervous about it all, I was asked by my midwife to make up a birthing plan, but this is my first baby so I have no idea what to expect so my birthing plan is to go with the flow! I am excited to see my boy, but so nervous too! I am sure when he is here all the natural motherly instincts will kick in...I hope! My husband is super excited and is reading up about labour etc which is lovely! xx

[Hidden in reply to Bea9000]

Its good to have some idea of how you'd like your birth to go and what interventions/drugs you could have, but its also good to go with the flow. The hypnobirthing course I did really helped me understand what the body is capable of, but also to be open to interventions if required.

[Hidden]

I did hypnobirthing which helped me massively with relaxing and feeling like I knew what I was doing. Neither of my births quite went to plan, but by the time you are 40 + weeks you just want baby out! Breathing and focusing in on your body is really important, trying to stay upright and moving around is good. If I had a third I would employ a ddoula, but I'm not planning on having a third! Good luck, rest up and get mentally prepared for not much sleep with a newborn! Xx

[JNDuce12-13]

It's does hurt but it's true what they say as soon as the baby is out all the pain goes! It's not scream worthy pain at all. I think it's more the unknown and the fact the baby is coming from such a sensitive area anyway. I really enjoyed my labour and birth, it was painful and it made me sick at times but it was so exciting. It's was a really exciting experience the build up to meet your baby etc... it's a great attitude you have! Enjoy and good luck with it all. X

[ClaireEliza]

Hiya. I'm 33 weeks and really looking forward to the birth too. We have now found a satisfactory hospital and hope to have the birth there (fingers crossed!). I'm looking forward to the birth for so many reasons: I can't wait to meet him, I'm tired of heartburn and weird painful twinges in my legs, he seems to want to come out as he is moving a lot and vigorously (to the point it makes me nauseous!), I also am really impatient to know how I will cope with not just the pain of labour but everything afterwards - the nursery is done and I feel bored on my maternity leave!!

I can really empathise with you though - mainly I am looking forward to it all, even labour! I've also been watching OBEM and think ot has helped manage my expectations that things could be really long winded and painful. For me it's better to know it could be difficult than pretend it won't be.

Xx

[Hidden]

I had a long slow labour with a hemorrhage I was looking forward I to it but scared at the same time, did it on no pain killers as I was 10cms when I went into hospital lmao they broke my waters which isn't as bad as they say you can't even feel it and 4 hours later via forceps she was born xD I would do it again in a heartbeat

[Zoe310798]

My first baby is 3 months old and I was dreading labour, but it wasn’t even as bad as I thought it would be. Yes it was long, 34 hours in total, and it was painful but I actually quite enjoyed it and want to do it again lol xx

[ChrisWest1983]

I loved being pregnant and was not looking to the end of pregnancy but I was looking forward to Labour because I read so much about it- I thought I was ready. I understand that each women handle pain differently now. Painful for me were the contractions and not giving the actual birth. When you're ready to pushing stage then it's kind of a relief to do what your body wants to do- to push it out. Also some ladies are lucky with few hours of contractions which starts slowly, infrequently- mine were 5min apart , then within first 2 they were already 3mins apart and I thought I'll be the lucky one to give birth in next hour and gave a call to the hospital- I was so wrong: I was in pain for next 24h. So total time from first contraction to seeing my baby were 26h. Pushing stage was 25mins breeze for me - probably it helped that babe was small- once I understand that I need to push it kind of through my bottom- then head came through and with the next push all his body was out. The pain I felt was forgotten and there was only happiness and love ❤️ As they say: Labour is the only blind date where you'll meet the love of your life- and it's so true 😍

Good luck mama and enjoy this empowering experience!

[KellyTrip in reply to ChrisWest1983]

I had a similar experience to you which is why I am terrified this tme!!

[VictoriaH1]

I've got 5weeks left too!!!! Yay to final stretch 😊

I tend not to watch OBEM as you either get screaming women who lose control or really glamourous ladies who deliver twins, naturally & still have amazing hair & make up hahaha.

I've had 2 children already, one. Not so good delivery & one so quick, I hardly had time to change 😊

I'm currently doing Daisy Birthing course, which I never done with my first two but I am finding it ever so helpful. Breathing, stretching, positioning is helping me prepare. Although I am feeling rather round & some days are more energetic then others, I'm in a good place.

Do you have everything? Is your hospital bag packed?