Birth videos

Yikes ! I don't know if it was smart, stupid, or both - for me to go searching for free childbirth videos on the internet this morning, considering I've already seen one that went all the way from conception to birth (I was about 3mos at that stage).

Never thought I could feel the urge to cry and spew simultaneously !!

I've always been keen on self education, you know... but I was completely in two different minds, one part of me going "WOW that is so amazing and beautiful" and the other going "f*** OUCH ... oh no, oh NO... GROSS !!!!!!"

I mean, they were worth watching - and they weren't all glossy happy clappy videos either LOL But I did get a teensy wee shock to my system, and I'm not sure how poor old Roland is going to cope with all the mess either LOL

What have other peoples experiences been with birth videos? Did you watch one as part of your antenatal classes if you went? Or did you not watch one at all? If so, how did it compare? What were your thoughts when you saw it for the first time, or as some people have mentioned, did you prefer NOT to know? LOL

i didnt want to watch one before the birth of my first daughter i didnt turn up to the antenatal class the night they watched one..... and when i was doing a nanny course i left the room too!

but now i wouldnt have a problem, since i have had two births i feel comfortable now.

i am a big chicken when it comes to blood and gory stuff so didnt want to get too scared or anything, but now i have experienced it i do feel more confident.

i watched the video in antenatal, in it the lady pushed the head out and then sat there 4 a while b4 pushing the body out. when jacks head came out there was no way i was waiting it hurt 2 much, this is prob also y i ripped heaps 2. Point being just remember every birth is different

I neer watched one before I had Bailey, and Yep I got told once his head was out to 'not push' as this would cause tearing, Even though it really hurt I didnt push untill the next contraction and I didnt tear or anything.

Dont get to freaked put by them ,You wont even see it anyway You will only feel it - if you dont have an epi that is.
Jax, You'll be fine

oh yeah, thats what I was also going to say Trish - yu dont have to see that end of things!

I watched one in 4th form science, then a couple before I had Kiya... other than finding them interesting, I don't recall any of the videos as being particularly gross. I do remember sitting there each time thinking "Like I'm going to have a view of that!" when the baby crowned!

I didnt want to watch the video at antenatal classes and didnt want to see the birth although you can ask for a mirror if you really want to see it. I have seen a bit on Maternity Ward on sky but taht is more than enough for me.

I saw videos at antenatal - the ones I couold handle I found awful and the others (c section etc.) I looked away I hated them... Now thst I have gone through giving birth myself and had a wonderful experience and such a beautiful result, I can see them on TV without a problem and the worst thing that happens is I get teary eyed and remember when Joey was born

Hubby and I watched one we "borrowed" off the internet. It was one of those 1980's style ones and the lady had an episiotomy (sp?). We just sat and watched in horror at the midwives pulling the baby's head around to get the shoulders out and then the cut . I wouldn't say that either of us are particularly squemish when it comes to blood and guts, but that was just aweful!!! But in saying that we are both all for self education so I guess we'll just have to take a deep breath and watch the vids when we go to ante natal class

**waffle waffle waffle** SORRY!

I'll be watching any vids they have in antenatal class... unless they have one of a c-section, that is. I've seen a BBC doco one before of a natural birth, and it wasn't bad. Am I the only first-timer who is somewhat scared about epidurals and absolutely terrified of the idea of a c-section? I could cry just thinking about them! I know I'm not the only one incredibly worried about an episiotomy, though.    

Edited by Andie