Tuesday, November 14

Nervous

I'm going out on an unusual limb here today, I am about to admit that I am NERVOUS! I don't really get nervous for a lot of things - generally I feel better going into situations with a positive outlook, and a "well, the worst that could happen is..." mindset. I like to think of myself as a brave person, and one who fully trusts God to carry me through things. This time though, I'm just plain nervous. I'm nervous about seeing the doctor tomorrow, and have her "tinker" because I don't know if that will do anything. Then, it makes me nervous that it might NOT do anything, and I'll have to wait another full week before the idea of unduction comes up. I'm nervous about all the very unknown factors about labour - what will it be like for me, when will it start, will I know that it has started, what will happen first (energy spurt, diahrea, contractions, water breaking), will my husband be home to take me to the hospital... all of these things are consuming my mind and I'm going crazy! Help me!

14 comments :

-Me- said...

A lot of prayer will help, believe me! It all seems so scary and overwhelming when you are thinking about it, but when its happening you don't have time to be afraid, and you'll handle it like a Pro! God didn't give us a spirit of fear, He gave us a spirit of Power...that might be hard to remember when a 7 lb baby is coming out of your body, but its true...You'll be fine girl! I'll pray for you! Try not to worry too much, and I hope the tinkering works!!!

Wenona said...

I can't give you any words of wisdom about labour - but I DO know that you are an incredible woman and trust God with all your heart. He will guide you through everything. Remember, He is the One who created our bodies to give birth - just lay it all on Him.
I'll be praying for you.

Dixie Vandersluys said...

Great picture by the way!

Heather, even though I don't know you at all, I wish I could give you a call and talk about this all with you. I'm nervous everyday when you don't post that you're at the hospital in labour! (I really like talking about labour and delivery and am always jealous of people I know who are about to go and do it.)

That parenthesis just being said, I've been going through moments of panic in this pregnancty (with 24 weeks to go) where I think that I don't want to go through labour again -- even though in both of my labours I remember thinking (while pushing the babies out) "this isn't as bad as I expected".

What helped me with the birth of my son (#2) was as I was walking out the door to have him, my dad prayed "God, we know this is how you've ordained children to be born". And I kept thinking of that when I was so lightheaded I thought I was going to panic, and when I knew I had to push and knew it was going to hurt.

Just keep telling yourself that you can do it. Never tell yourself (esp. in the middle of transition or pushing) that you can't do it. BECAUSE YOU CAN! Get your husband to pray during labour -- outloud for you. My husband read the Psalms to me while I was in the tub at the hospital. Put on some relaxing music. But recognize that when things get bad enough that nothing helps, that that means the baby is coming!!! ANd that's a good thing. Focus on "one contraction at a time" -- you can get through one. Don't think about "how many more hours do I have of this?!"

And if you think it will make you feel better, you can read my birth accounts. Go to the "Pregnancy/Birth" category on my blog and go to the posts on Dec 16/05 "My first time..." and on Mar 11/06 "Is the fluid clear?" and read my stories. I had a sense of humour all through labour, and even though it is a painful experience, the whole birth/hospital experiences are my FAVOURITE and dearest memories of my life. And that says something... even though I'm still scared to push another one out!

Blessings and strength!

(And if you're really freaking out, I'll really talk to you on the phone or MSN or something!!)

kelly ens said...

for me, it's all about having a realistic approach. i knew labour would hurt, and i knew all of the things that could happen. So i basically just said "what happens, happens. It's in God's hands." i'll just say that being nervous doesn't make it any better. and God made your body able to handle labour and delivery. I never nested, had diarrhea, or had my water broke. The contractions just started. And like everyone always says: you know labour when it starts!
praying that it happens soon, that you feel prepared for it, and that the tinkering does it's work! Oh, and praying it happens when your husband is home. That makes for a great way to start labour, let me tell you - No panicking about him getting home!

Erin said...

I love the picture! I would be nervous too, but I know you will do great. It is wonderful that the baby is so close. It will be over before you know it.

Jamie said...

