Freaking out about a natural birth – Mummascribbles

For the past several months, I have been planning in my head for a natural birth. When I first fell pregnant, my initial thoughts were that I’d have another c-section because I genuinely thought that this would be the safer option. Upon going to my vbac session at the hospital, I discovered that actually that is not at all the case and for me, the only route I then wanted to go down was the natural one. Even though this has been in my brain, I have always known that all it would take is for baby to be breech like his brother and it would be straight in for a section. So I now find myself approaching 39 weeks (eeek) with baby head down and (at my last appointment), 3/5 engaged. This means that I am still all set for a natural birth. You know, the one I want – the one I wanted the first time round but had taken away from me at the last minute. 

The problem is, is that I know that risks are still there. Even though the chances are really, really slim, I know the risk of rupture is there and I am once again struggling to get that out of my head. 

Then there is the pain. Yep I know, it sounds silly but I am pretty sure that every pregnant person has freaked out about the upcoming pain element of labour. This is the first time my body will have naturally gone into labour, it is the first time I will have had to try and push a baby out. I am still adamant that I don’t want drugs…especially because drugs tend to slow labour down and if I want to avoid being taken in for a section, I want as speedy labour as possible. 

Then there are the thoughts that I might end up with c-section anyway. If there is the slightest sign that baby is in distress, that I am at risk, that labour just isn’t progressing, I’ll be whisked in for an emergency section.

So wouldn’t it just be easier to go for a section in the first place?

No! 

Don’t get me wrong, my elective c-section wasn’t bad. Yes the recovery was a bit of a pain – not being able to drive or lift anything, or forgetting that I couldn’t walk very far. The worst was probably having to stay in hospital for three days! But I know that I do not want another one. And yet there is a little bit of my head that is saying, well maybe if this pregnancy keeps on going and I get to the discussions with the consultant about induction, at least I can just go straight in for a section. Because I can, and I think I will. Induction is (apparently) horrible anyway but there seems to be no point in having an induction for a vbac because it takes too long and you end up having a section. So there would be my excuse to not give birth naturally! 

So, in my little mixed up brain, I know that I want a natural birth and if I go into labour before 21st September (the date I have to see a consultant), then I will at the very least have the ability to try. I do however feel completely unprepared for it. I think I’ve been so convinced that baby wouldn’t play ball and be upside down, that I haven’t really thought about actual labour up until now, at the point when it could happen at any time.

I decided I needed some inspiration to get my head around preparing for a natural birth and so I reached out to some of my gorgeous blogging buddies to give me their top bit of advice for a natural labour. I was looking for tips on dealing with the whole thing and motivation to tell me that I can do it. I knew I could rely on them and instanty felt lifted and more positive about the whole thing. And so for anyone else who may have an impending birth, who may be having the doubts like me about whether you are capable of doing it or for anyone who may be having those same vbac jitters that I find myself having, here are a bunch of amazing tips to help you through it! 

It sounds cliché but breathing really does work. Long, deep breathes, through the entire contraction – helps you focus and does help with the pain. Also, keep on your feet at much as possible! Labouring sitting / laying / in the car is so much worse!
Emily and Indiana

I found having my Mum and hubby around at home, crap telly, breathing and being as relaxed as possible really helped. Also my Mum says I am so bloody minded that baby was coming out as naturally as possible! You can do it! Agree that breathing REALLY helped
Run, Jump, Scrap

Have confidence in your body, listen to it, it’s capable of amazing things. The more relaxed you can be the better so work out what might help you now (type of massage, music, a shower, low lights) and talk these through with your birth partner.
Counting To Ten

Believe in your body and yourself. Long deep breaths are absolutely key during contractions, your midwife will guide your breathing at the end – comply and you’ll avoid tearing. Don’t be scared, it’s the BEST moment ever!
All Things Amy

Don’t listen to any negativity or bad experiences, just read the positive ones.
The Mummy Adventure

Just listen to your body! Do whatever you have to do to survive (not literally don’t want to freak you out haha!!)! And breathe!
The Smallest Of Things

Trust your body and listen to it. You know it best – not the midwives!
A Mum Reviews

Join the calm birth page on Facebook – it’s hypnobirthing techniques. Mine didnt go to plan at all but the book and techniques kept me pretty calm about it all and I had no fear at all. Was going for my home birth, water pool just gas and air and managed that for 24 hours till I had to have a section, but I still got the labour I wanted till that point.
Two Hearts One Roof

Oh hun you can so do this! But I totally empathise as I did have a wobble in confidence towards the end of my pregnancy. Remember that your body is made to do this, it is the perfect design. You and your baby will just work in harmony and it will be amazing! For anyone else planning a VBAC I can’t recommend the Natal Hypnotherapy VBAC CDs enough, and the book Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth. The book is so empowering and the hypnotherapy just kicked in with each contraction that I had. Considering I laboured alone for most of it, I was really calm and only cared about when Ian was coming with my food!
Quite Frankly She Said

It’s really hard but don’t go into it scared, yes it hurts but the end is in sight once labour has started and you get a beautiful baby at the end of it. Staying calm and focused can really help you stay in control of the pain.
Katy Gibson

I laboured up to 9cm so my advice as far as labour goes is get in the zone 🙂 I totally focused on the job at hand and it helped a lot, also try and rest as much as you can during the early contractions to save your energy
Late For Reality

I honestly think if you can handle a c-section and that recovery period then a natural birth will be a breeze for you! (I don’t know how c-section Mama’s do it, I take my hat off to you ladies!). Just follow what your body tells you to do, it’s surprising how natural it comes to you once it’s all happening. You’re so focused on the end game that pain is just an obstacle and if you are struggling ask for some pain relief. Nothing wrong with having a bit of help! 
Chic Geek Diary