Any advice on staying calm during the birth?

Other than getting an epidural lol. (Still haven't decided on that one- I am going to try it without, but play it by ear and get one if I really can't handle it. I'm no hero!)





I'm just worried about getting really anxious or stressed- because this is my first time- and I'd really like to stay as calm as possible. Any tips?





Thanks! She's due in 7 days...Any advice on staying calm during the birth?
My best advice is to repeat good things mentally while you're in early labor. By the time heavy labor comes on you won't be thinking any more. Your mind shuts down while your body focuses on the task of having a baby. During early labor think of all the things you love about your baby, the way the baby moves inside you and how excited you are to hold her for the first time. Repeat the names you have picked out over and over, even out loud if it helps.





I also have a habit of counting (this may not work for you). When I need to get my mind off of things or off of pain I'll just count. It really helps me.





The most important thing is to remember that when it's all over you'll be holding your beautiful baby and it'll all be worth it. As for the epidural thing, I think you have the right frame of mind there. Being flexible about whether you'll have one or not is wonderful. My best friend swore she wasn't going to have one and then when her labor got really bad she caved and got one and felt so guilty about it afterwards.





Good luck and congratulations!Any advice on staying calm during the birth?
Well my sister said she wasnt going to get a epidural both times, and ended up she couldnt take it the first time and got one, but the second time with my nephew she couldnt get one because she was past for centimeters so when you get in there depending on how much pain your in i would ask for one early enough so you could get one. deep breathing also worked, bring a object from home something loved ( teddy bear, picture, favorite pillow ) and put it on the far side of the room, when having contractions focus on that one object and ingage in deep breathing. this has shown to be very effective because the breathing helps reduce contraction pain and the familiar object helps you stay calm.
What I did was I just kept telling myself that all the pain was for my baby and as soon as she was in my arms the pain would stop. I also had to keep telling myself that women use to do this at home with no help from a doctor or nurse. If they could do that then I could do it. I ended up having an epidural because of emergency c-section it was amazing instant relief. Good luck and Congrats
Good question! I'm *nervous* about embarrasing myself. Like a panic attack due to pain or something silly. lol My mom will be in there so I hope that helps. I'm also *afraid* of the Epidural needle, but we will see. I will probably get one! =)
i'm going through the same thing here.i've heard to take deep breaths,try to find a comfortable position on the hospital bed,think about some thing that makes you happy when you get hard contractions.


hope everything goes well.
breath, in thru the nose, out thru the mouth. Worked for me. Good luck...you'll do fine.
I heard, thank God I never experienced this. Some women take a handful of the father's groin in her hand.Too painful to actually say what she does next..
I wouldn't go rushing for the needle in the back... I twirled and move my toes and feet, it helped me.
I would recommend an Epidural then.
eat
Mother of three, one epidural and two w/ no epidural.





You can try some breathing techniques, but honestly when you get there it all comes natural. I recommend piggy backs in your IV to assist with the pain. If you do not have the epidural you are able to feel which will help you push and prevent tearing. If you can feel what your doing you will know when not to push and the doctor can massage to prevent tearing.





I used the side rails on the bed and pushed on them as the pain came and then just rode it out.





It feels like you are VERY constipated and gas pains, not your every day constipation but if you have ever been backed up for a week it is similar.





This is the hardest time,,,, the waiting period. This is when you need to remain calm when you get to the hospital like I said it's natural and your body will take care of you, and the nurses will assist.





Make sure to take a camera, baby book (to stamp the babies feet), mints, chapstick, socks and lotion.... The rest of the stuff is not needed..... I didn't order the pictures from the hospital after a couple of weeks I took my babies to the picture galleries to have them done.... They don't loook as wrinkled and red and the pictures look a lot better!!!!





Use this time to rest and keep the house tidy so when you return hoome everything is ready for you.





REST REST REST that is your biggest solution right now!!!





Good LUCK!





Mom of 3





PS...





Also, if you chose not to have the epideral you are able to go with your baby, for example if you have a boy you can be with him for the circumcision, or you can be with them for the shots, first bath etc.... You are more aware of your surroundings and you heal a lot quicker!





I never said it didn't hurt but honestly I forgot about the pain when i held my child in my arms and was able to feel the heartbeat and listen to them breath!!!! It's a blessing!