Consider having a regular massage with a therapist who has special interest in women’s health. They not only address aches and pains, but ensure you are in tip top condition for the very energetic business of birth and help you to be in touch with your body and baby.
Exercise
Moderate exercise during pregnancy helps build the feeling of faith in your body. Enrolling in a specific Pilates or yoga class not only helps to prepare your body and mind in a positive manner but can teach you techniques to cope with the demands birth can place upon your body. Swimming or aqua natal classes are also good forms of exercise as you are not putting any pressure on your joints
Deep relaxation techniques Consider attending a specific course designed to teach you about self-hypnosis, hypnobirthing, guided
If you fear hospitals in general
Consider planning a birth centre birth or a homebirth with a trained midwife. If this is not possible and/or your caregiver is pressed for time, arrange a visit with an independent midwife, doula, a birth counsellor, or a therapist. Each of them may help you to discover a solution to your fear.
Trust your body
Just as your body knows how to create a pregnancy, it knows how to give birth. Feeling connected to your body can give you confidence in labour.
many courses now available that have been created by experts, designed especially for birth.
Support & continuity of care giver
You may find yourself less frightened if you know you will not be alone during labour. Recent studies show that women
supported by doulas or midwives benefit by experiencing shorter labours, lower rates of epidural anaesthesia and have fewer cesarean section deliveries. If possible consider the option of hiring a doula or enlisting the help of an independent midwife to ensure continuity of care and support during your birth. If this is not possible, choose caregivers and attendants who will remain with you throughout the birth process. Make sure everyone invited to your birth is supportive of the choices you have made. Surround yourself with people who provide emotional support and encouragement now.
Birth Plans & your ability to take Control
Just as birth is not something that just happens to you, giving birth is not something that is done to you. Design your ideal birth plan and discuss it with your caregivers so that they are aware of your plan and the reasons behind your wishes. Being prepared like this gives confidence even before the birth process begins so you have made the best decisions possible for you. By discussing it with your caregivers you can begin to build up a good working relationship which will continue throughout the birthing process. If unexpected situations arise make sure you are a part of the decision making, selecting how you wish to proceed.
These are some of the things you can do now to help you overcome a fear of child birth. Choose the tools you think will work best for you and work on them for a week or two. When you have done this consider your fear again; do you need to make more changes or do more work to overcome your fears? Take the time to investigate any fear you have. Overcoming the fear of labour is the first step towards a natural birth.
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