Natural child birth/water birth

M2Bee wrote: My first thoughts going towards my decision is I believed there was a direct link to lack of knowledge and fear which increased pain and anxiety making the labour a worse experience.

You're right M2Bee! There is a direct link. A book I highly recommend is Hypnobirthing which comes with cds with visualisation, techniques and affirmations. This is my first bubbie too however I always felt that a medical environment just wasn't right for me. We are made to birth, it is a natural function of our body, and our uterus is made to bring baby out into this world. I agree that if there are certain conditions that don't allow a natural birth, then yes for sure, use medical intervention. But if you're healthy and baby's healthy then go for a natural birth! It helps if your MW if pro natural and has experience with NBs. In your birthplan,and when you visit the hospital/birth centre you must advise them of your plans and make sure they're 100% onboard.

I'm waterbirthing, either at Birthcare or home (haven't yet made the decision). Removing the fear of pain and of all the things that "could go wrong" will also remove the physical pain. We think first, then our body reacts.

I know that as I haven't yet experienced birth it may sound all wishful thinking, however I conceived due to my change in mindset. Long story, but basically I have been told since early 20s that I would need medical help to conceive if I didn't have certain surgery, and even then I had a very small window of opportunity, and DH and I have been trying for awhile. Once I dealt with my limiting belief that was holding me back from conceiving, I fell pregnant 5 days later. (I'm 34) Will put this all down in writing in more detail one day My doc and first scan nurse were shocked as they asked me what fertility treatment I had been on ... lol positive thinking was my answer!

So, get to know your body, what birthing is really all about and focus on the positive and not on the horror stories. If you go to a traditional ante natal class, you don't have to be there for the video. We are so conditioned into thinking having a baby means intense pain and being scared.

Trust in yourself, in your baby and your birthing companion that when bub is ready to join you, she/he will have a wondrous journey and you will have a truly fearless and loving experience.

My experiences are quite a while ago now but still relevant i suppose.

I was always petrified of giving birth as I'd never had any medical procedures and was even scared of having blood taken! I desperately wanted a natural birth but was terrified of medical intervention. My labours were all really lengthy first stages but with my first I didn't realise this so got really worn out and disheartened when I didn't progress as quickly as I thought I should. Anyway ended up with pethidine, gas, epidural, episiotomy, forceps and three shifts of midwives before my first was born. I didn't bond with him and beat myself up as a "failure". Recovery was long both physically and emotionally.

When I got pregnant the second time I made a decision that I didn't want to go through that again so set about making sure that I had a midwife that I trusted and a support crew that knew what I wanted. I ended up having a completely natural birth with a small tear. The feeling was amazing and I couldn't believe that I did it.

My third was a planned homebirth with a small tear that didn't need stitching and was again an incredible experience.

I'm not sure what I could have done differently with my first (without the benefit of hindsight) apart from having a midwife I trusted and who gave me strength to believe my body could do it.

Apart from physical reasons for intervention I truely believe that it's all about "head space" and support. It's good to have a plan but I also think you need to be prepared for any outcome so you don't feel a failure cause at the end of the day however you give birth to a healthy baby you've done your job.

All the best for the outcome you want.