1st Very afraid of the unknown, read lots of pregnancy books and go to birthing class.
8th Anxiety over the very known! I don’t mean to trivialize what our Lord went through during the Agony in the Garden, but when you are preparing to give birth after experience the pain of previous births you somewhat understand the fear of pain but still having the desire to suffer through it for the miracle. Labor is fun compared to Jesus’ suffering, so I don’t sweat blood; but do often wish the cup could be taken away!
1st Unsure of what to expect and don’t know how to best handle post birth complications.
8th Know what you want and find out that by politely, confidently, and not defensively speaking up you get what you want without any arguments.
1st Even though a natural birth was wanted, panic and feel that labor pain needs to be avoided. (Had drugs with the first three, epidural with the next three and finally naturally with the last two)
8th Learn the that by offering up every contraction for a specific intention and focusing on that intention during the contraction will allow an incredible peace and spiritual strength to endure the pain to be received. (Notice it doesn’t take the pain away only helps to tolerate it) Of course having the kids come out really quickly helps. I must also admit that I have not mastered offering up “after pains” and enjoyed my purple pills post birth; maybe with the ninth….
1st Expect husband to read your mind, be all comforting, take care of everything just the way you would.
8th Learn to just ask for what you want, remember your commitment to care for his needs too, appreciate all the little things he does that you didn’t notice before because you were to busy expecting him to be you!
1st Look at baby for hours and wish someone could see and appreciate every baby movement or noise with you.
8th Look at baby for hours and have many other little someones who love to see everything the baby does too.