[Submitted Question]

The birth of my first child was quite traumatic. After a long and very painful labor I ended up with an emergency C-section. Now I am expecting baby number two. As my due date comes closer it gets harder and harder for me to sleep at night. What are the chances that this birth will be as hard as the last one?

[WombToBloom]

I’m not sure. What was the reason for your difficult labor last time? Was your baby in a bad position? Did it have anything to do with your anatomy or health? Do you have a narrow pelvis and large babies? There are just so many variables. Unless you know exactly what the problem was the first time, it’s hard to say whether this time will be different.

Have you talked to your OB about vaginal birth (VBAC) vs. planned c-section? If you are really anxious about this birth, you may be setting yourself up for failure. Maybe a planned c-section will give you the degree of control over the day’s events that you might need to be relaxed.

My recommendation would be to talk all of this out with your doctor. Ask about the mechanics of your previous labor, whether there are similar factors at play for this birth. Tell him about your anxiety and ask if he has any thoughts or recommendations.

[Catmuse33]

Definitely speak with your doctor but I hope you will also discuss this with some of the doulas on the forum.

If the problem with your first labor was not one of the medical conditions listed above by Womb to Bloom, there's NO reason you can't have a stress-free, smooth delivery the second time around -- even a VBAC.

I'm a firm believer that your mindset going into labor has a lot to do with the outcome. Childbirth methods such as the Bradley Method and Hypnobirthing can help create that positive mindset for you.

It will all be fine! Good luck and congrats!!!

[Kadi]

Like the other said, discuss it with your doctor based on the previous difficulties. I had 6 great births and my last was HORRID and ended in an emergency C-section. It is often just dependent on Mother Nature. You are fearing fear itself. Focus on the positive and tell yourself that you have a beautiful outcome to look forward to, no matter how it happens!

[Chelziee]

I have two babies and two very different birth experiences! My son was much like your first, I had complications that made both me and baby loose heart beats for a while, then into emergency c section and only to be followed by not one but two full bags of plasma transplants. It was awful and I spent 2 weeks in the hospital! My second was SO different! I would recommend against induction if it were avoidable, and to ask the doctor if you could TRY natural. Its all about learning from what you have already went through and getting to know your body more!

[KariewithaK]

Try not to determine your current pregnancy and birth to your last. My last was a singleton, my most recent resulted in twins! Just take care and relax and let nature do the work.

If you are having trouble sleeping at night due to comfort talk to your doctor and see what he can suggests, pharmaceuticals or otherwise. I was getting a massage once every two weeks to help me sleep, but then I was so huge with my twins that sleep was nearly impossible and he prescribed Ambien to help me sleep on rough nights. Just try to relax, even though usually easier said than done.

[BatikMama]

My experience, and most mamas I know say that each birth gets easier in many ways. My first was a difficult hospital birth, but 2 since, were wonderful water births, absolutely flawless! Cheers and hugs sister!

[anitagrace2]

batikmama is right.second birth is easier then first one.