Fear of vaginal birth and c-sections

Yes, I’ve always had an intense fear (and somewhat disinterest) in vaginal birth and labor. My coping mechanism was to book a c section. It was a great experience for me, controlled and calm. It felt a bit odd at times however the baby is born pretty quickly after starting then you’re so happy to meet them that you don’t pay any attention to what they’re doing then… go with your gut feeling all the way, your birth, your body, your choice xx

You’re definitely not alone. If you’re open to it, look into hypnobirthing techniques (highly recommend taking a class), and watch some positive birth stories. My husband & I took a class and it has made us both feel more empowered with having tools to support us if we’re able to do an unmedicated birth center (top choice/goal) or if we end up at a hospital for either vaginal or c-section delivery.

For the c section you can have the curtain up. For me my fear was smell and noises. Unfortunately I didn’t get my wish for the smell they forgot to give me a lavender patch on my gown. My bf had to distract me but I still could smell them cauterizing. The noise wasn’t bad. They had music on and I was told you could pick it if I wanted. I didnt feel anything even the pressure they said id feel wasn’t a big deal very light. Barely felt that too. I think recovery is also something to think about. But I’m kinda glad I didn’t give birth vaginally. I was induced and in labor for 3 days prior to calling it quits and asking for a c section.

I had a fear of a vaginal birth and it actually turned out really well. I ended up getting an epidural because I didn't anticipate back labor 🫠 but don't regret skipping the elective c-section. This time I'm hoping to go unmedicated and have been listening to a great book on hypnobirthing (not a woo-woo one 😅) and I think it will be so beneficial! Siobhan Miller is the author.

Omg I was the same before I had my firstborn and what I did was just watch a reality show called “deliver me” about 3 drs that are friends at a hospital and specifically delivering babies. True stories btw and I forced myself to watch it until I got use to seeing all the different births and complications to help prepare me so I would be less stress on my actual day and I ended up loving the show and was able to watch it without finding it scary but now a beautiful thing 💝 and then when I had to give birth, it was so easy, I honestly reckon my contractions were more painful than pushing. Just don’t think about it too much but prepare yourself mentally and practice your breathing techniques and you’ll be fine 😊

Personally, I’ve done both and I would pick vaginally every time—the recovery was so much easier and faster. Obviously labor was hard but get the epidural!!

What calmed me/helped me was reading the book, “the calm birth method.” I read it for fun, along with other books, but that book made me not afraid of labor and I actually had an unmedicated birth because of it which wasn’t my plan LOL. PS. I’ve also had a c-section and recovery was long and painful. It took MONTHS to recover. Im pregnant with baby #3 and I am planning a VBAC.