As you probably already know, there is so much information from a variety of sources about childbirth that it is not surprising that many women become agitated, confused, nervous, anxious, and even fearful by the birth itself.
In 2000, an article published in the British Journal of Psychiatry (2000, 176: 83-85) introduced the term “tocophobia”. as a recognized psychological disorder that describes an intense fear of having a child. Recent studies related to this in Sweden and Finland have affected many of their hospitals, creating fear of childbirth. teams dedicated to focusing on these issues. Their common goal is to make the birth as useful as possible, whatever it is.
Although such teams do not exist in the UK, there are currently many opportunities to reduce this fear, albeit small or large. Remember that you are not alone, and many women feel some fear when approaches are born, and this reflects the emotional process of pregnancy. Sorting these feelings during pregnancy helps to reduce stress when adapting to life with a new baby. This gives you the opportunity to experience labor and birth as a first step in parenting.
So what can help?
Write a journal
Writing your thoughts and feelings can help highlight specific problems or concerns that you have, but are not sure what to do with them at the moment. You can ask for help from someone who has experience of birth or the type of fear you are experiencing.
Talk to people about your fear
Not confronting fears or concerns can sometimes make them feel more than they really are. If expressing them to your partner, family or close friend does not help, do not hesitate to ask others. An experienced mother, a doula (a woman trained to offer emotional and practical support to a woman (or couple) before, during and after childbirth), a caregiver or counselor, a midwife or other therapist can help you overcome your fear of birth. Often, just being able to speak frankly and honestly can really help.
Antenatal courses
Prepare yourself by learning the basics about pregnancy, childbirth and childbirth, either by reading and examining yourself, or by attending a childbirth education class. A class visit gives you the opportunity to ask questions that are important to you as they arise. Knowledge creates peace and readiness and dispels any fears that you have created on the basis of misinformation. Try not to listen to “terrible stories.” that so many women want to tell you!
Visit the area where you will give birth.
If you plan to give birth to a hospital, but you cannot go in person, many maternity hospital websites now offer virtual tours. online. In my article in our summer edition, the importance of preparing your birth environment was discussed. Remember that research has shown that it will help reduce your fear and anxiety. By getting the right balance of labor hormones, you can give birth in a safe, secure and relaxed environment.
If you are afraid of hospitals in general
Consider birth birth planning or childbirth with a trained midwife. If this is not possible and / or your caretaker is pressed for time, arrange for a visit with an independent midwife, dula, birth counselor, or therapist. Each of them can help you find a solution to your fear.
Trust your te
Just as your body knows how to create a pregnancy, it knows how to give birth. Feeling associated with your body can give you confidence in childbirth. Consider having a regular massage with a therapist who has a particular interest in women's health. They not only eliminate pains and aches, but can also ensure that you are in excellent condition for a very energetic birth business and help you be in contact with your body and baby.
An exercise
A moderate exercise during pregnancy helps to strengthen the sense of faith in your body. Registering for a particular Pilates or Yoga class not only helps prepare your body and mind in a positive way, but also teaches you how to meet the needs that your body may have. Swimming or aquatics are also good forms of exercise, since you do not exert any pressure on your joints.
Deep techniques
Consider taking part in a specific course designed to teach you about self hypnosis, hypnosis, meditation, imaging techniques or breathing techniques and deep relaxation. Many courses are now available that have been created by specialists specifically designed for birth.
Support and continuity of assistance
You may be less afraid if you know that you will not be alone during childbirth. Recent studies show that women supported by dulamas or midwives benefit by experiencing shorter workers, reducing the rate of epidural anesthesia and reducing the number of cesarean sections. If possible, consider hiring a barrel or soliciting the help of an independent midwife to ensure continuity of care and support during your birth. If this is not possible, choose educators and participants who will remain with you during the birth process. Make sure everyone you invite to your briefing supports the choices you made. Surround yourself with people who provide emotional support and support now.
Birth plans and your ability to control
Just as birth is not something that just happens to you, birth is not what you need. Create your ideal birth plan and discuss it with your educators so that they know about your plan and the reasons for your desires. Being prepared, as it gives confidence even before the birth process begins, so you made the best decisions for you. By discussing this with your caregivers, you can begin to create good working relationships that will continue during the birth process. In case of unforeseen situations, make sure that you participate in decision making by choosing how you want to proceed.
Here are some of the things you can do now to help you overcome the fear of having a baby. Choose the tools that you think will work best for you and work on them for a week or two. When you do, consider your fear again; Do you need to make more changes or do more work to overcome your fears? Take the time to research any fear that you have. Overcoming the fear of work is the first step towards natural birth.