Great picture, Heather!
I know how you feel. I'm still nervous even though it's my second time - but every labour can be different so I just know how it's going to start, how long it will take, etc. etc. I also worry about whether Erik will be around when labour starts, not to mention my mother-in-law who is planning on babysitting Micah while we go to the hospital. It's hard to NOT know!
My first time I worried about the pain obviously, but also just about my body's ability to deliver a 7 or 8 lb baby! I just remember a good friend of mine encouraging me and telling me I could do it. She was right. I had a great labour experience and did it totally drug-free. It was definitely hard and there were moments when I felt out of control, but I got through it and I felt AMAZING afterwards! The relief of getting the baby out is huge, but also knowing what my body was capable of. It's a bit of an adrenaline rush!
When I start getting panicky about the pain I just tell myself to relax and remember how I got through it last time. I think the mind is a very powerful tool during labour, so keep positive and stay focused and you'll do great!

Anonymous said...

Thanks Dixie - I'm on MSN all the time. I think you can add me using my yahoo account. It is:

eternal_13@yahoo.com

Oh, and if anyone else has MSN and wants to add me - please DO!

Becky said...

Awwww. You're so cute!

I'm gonna add you to my msn instead of writing a big long comment. I just wanted to say... You're so cute!

Drea said...

It can be a very nervous time.
Just take it easy... and try to enjoy things. :-)
I was mostly nervous about the pain... because I dont do well with pain.
But I just took it one step at a time... and got through each transition...

my only advice..
If your debating to get an epidural decide now.
I debated going into labor and waited...
To my unknown self I didnt realize they have to drain a certain fluid into you before giving you an epidural... so once I was like "OK I WANT IT!" I had to wait an entire HOUR longer before they could even give it to me...
That hour of waiting was sooo bad. And I was kicking myself thinking "why didnt I just get it to begin with!" haha

But you know... it passes... and you get through it.
Your hubby can no longer call you a "weakling" after birthing a child hehe.

You'll do just fine though. If I can do it, you can do it! Cause I am such a wimp :-)

ALSO.. if it helps... Having a baby wasnt nearly as bad as I thought it be. I was in labor for like 15 hours... and It wasnt to hard. The hardest part was the needles... (I have really tiny veins... this was very painful for me... getting 5 different IVS is not fun)... and also the ripping off of the Epidural tape hurt... but mostly because my skins very sensitive.

Oh and breastfeeding..

Any how.
Youll do fine! keep us posted

*tinkering put me into labor, so maybe it will you*

Nin said...

It's completely normal to be nervous with your first child, you have no idea what to expect, even though I'm sure you've been reading book after book and taking classes on childbirth, it's still something you need to experience to fully 'know'. You can prepare all you want, and get all the advice in the world, and your nerves will never be completely put at ease....
Now as discouraging as that sounds, the good news is there is someone who can put those fears to rest, who can give you peace that passes all understanding, and can even give you a joy and anticipation of what's to come. His name is Jesus, the name above all names. "Come to me all who are weary and I will give you rest." He will carry you through your labor, and you will do great!

and just one more thing, YOU WILL DEFINATELY KNOW when you are in labor. That is definately one fear you can lay to rest.

Kimberley said...

Hi Heather. I can´t really give you any helpful adive about childbirth so I will just tell you that I am praying for you and know that God will be by your side so everything will be great.

Jobina said...

...when I was in labour with our 2nd child. I'd just found out that she was breech, the doctor's wanted me to decide "push" or "cut", my husband was in the waiting room with our screaming son who wouldn't come into my room...it was nothing like I thought. Then I had an overwhelming PEACE. "It's just God, me and this baby", I thought, "Lord, I need you to get me through this." Everything went better than any doctor could imagine! With my husband by my side, our son safely with his grandparents, four pushes later out came our daughter. Everytime I hear her name, I think about who was in that room with me...her name is Trinity.
I check your blog multiple times a day and pray for you. My son (he's 4) just loves your pictures and your "My belly's so big" song! He thinks you are just beautiful!! I have no doubt that God will be oh, so present with you when the time comes.

Anonymous said...

Oh, you ladies just MAKE MY DAY! Thank you for encouraging me so much, and for your prayers. I feel MUCH braver today.

Tannis said...

Along with being mentally prepared I'd suggest being committed to trusting your body. It was carefully designed to do this crazy thing and it will!