Overcoming The Fear Of Childbirth: 7 Good Tips
The due date is fast approaching and you can not be more excited. But fear and even insecurity can also arise. Here are some helpful tips to overcome the fear of childbirth, and prepare you for one of the most important moments of your life.
Tips for overcoming the fear of childbirth
By taking these suggestions into account, you can overcome the doubt, the fear, and the anxiety of not knowing how the whole birth process will go.
1. Talk and externalize your fear of overcoming the fear of childbirth
Faced with the fear of giving birth, it is good to express your feelings of fear and anxiety. Above all , do it with a trusted person like your partner or a close family member or midwife. They can understand your situation and give you the help you need.
Fear of the unknown is normal, especially when doing something for the first time.
But is this fear so intense that it causes anxiety and disrupts your daily activities? To the point where it causes muscle tension, palpitations, excessive sweating and other physiological reactions?
If so, it is necessary to consult your doctor. He or she may refer you to a specialist for more specific help.
2. Knowledge creates confidence to overcome the fear of childbirth
Experts recommend going with your partner to the maternity facilities where your baby will be born. There they can see the delivery room, the emergency room and the pediatric ward.
You can also inform yourself properly about what happens during childbirth so that you do not have preconceived or erroneous ideas that can cause anxiety.
In addition, you can meet the staff and gain confidence. This causes the fear of giving birth to diminish.
Physical and mental preparation to overcome the fear of childbirth
Physical preparation is essential for childbirth. This includes exercising your leg muscles and glutes.
To have a good mental disposition, you must recognize that every woman is born for the birth process because it is a natural process that pregnant women must experience.
4. Preparation courses for childbirth
Preparing in advance is one of the most important tips to overcome the fear of childbirth.
These courses provide useful information so you can have confidence in yourself. Above all, you learn to relax and breathe properly during childbirth.
These classes offer you various relaxation techniques that help minimize anxiety. Therefore, you can control negative emotions, fears and pain.
5. The emotional and physical support of your partner
The father plays a fundamental role in pregnancy. Therefore, he should be involved in everything related to the birth of his child.
Tell him how you feel because sharing both your doubts and fears with him helps you both see the matter from a different perspective.
In terms of fear of childbirth, it is good to express your feelings of fear and anxiety. Trusted people can understand your situation and give you all the help you could possibly need.
6. Make a birth plan
You can make an appointment in advance with the midwife or gynecologist. In these moments, you decide how you want the birth to take place, who will be with you at the moment and other specific details.
Even if the most important person is your partner, it can sometimes be better with another companion. This person ensures that your stays are met.
7. Share your experience with other mothers
Sharing your fears, doubts and worries with other mothers who are in the same situation can also help.
Knowing that you are not the only woman going through this phase of life can calm your nerves a lot.
The question that arises during pregnancy
From the first moment you know you are pregnant, many worries arise in relation to childbirth. Some of the most common questions are:
Can I overcome the pain of childbirth?
Yes, you can because pain is a subjective perception. That is, every woman has a different concept of pain. Some experience the moment of birth almost without perceiving it, and others feel a great deal of pain.
However, the techniques tested during childbirth usually reduce the discomfort. In particular, you can request epidural anesthesia to remove pain.
Is episiotomy very painful?
It does not hurt because this incision is made in the perineum to avoid tearing the vagina off, and is performed only under local anesthesia if necessary. It is done before the child’s head crown.
Will I forget how to do the breathing techniques?
Some women forget them but you will always have a specialist or midwife by your side who will give you the necessary support. The purpose of these breathing techniques is to ensure that the baby receives oxygen and is relaxed on the way out.
With these tips to overcome the fear of childbirth, you will no doubt be ready for the birth of your future child. It is an unforgettable and unique moment, so enjoy it as if you deserve it!
