HOW TO FEEL MORE CONFIDENT ABOUT CHILDBIRTH
Everyone experiences pregnancy and childbirth differently, but it is common to feel anxious or scared of labor. Often, we only encounter labor and birth on the TV, where it is unrealistically represented as dramatic, excruciating, and very medicalized. Unsurprisingly, this can lead many pregnant people to fear the process and question whether they will cope. So how can women feel more confident about childbirth?
Women’s experiences of pregnancy, labor, and birth vary widely and it is normal to have mixed feelings and emotions. Some women may be excited about meeting their baby, while others may have struggled through pregnancy and want it to be over. Some women may feel optimistic, but others may be consumed with anxiety and fear.
Fear of pain
Some women, but not all, have a generalized fear or some mild anxiety around childbirth by a psychotherapist and hypnobirthing practitioner. Hypnobirthing teaches relaxation techniques such as visualization, breathing, and mindfulness to improve the experience of labor and birth. It also provides practical information about labor and recovery.
This is often in line with fearing pain and discomfort, the uncertainty of birth, and the outcomes. Pain is something that most humans will try to avoid; we see pain and discomfort as not being in our control. After all, humans like to be in control.”
Fear of medical procedures
Sometimes, fears may be linked to the medicalized nature of hospital births. For example, women may feel anxious about procedures such as inductions, types of pain relief, or cesarean sections. “We can often find that people with blood or needle phobias have greater fears too, due to possible procedures while pregnant
Women may worry about losing control of their bodily functions during labor and birth too. However, it’s important to remember that this is nothing to worry about and that doctors, nurses, and midwives have seen it all before. Many women also fear birth injuries such as tears to the perineal area.
Fear of the unknown
Fears and anxieties are linked to the fear of the unknown, too. For many women, their only experience of childbirth is on the TV, which often depicts labor and birth as dramatic and dangerous. We also tend to hear negative birth stories more often, as we are more likely to remember and recount traumatic experiences than positive ones.
“The unhelpful language around childbirth in films and books has a huge impact on people. It might be a scary story, witnessing a traumatic birth on screen, or a distressing conversation that leaves an impression and creates intense fear
Tokophobia
Every pregnant woman will have some degree of concern about what childbirth will feel like, how they will manage, and what might happen. For some, though, the fear can become physically and emotionally disabling and prevent them from having children altogether, even if they want a baby.
It is estimated that 14% of women around the world have tokophobia. When this was broken down by severity in a separate study, 75% of women had ‘low-to-moderate’ fear of childbirth, 25% exhibited high or very high fear and 1.6% were classified as having ‘pathological’ tokophobia.
A previous traumatic birth, miscarriage, stillbirth, or termination of pregnancy, as well as being a first-time parent, pre-existing psychological problems, and lack of social support, can all contribute to the development of tokophobia.
How to feel more confident about childbirth
Pregnancy is often portrayed as a time of great joy, but this isn’t the experience for all women. It’s normal to feel anxious, scared, or worried, but there are ways you can feel better and more confident.
Avoid unhelpful depictions of birth
Instead of focusing on the negatives, it can help to look for positive birth stories to get a more balanced view of what labor and childbirth can be like. Crowe advises trying to envision what a positive birth experience might look like to you.
Considering human imagination is our most powerful tool,
We can use it to our advantage by envisioning a positive experience for ourselves,” she explains. “We should also remember that stories, films, and books need drama and excitement to keep us engaged. These are often a far cry from the reality of the millions of births that happen every day.
Consider hypnobirthing
Hypnobirthing programs offer practical information about pregnancy, labor, and childbirth, as well as relaxation techniques to help women through the childbirth process. It also helps you understand how the mind and body are connected. For example, how hormones such as oxytocin can progress labor and reduce anxiety and stress.
“Hypnobirthing is one of the most effective ways of reducing anxiety The programs can help you learn to notice your fears, help you let go of unnecessary thoughts and prepare for a positive experience regardless of how you give birth. It’s about learning to trust in your body as it knows what to do.”
Speak to a professional therapist
When preparing for labor it can also help to speak to a professional therapist or counselor if you have fears surrounding labor and birth. “A therapist can help you reframe unhelpful thoughts and fears to help you feel more in control If you are struggling with anxiety, low mood, or any other mental health problem, it’s important to speak to your GP, who can advise on the best course of action for you
Have a strong support network
Pregnancy and birth can be difficult and it’s easy to feel isolated. Connecting with other people can help, particularly if they have had similar experiences to you. Speak to trusted friends, relatives, and peers at antenatal support groups about how you feel and any worries you may have about childbirth.
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