Fear is a common emotion in pregnant women, especially if this is your first pregnancy. I was fearful during my first pregnancy, especially as the time for birth got closer. Fear is counterproductive to the labor process. It’s easy to focus on fear. Common fears include the fear of pain or of every rare complication you hear about, or even the fear of the unknown. It’s easy to get caught up in a cycle of fear.
Extreme fear can actually slow down your progress in labor. Anxiety makes it more difficult to cope with the natural discomfort that is part of every normal birth experience. Education is the best way to overcome the fear of the unknown. The more you learn about labor and birth, the less afraid you will become.
There are many good books on the market to help you learn about the process of labor and child birth. “The Thinking Women’s Guide to a Better Birth” by Henci Goer and “Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way” by Susan McCutcheon are two excellent resources. The more knowledge you gain about the birth process, stages of labor and changes in your body during each stage, the more your fear will fade away.
Taking child birth classes is another good way to become educated about the birth process. Lamaze is offered in most hospitals around the country. You may get a schedule and information from your doctor during prenatal visits. Bradley courses are offered by certified instructors around the country. You can do an Internet search to find a teacher in your area.
Bradley courses are more detailed and many women feel better prepared. These are a series of twelve weekly classes. Because the course is longer, you get more detailed information about the actual birth process and how to control pain naturally. The course also goes into the postpartum period and newborn care.
Talk to your health care provider and other moms to help relieve your fears. Be careful who you choose to talk with about your fears. Some people are naturally negative and will tell you every horrible story they’ve ever heard about birth. I encountered a few of these people when I was pregnant with my first baby. One even seemed to take pleasure in telling these stories, and I hadn’t even brought up the subject.
Others are more positive and upbeat. This type is better for a first time mother. Think of the people you know with children. Who is the most positive? This is who you want to confide in. She is more likely to be helpful. Keep in mind that negative energy is contagious and so is positive energy. Surround yourself with positive energy to help banish fear.