Irrational fear of labor???

I have to tell you - I'm DREADING it.... I don't want to think about it, talk about it.... I just have this fear that it will hurt, that I won't be able to push or go thru with it, that the baby will just be "stuck"... that somehting will go wrong.... the list goes on and on....

Also, that I'll be in pain after....

Am I the only one?

what got you thru your labor jitters?

Re: Irrational fear of labor???

I am very nervous about labor, but I think if you focus on the task at habd and the end result, it will be okay

We can do it

Re: Irrational fear of labor???

I have totally been there. I just kept telling myself you got yourself into this and there's only one way to get out of it. You can go into it with fear or with faith. I totally prepared myself to have complete faith in God, my doctor and in my body to get me through. I also kept telling myself women have done this for thousands of years in fields and without hospitals and medications. We are the lucky ones to have modern medicine. You will do great!! You just need to stay focused and positive

Re: Irrational fear of labor???

Im not afraid...i just know I will be in PAIN and screaming and hope that it will be over quickly!!!

Re: Irrational fear of labor???

No offense to anyone but I look at some people I know and go "If THEY could do it, I can do it!" It might not be so nice but it's true. We are women, we are made to do this whether it's V or C. You'll be fine!

Re: Irrational fear of labor???

I konw it is scary thinking about it, but when it is actually happening, you really are not scared, more excited. You know there is an end in site.

Re: Irrational fear of labor???

Posted by dee7772

I know it is scary thinking about it, but when it is actually happening, you really are not scared, more excited. You know there is an end in site.

Re: Irrational fear of labor???

Honestly, I'm not afraid of labor at all. I know some people have bad experiences, but most people only talk about how incredible is to be holding their baby for the first time. I'll be thinking about the whole time and I think that will make it less scary. Not to mention the fact, that although it is the most wonderful miracle, it happens everyday -- our bodies were made for this.

Re: Irrational fear of labor???

So far, I'm cool with it. I have total faith in the power of an epi and after reading so many other people's stories, I don't even care about pooping or vomiting in the delivery room anymore. It is what it is. Billions have women have done it and the doctors and nurses have seen it all. I'm more frightened of what'll happen after delivery. Will I be a good mom...will I know what to do...what do I do when my baby is crying and I don't know why and it's breaking my heart....

Re: Irrational fear of labor???

It's a normal fear. Just try not to think about it. In the end, generally, the labor pains is the worst of it. Most people get an epidural and don't feel a thing, I didn't have one with my first, but the actual birth I honestly couldnt' feel due to how hard the baby's head presses down on everything.

Re: Irrational fear of labor???

I probably don't have the best advice. I was so nervous about giving birth. I actually think I was in denial up until the point of them telling me to push. I didn't go to lamaze or visit the hospital because I couldn't think about it! All in all I must say you get through it and you do forget the painful part.

Re: Irrational fear of labor???

Thank you sooo much ladies - you have no idea how all of these words really helped - I usually am pretty rational and level headed (albeit a little kooky and quirky) and I was so ashamed of myself for letting my fear get the best of me - thanks for reminding me I'm not the only one on the planet pregnant and giving birth!!!

Re: Irrational fear of labor???

Your fear is NOT irrational. I have not read all of the responses but wanted to tell you that Hypnobirthing helped me with this fear. I began to look forward to birthing a baby. You may want to consider it.
Another thing that helped me was to see what an amazing thing it is that our body can do. I mean, giving life...that is amazing. As I truly started to believe that my fears became much less. Understanding what is happening inside of your body and to the baby at each stage also helps fears go away. Just knowing "this is normal".."this will last only a short time"..etc..

HUGS

Re: Irrational fear of labor???

i had this too - but thank goodness, had a great labor and never even needed pain meds after samantha was born......as for how i got over it...i didn't really - but half of me thinks b/c i was so sure it would take forever and hurt so so so much that i overestimated the whole situation and was pleasantly surprised!

Re: Irrational fear of labor???

I am scared as welll and totally relate to you. I have an uncontrollable fear of Drs. But surprisingly when I became pregnant I just went with the flow. I can not beleive how strong I have been throughout this whole ordeal. Blood tests, exams, tests.. you know the drill. I get nervous at times but since my pregnancy has been exceptionaly well (thank god) things are so smooth. It has calmed me. I am inquisititve and do get worried if I will survive labor..lol.. but I look at friends and family and say.. they've all lived thorugh it ... you'll get through it. Besides.. there is no way out of it... it's something we have to do. To tell you the truth I am more afraid of having a C section than giving birth. I just thank god for epidurals because without that my fear would go to new heights.

Re: Irrational fear of labor???

I am so glad I'm not the only one!!!!