How Scary Is The Birth Process? THANK YOU POST #51

[lovinwdw]

I posted earlier today that DH & I would be TTC during our WDW vacation scheduled in October. Now that has me thinking, how am i going to handle the whole birth process???!!! I know everyone's experiences are different, but can i get some input...thanks

 

[DisneyAddict_M]

Labor is the easy part. It's raising the child that's difficult.

 

[mickeyboat]

Anything you are doing for the first time can be scary. Everyone's birth experiences are different, some gp beautifully, some are very scary. Mine were beautiful in some respects, and scary in others.

Hannah was a premie, so I was worried about her for the entire birth. Emily came so quickly, the intensity of it all was very scary.

I tell you what's even more scary, knowing that you are responsible for your child forever.

Good luck, and don't worry!

Denae

 

[Christine]

Before I ever got pregnant and, then, for a little while during my first pregnancy, I was very scared about the delivery and how painful it might be--or what might happen to me.

But as the time grew closer to deliver, my fear became less and less and I was actually quite excited when the time came.

I used drugs during delivery so pain was minimal.

 

[Beth76]

Get an epidural and take a nap! You'll be fine!

 

[mariolatry]

I was really fearful about the whole process but it turned out to be better than I thought. It was actually kind of surreal.

My water broke without me having any contractions so I ended up on Pitocin. The contractions were bad but then I got an epidural and felt WONDERFULLLLLLL.... The only bad part was that DD got stuck at the last minute and they had to use forceps but you know what? I got through it. It seems trite but you get through it. I was proud to know that my body had done something so incredible.

 

[SC Minnie]

Labor is the easy part. It's raising the child that's difficult.

You got that right!

It is different for every one and for every horror story there is a story about being in labor for 5 minutes.

I had an epidural so didn't feel much during the actual birth process. No one had ever told me what contraction felt like so I didn't know the menstrual type cramps I was feeling the week before my due date were actually contractions until I called the dr.

 

[luvdzne]

Labor is the easy part. It's raising the child that's difficult.

You sure got that right!

All the pain and agony you will go through will be worth it in the end

 

[MamaLema]

Labor is the easy part. It's raising the child that's difficult.

I agree.

Seriously though, try not to focus on the bad parts. Yes, it will hurt and that's an understatement. But I found towards the end of my pregnancy, I was watching shows like Maternity Ward and it only made me more freaked out when I went to labour. Remember no matter how much pain you're in, it will all be worth it when you see your beautiful baby.

 

[hydster]

I freaked out for pretty much my whole first pregnancy about how badly it was going to hurt and all the other "horror" stories people told me about their labor/delivery. When I hit my 9th month I would have done pretty much anything to get that kid out. I was so sick of her using my internal organs as her own little tae bo gym that I couldn't stand it 1 min longer. She was 8 days late to top it off.

My suggestion would be to at the very least go to birthing classes. I really wish I had done that even though I wasn't thinking of doing it naturally but it would have been a big help just to know how to push and how to do it effectively. The first 20 min I pushed all wrong and it wore me out.

I told my ob how scared I was and she told me that I'd be fine and it was a little too late to worry about that now since I was already 4 mos pregnant at the time!

You'll be just fine! We women have a lot of strength and in the end after you see your baby you won't even remember how bad it was (Which is why most of us have more than 1 kid) Selective memory

 

[Lynn CC]

I think raising a child was the easy part for me, he's 19 now and DH and I had more fun than we ever expected to have every step of the way while raising DS. He still comes home a lot to do fun stuff with us too!

I only had one so that goes to show you what I thought about the pregnancy and the birth! I made a promise to myself right after I had DS to Never put myself though that again. Obviously, most of the time it's not that bad because they go back and do it again. Not me, without getting into detail, it just wasn't good for me in any way that I can think of.

 

[mytwotinks]

After being pregnant for 40 weeks you really don't care what they do to you! You just want that baby out and you are not even worried about how it is going to happen! I was really terrified (especially after I found out that I was having a c-section) but really when you get to that moment it is all o.k.! You are sooooooooooo focused on meeting your new little guy or gal that it doesn't really matter. I have never heard of anyone chickening out!

