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02-24-2013 at 12:42 AM
smbeneke
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Terrified

I am absolutely terrified of delivering this baby, and everytime I feel a little more confident about the whole process something reminds me how scary it all is. Watched a few videos, and that just frightened me more. Have had a few heart to hearts with women who have kiddos. This is probably TMI, but the real problem is I have a hard time getting a PAP smear done. How am I suppose to have a baby?
 
02-24-2013 at 12:50 AM
Jasmineeel...
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Awe,

What kind of births did you watch? One time I watched a birth of a woman who labored with dolphins and went and had a zen birth in her tub with flowers around her. Made me feel good, natural water births are less scary to watch.

I would recommend getting a doula and going with a midwife.. Or one of those things. They can make you feel a lot more comfortable. 


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02-24-2013 at 1:01 AM
ladybugpjb
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What about a pap smear is difficult for you? They used to be difficult for me, and still are to a point. But I really don't equate pap smear with giving birth, except that your doctor will be up in your business quite a bit, and that is always awkward to me.

My best advice is to find a provider with whom you are comfortable - whether that is an OB or a midwife or a doula, you need to have someone there who will help you feel comfortable. Honestly, one reason I hated pap smears for so long is because my gyno creeped me out. I never realized how much he creeped me out until I went to a different doctor - the best doctor I ever had, actually. Unfortunately, I only saw her once since we're military and we move alot. That was enough to convince me that a good doctor makes a big difference. You need to be able to trust your doctor/midwife. If you're uncomfortable with the provider you are seeing now, start looking for a new one ASAP.

Also, stop watching birth videos. Learn about birth - what happens, what types of meds are used, what types of interventions are used so that you can be informed, but just stop watching the videos if they are causing more harm than good.


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02-24-2013 at 1:16 AM
smbeneke
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I was watching some scary one where they showed everything. The had to cut the lady. And I knew about the placenta, but I didn't really understand.... eeek!

I did watch a water birth video, and that seems much more calm. I just feel like it would be more comfortable in case something went really wrong to be in the hospital.

And I have thought about a doula/midwife. I just need to look more deeply into whether or not I can have them with me in the doctors office.

 
02-24-2013 at 1:23 AM
smbeneke
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After having a pap smear when I was 9 from a traumatic experience, I haven't even been able to have a pap done... At all. I feel uncomfortable no matter who it is down there being that open and vulnerable. I know it doesn't make sense because how could I be pregnant then, but in an intimate moment with my husband I am fine (there was a time where that it was really difficult to be intimate too).

I talked to therapist as a child, and maybe I just need to talk with someone again.

Thank you though for your advice, and definately no more videos!

 
02-24-2013 at 2:17 AM
CelticWife
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Truthfully, I have two children and I didnt watch either of them actually being born. Felt it, didnt watch.

Step away from the birthing videos.

I do know how you feel. I was terrified of giving birth the first time. I was actually really freaked out at the idea that people would be staring at my crotch, that I would be half naked, and so on. Moms told me that I would not care once I was in labor. I didn't believe them.

Truthfully, by the end of your pregnancy, you feel pretty miserable. You just want it to be over with so that you can meet your baby. Once labor finally starts, you will be nervous but relieved. As labor progresses, you just want that baby OUT.

Typically, labor progresses slowly. You have time to adjust. Take it one contraction, one decision, at a time.

"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to be over, it's about learning how to dance in the rain." -Unknown

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02-24-2013 at 2:25 AM
CelticWife
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smbeneke:
After having a pap smear when I was 9 from a traumatic experience, I haven't even been able to have a pap done... At all. I feel uncomfortable no matter who it is down there being that open and vulnerable. I know it doesn't make sense because how could I be pregnant then, but in an intimate moment with my husband I am fine there was a time where that itnbsp;was really difficult to be intimatenbsp;too.I talked to therapist as a child, and maybe I just need to talk with someone again.Thank you though for your advice, and definately no more videos!


Ok. This kind of changes my answer a bit.

I would definitely talk to therapist. I know a woman with a past history of abuse, not saying you were, who had a therapist who worked with her ob. The therapist was actually at her delivery. They also arranged for her DH to catch the baby.

I am not sure where you live, but I would also consider finding a birthing center or a midwife instead of an ob.

I wish there was something I could say to actually help. But I wish you all the best.

"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to be over, it's about learning how to dance in the rain." -Unknown

DS: age 4

DD: age 2

Currently pregnant with our 3rd!

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02-24-2013 at 7:16 AM
PSU Export
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Also this...when the time comes and your baby is ready to come out...your fears will probably be at the back if your mind. I wasn't thrilled about giving birth either, but was more concerned about getting dd out than anything else. I think the other ladies had some great suggestions that will also really help you.

BFP #4 11/21/12 - EDD 8/2/12 BFP#3 Missed m/c 9 wk 3 days. D & c 4/27/12. :( BFP #2 8/10/09 - DD Born April 2010 BFP #1 Suspected Ectopic 4/09 - Methotrexate  
02-24-2013 at 7:26 AM
magdalina....
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I would find a therapist due to your response.
02-24-2013 at 8:13 AM
casey78
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I am sorry you experienced that. Even if your fears might change over time, going through the next few months terrified couldn't be pleasant. I'd really encourage you to check out a counselor who can help you cope with some of the transitions you have coming up. 

