Labor and delivery

I’m sure so many of us can relate more than we admit. Can I ask, what part exactly is feeling the scariest for you? Is it the pain itself, the possibility of tearing or a c-section or just the idea that things might not go according to plan? Do you know if you’re considered high-risk? Sometimes even just naming the specific fear can help take away some of its power. With my first, I was definitely anxious too. What helped me back then was learning as much as I could, like taking birthing classes, learning about the different pain management options and understanding how things would work if I needed a c-section. It didn’t make the fear go away, but it helped me feel a little more prepared and less like everything was out of my hands

@Sophtha I feel like it’s mainly all the horror stories you hear about / see on social media. I’ve completely stopped watching FB reels/ tik tok because it seems every other video is a negative birth story. I am also redheaded, and have been told redheads are more prone to mainly pph but also other birth complications. And while there isn’t any science that backs it, L&D nurses agree we do have a harder time in labor. And I think because I feel I have no control over anything when it comes to labor, and there are so many unknowns when you’ve never done it before.

I have been listening to Birthing Affirmations by Shawndeya on Spotify. Really trying to will myself to be positive and feel safe. It’s definitely mind over matter for a lot of it. I think knowing what I can control will help me. ❤️

I’m terrified but I know there’s light under the tunnel I love hearing other people’s amazing thoughts that helped them. Plus if it will help this feeling of puking daily and tiredness that’s a bright side to it. Every Person on earth came out because of a mama , the way animals do it naturall has always made me feel a little more at ease. And just pray for a fast one like I’m going to laugh and baby is going to come out but seriously. Better to make a good story and it shall be. I’m 30 and giving birth has been my biggest fear but my mom had three. And my grandma 4 and they are tough and we are tougher. I also feel like this app has helped a lot a lot of women give great advice and we are a community who all are going to go through the same thing in similar time which for me it’s amazing. Audio books have helped me relax since I’m busy and can’t have the time to rest about hypnobirthing mindfulness mom etc. and lastly I remember joining peanut app just at 7 weeks look 27 a miracle

I felt the same way with my first. I definitely agree that the birthing classes helped ease my mind knowing what to prepare for. Try to avoid reading online about horror stories. There’s so many great birth stories out there, but it’s easy to have the few scary ones take over your mind. Just try to stay open minded when going into labor. I had a strict birth plan with my first, and I wish I didn’t because it truthfully wasn’t necessary. I ended up going with the flow, following my body and my baby and i honestly loved giving birth. I’m actually excited to give birth again, it gives so much automatic physical relief and it’s a beautiful moment hearing your babies cries for the first time. Truly an indescribable experience until you feel it ❤️

Totally understand this feeling! With my first, the only birth stories I heard from close family and friends involved long, multi-day inductions, c-sections, etc. I had worked myself up so much about all of it, and in the end, I found myself saying that labor was easiest part of the whole pregnancy! I had a very positive experience. As a first time mom, my labor was very quick, no complications, and we were both very healthy! I was honestly shocked. I wish I had heard more positive stories during my first pregnancy, because it’s true, scary stories are all that seem to pop up on social media. But try to stay optimistic! Positive experiences happen ALL the time!:)

I’m in denial. This is my first and we just bought a new house and are in the midst of moving and getting the new house ready. It’s taken up all of my mental and emotional energy and I honestly am pretty happy I haven’t been able to spare any anxiety for labor yet lol