 

[mickeysgal]

Just remember...Say Yes to Drugs.

Everyone is different, don't listen to everyone's stories and get yourself all worked up with the thoughts of pain and the what-ifs. Your doctor will handle you in the manner that best suits you...drugs included. Talk to him beforehand about your concerns and fears. He/she's heard it all before and should be able to qualm your fears.

My youngest is 10 now and the memories of the birth pain are faded. Yours will too. You'll get through it in your own way. Now, no one told me about the pain that teenagers bring to a household!

Best wishes.

 

[ryka]

I agree everybody is going to be different. I have 2 kids and went all natural with both. ( not my choice) I begged for drugs and they kept telling me in 5 mins and never gave me any. I was never scared of giving birth. I knew that the little bit of pain I was going to be in didn't comapre to having my baby in my arms.

 

[AllyandJack]

You know what scares me about birth? Having a catheter. Don't you need one when you get an epidural? For some reason, the idea of that is really upsetting to me. You'd think with everything I've had done to me in that area, a catheter would be nothing. But, no. I'm freaked out about the catheter. I heard they wait until the epidural wears off to take it out and that it hurts to go to the bathroom after. What's the story with the catheter?

 

[sugarpie]

I was terrified during my first pregnancy, scared of the pain, scared of the baby not being healthy, scared I wouldn't be able to push her out. I thought for sure I would need an epidural, but as soon as I went into labor my body took over. There's nothing to do at that point but to get through it.

Two natural childbirths later and I'd do it again if I had to. (I hope not though!! )

Childbirth is actually a beautiful experience. It sounds strange, but it is. And I learned what a strong person I am, when I need to be.

 

[mickeyboat]

You know what scares me about birth? Having a catheter. Don't you need one when you get an epidural? For some reason, the idea of that is really upsetting to me. You'd think with everything I've had done to me in that area, a catheter would be nothing. But, no. I'm freaked out about the catheter. I heard they wait until the epidural wears off to take it out and that it hurts to go to the bathroom after. What's the story with the catheter?

You know, I had an epidural, and I seriously cannot remember whether or not I had a catheter - so either they don't do them, or it was so much of a non-event that I can't remember.

It did hurt to pee afterwards, but that was because of the stitches. If I angled myself just right, it wasn't bad.

Don't worry!

Denae

 

[KimR]

You know what scares me about birth? Having a catheter. Don't you need one when you get an epidural? For some reason, the idea of that is really upsetting to me. You'd think with everything I've had done to me in that area, a catheter would be nothing. But, no. I'm freaked out about the catheter. I heard they wait until the epidural wears off to take it out and that it hurts to go to the bathroom after. What's the story with the catheter?

With 2 of my babies, I didn't even realize I had a catheter; they put it in and took it out while the epidural was in effect. Going to the bathroom afterwards wasn't wasn't painful either. However, with my middle DD, I had to have one after labor because my bladder was bruised or some such thing from labor and I couldn't go on my own (sorry if TMI). No, it was not fun but I think that is the exception rather than the rule.

 

[mrsltg]

Everyone has a horror story and they love to share it with pregnant women. Remember that your body was made for this and you can do it. Keep telling yourself over and over and over again that the human race has come this far, clearly you can take it one step further! Educate yourself on birth. Read more than "What to Expect When You're Expecting". Find out the birth philosophy of your doctor or midwife. Think about what kind of experience you want. There is no "wrong" way. Find an advocate who will help you when you are very occupied with giving birth. And, understand that while, yes, it hurts, it's more than worth it!

 

[hydster]

Oh yeah I forgot about the catheter.....but it wasn't that bad either! They put mine in after I went numb with the epi and then it wasn't bad when they took it out...it was a relief actually.

For me the hardest part was actually starting to go. It took many tries with hot water and showers in order for everything to start working right. They'd come in, get me in the bathroom and I'd sit there forever. Had to pee in a "bedpan" type thing so I could prove that I was able to go on my own so they didn't have to insert the catheter. Everything in the "Southern Region" was so sore I can't tell you what hurt where or why.