5 Pregnancies, 1 Miscarriage, 4 Natural Births. As the 4th pegnancy and birth came along I felt within myself that I had th whole thing mastered and describe it as a breeze. Miscarriage was definately the hardest thing to go through, I suffered labour pains whilst waiting for a curete

and would not wish that upon anyone (another story). 4 Births is way too much detail to go into so I am going to write about the things I learnt to "help"". 30 weeks+ make sure you are booked into hospital and have your bags packed ready for the "Big Day". I didn't have many checks with my fourth because I felt I knew my pregnant body now it was a waste of money (here only obstetritions do the pre natal checks and cost a fortune) but for the first bub I would definately go for all your check if anything for piece of mind. The last weeks are definatly the hardest to get through because you are so anxious and feel like you are constantly sitting around waiting for the little one to come out into the world, but try to keep active if you can because depression can come about easy if you are only focused on "wanting to the baby out". When I had my third I worked up untill I was 38 weeks and it was definately the quickest pregnancy. Love your bump it is a wonderful thing and I don't know anyone who would see a pregnant woman a being "fat" but rather beautiful. Talk to your unborn baby (they here and feel you) That way they have developed a bond with you before they meet you. If you ever have any concerns make sure you ask a midwife or GP because it is easy to get stressed over little things when pregnant but a stressed mother makes a stressful baby. Do not worry about the birth it is natural and women have been giving birth since day dot.

A few concerns I was worried about with my first were:

• Will I handle the pain?

I had contractions 5 minutesapart with my first for 30 hours and did not want any pain relief except the gas and I spent most of the time under a warm shower in the labour ward with no sleep  and found it very hard, but I was already willing to do anything for my little one. I learnt the second time around, I had been having 5min apart contractions for 5 hours already and still only 2cm dialated. I was not going to make myself suffer this time so I decided to have an epidural. I slept through the night and was alot more alert when it came to having to push (It is all good to go natural but it is so much easyier to opt for pain relief and if you have any concerns then talk to your Midwife and DONT feel ashamed or embarrase if you feel you cant cope and do need pain relief)

• Ohh Know, What if I poo whilst pushing?

DO NOT WORRY ABOUT THIS ONE, I did with my two girls and I ende up with stitches and los of them. You need to understand that the midwife/Doctor has seen many many births and lots and lots of poos. If you do not let this worry you it makes things a lot easier.

Try not to scream when giving birth it only wastes your energy and annoys everyone else in the labour ward, rather close your eyes and suck in the pain and blow it out hard with each breath and use the out breaths to push. I always held my birthing partners hand and poor things I relieved a bit of pain by squeezing their hand tight when needed. A trick I picked up at Napean Hospital Sydney whilst pushing is asking the midwife before hand if you can use the gas whilst pushing or even oxygen because biting down on the mouth peice and concetrating on breathing through the tube really really helps. Dont talk through pushing as it also wastes your energy and taks focus off your breathing rather just nod or shake your head or pull you partners arm off.  A great pain reliever to is a heat pack on your lower back so make sure you pack one or ask the midwife for one. I found the midwives dont usually offer you much but if you feel you need anything do not hesitate to ask they are usually willing to assist but aren't  always allowed to suggest things to help you out.

I don't think anyone can really be prepared for giving birth because every birth is different but knowing some of other peoples experiences always helps for the moment.

After havin long births with the first and second I was blessed with a 7 hour and then a 3 hour. Good luck to all the new mother I hoped I helped at least a little, Take care!