 On another note, I wonder if you might benefit from checking out some meditation, mindfulness based stress reduction, or pregnancy specific relaxation (hypnobabies comes to mind, but it is a full system). My thinking is lots of practice and relaxation now is good for you and baby, may help your labor progress when the time comes, and may give you tools to stay relaxed and focused as you get into the time during labor where you are feeling most vulnerable (like checks from doctor and nurses, etc). 


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02-24-2013 at 8:15 AM
jillianjig...
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I hate paps and they hurt me, so I was terrified to have my DD. But I can assure you - when you are in the moment, your excitement and adrenaline take over. I'm starting to think about childbirth again and when I feel myself getting nervous, I just think about DD's birth and how it was a good experience. Hoping for the same thing this time too!

Married my BEST FRIEND on December 1, 2007. Started TTC in March 2008. Found out we were expecting our first child in October 2008 - but had a m/c in December 2008 - resulting in a d&e. Met with a RE in May 2009 and set a plan - but conceived unexpectedly on our own! Our precious little Sophia was born on February 9, 2010! Lilypie Third Birthday tickers
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02-24-2013 at 8:56 AM
Kstowe07
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I was terrified too but once everything starts happening you won't really be thinking about being scared. I was more excited that I was finally getting ready to see the baby. Alot of things I was afraid of I didn't even feel or know happened because of the epidural. You will be fine :

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02-24-2013 at 10:58 AM
kendra223
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Paps make me really uncomfortable. I didn't get one til age 20. If I attempt to put a tampon in, I come close to fainting. I have no idea why, I was never abused.

I have a DD and a LO on the way though. I delivered DD vaginally and I was just fine. They had to do one stitch down there afterwards and it was fine. I was induced because of gestational diabetes and I had an epidural because contractions got intense real quick. Once they gave me the epidural, it was fine. Never feel bad about asking for an epidural.

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02-24-2013 at 12:34 PM
maize27
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I could have written this post! I used to have to take a tranquilizer to get a pap- no joke. Major gyno phobia.  Anyway, I went into labor w/DD and all those fears went away. One thing that really helped was going to the birthing class at the hospital and just having faith in my drs and nurses.  On the plus side, I now get a pap with no issues : ) 

 

good luck and stay calm! 

 
02-24-2013 at 1:12 PM
BeckyTheEn...
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To add to what others put, I found it really helpful to tour my hospital.  That way, I knew where everything was, what my room would look like, and all of that ahead of time.  It takes some of the uncertainty aspect out of delivery.  I also agree that videos weren't my thing.  I have 2 kids, and never "watched" them be delivered.  I don't feel like I missed out at all on seeing anything.  Ditto as well that you may want to consider an epidural or other medication.  Obviously this is a very personal decision, but having something to help with the pain may help you psychologically as well.
 
02-24-2013 at 2:19 PM
MrserinJ
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I am such a wimp and this is my third baby, so it is tolerable!!

I completely agree with the poster who said step away from the videos! I would never, ever want to watch my child being born! Feeling it is enough! This coming from a girl who passed out watching a c section video in high school biology and also when I had my belly button pierced! Lol

Honestly though, I won't tell you it's not bad; it is. But your body kind of knows what to do. I had an epidural with my first and it was Heaven. I slept through most of my 48 hour labor. With my second, I didn't have time to get it and it hurt a lot. But you know, you don't have a choice and you just do it. You do know that there is an end in sight. You can do it and you will manage! It's hard but in the end, it's a small part if the whole process. You will get through it, I promise!

Try not to think about it too much right now because when it happens its usually a whole process that starts off slow and you have time to "ease into it". There's no point survuksting what it will be like because you really don't know until you're there and wondering is wasted energy. I figured this out too.

GL Hun, and you'll be ok!
 
02-24-2013 at 2:20 PM
notquitebl...
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I think you could benefit from therapy to talk about your past trauma and hopefully work through your feelings.  A doula would be helpful too.

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02-24-2013 at 4:09 PM
OSUJaydee
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I was terrified to give birth too because having doctors do much of anything to me used to make me uncontrollably anxious! I actually did both therapy and physical therapy prior to getting pregnant to work on those issues but it was still really scary.

Pap smears are actually more painful for me than childbirth was. I was given an epidural an hour after they started my pitocin drip (I was 3cm) and never really felt a contraction. During birth I tore, but I think I was so focused on meeting my baby that I didn't even realize it. This was my experience and yours may be completely different, but I wanted to share my story with you to hopefully ease some of your fears! 


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BFP #1: 11/2009, m/c at 11 weeks, EDD 7/2/2010
BFP#2: 4/2010, DS born 12/15/10
BFP#3: 1/2/2012, m/c at 12 weeks, EDD 9/12/2012
BFP#4: 4/23/2012, m/c at 8 weeks, EDD 12/21/2012
RPL Results 9/2012: PCOS and PAI-1
1500 mg Metformin, baby aspirin, Foltx & progesterone
BFP#5: 10/20/2012
 
02-24-2013 at 4:15 PM
trudibell
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I hate getting PAPs too, and I used to be terrified of it. You just have to see it as necessary, I actually suggest stop watching videos.  Talk about a birth plan and a plan B with your partner, go to classes, and try to relax about it until the time comes. 
 
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