[3dand4d]

we are meant to have babies. Your body will physically be ready no doubt. But you just need to mentally prepare yourself.. and as the pregnancy prolongs you will get to a point where you can not wait to deliver this beautiful child and hold her in your arms. bring your own comfortable pillows to the hospital with you washed with nice snuggle fabric softner bc it will remind you of babys smell and even bring your 3D ultrasound pic to look at. This will motivate you to push DOWN AND OUT!!!. Im on pergnancy number 3 and I get these feelings still but once its time to push you have no fear on your mind at all. You will do fantastic!!

[bellabirthing]

find a great doula. she can help you by talking about your fears, expectations and what you want from your experience. she can point you to great resources in your community, like supportive midwives or doctors, gentle places to give birth, etc. she's there to help you feel wonderful about this journey.

also, watch Orgasmic Birth.....see what birth can be like. there is nothing to be afraid of. you have many choices and if you take responsibility, you can find just what you need to have a wonderful birth.

the worst thing you can do is stick your head in a hole, do exactly what your doctor tells you and just wait for it to be over. claim this experience and discover how strong and powerful you are. it's a necessary lesson heading into motherhood.

[vikingdoula]

There are so many great posts here. It was so good to see someone recommend HypnoBirthing! If you're scared, HypnoBirthing is definitely the way to go! Fear is the birthing woman's biggest enemy. So don't watch all the scary birth-drama shows on TV, and don't listen to other women's "war stories." Ask them to remember what their mamas taught them: "If you can't say anything nice (about birth), don't say anything at all!" You just don't need the negativity. HypnoBirthing will give you ways to release your fears and limiting thoughts, and to set a positive expectancy for a joyful birth.
Many hospital childbirth classes are a "this-is-what-we-do-to-you-when-you-get-here" class - which is fine, if what you want is the usual hospital protocol (full of interventions). So choose your childbirth class carefully. There are others besides HypnoBirthing that are also good: Birthing From Within, Bradley, and Calm Birth are examples. They are generally more expensive than hospital classes, but well worth it! How can you put a price on empowerment vs. "becoming a better patient"? And that's where the differences begin.
Giving birth is a wonderful rite of passage, and being a mother is an experience that is equal to none other in this life. Even though billions of women have done it, your experience will be unique to you, the memory of which will remain with you until you breathe your last breath. Embrace it. Trust it. And congratulations!

[ClarissaNassar]

it is a stressful time when it is your 1st, I remeber worrying about EVERYTHING! I watched a lot of videos and TLC shows lol they helped!

[BatikMama]

As a mom of 3, number 4 on the way, it seems pregnancy and being a mom brings up a certain amount of fear generally...What has helped me to work through it and enjoy the process of pregnancy, birth and being a mom is to allow the worries to come and simply listen to your heart to guide you through. Sounds simple, and it is, but it isn't how most people respond to fear. You don't have to hide from these natural fears, watch them as you would a child at play..because really they only prove you truly care about your child's and your own well being. When the birth takes place, you can be afraid, and feel everything, and stay in your heart - you will enjoy the ride ride into motherhood. Also, spend time with other mom's who are not giving you negative advice, or fearful anecdotes, stories etc.

Infinite Blessings!

[Knoxville Doula]

Join a group online of women who are birthing naturally -- even if you are not 100% sure if you are planning on an unmedicated birth. Their support and enthusiasm will do wonders for your morale. Avoid women wanting to tell your their "horror stories". Envision the birth you want. Remember that birth is a normal, healthy event. When troubling or negative thoughts enter your head, identify the source of it and turn it into a positive thought (ex: I'm afraid of pain -- I will employ coping and pain management techniques to deal with the discomfort of labor). It's a beautiful process and ends with the birth of your baby. You CAN do it!

[Erin Oliver]

definitely read the books not just what to expect when expecting. Birthing From within has a pregnancy diary. Talk to a doula, they can show you all the different tools that they use for labor comfort. Take a birthing class, take a tour of the hospital and don't let the horror stories others scare you because what they often forget to say is at the end of all the things that pregnancy and labor brings you fall the hardest you will ever fall in love with the most perfect most precious gift that is worth every single thing you went through, I promise there is nothing like the love you feel for your children and especially the first time you see and hold them.

[Chelziee]

Educate yourself is the key! I wanted to know any thing about pregers I could get my hands on. I spent hours online reading and watching things. I knew that there was a strong possibility for c-section and epidural so I watched so many online i knew exactly what to expect. talk to your doc about it, tell him how you feel and ask what he can do to make you more comfortable, and tell him you would like as much information on the birth process as you can get, most docs even have pamplets for you if you ask.
-Chelsey

[MrsAshley]

First off, breathe...don't take this step for granted. Secondly, try to educate yourself as best you can and try (I know it's hard) not to stress. I recommend never watch those problematic pregnancy/baby stories on tv. They are the exception and they are on tv to add drama. Yes, every pregnancy is quite dramatic but not life threatening like they often portray. People have had babies since Eve's first little one so don't worry too much about it. There are tons of resources available to help you be an educated mama. Rest, eat right, do correct exercises in moderation, and enjoy this wonderful time!

[golden pregnancy]

I see by the date, the original poster has had her baby by now. I would love to hear the end of the story.

I am adding my 2 cents anyway, for those who may be looking for an answer to the same question. I did the exercise in this link with my daughter when she was pregnant and now use it in my doula work. It is an exercise on confronting and conquering what scares you about childbirth.
http://www.transitiontoparenthood.co...uts/Tigers.pdf