5 WAYS TO OVERCOME FEAR FOR A POSiTiVE BiRTH

Hey Friend!

Let's have an honest chat about those butterflies in the stomach, the sleepless nights, and the "what ifs" that come with being an expecting parent. The fear of childbirth is as normal as those crazy pregnancy cravings, especially if you're a first-timer. But here's the reality: letting those fears run the show can be a real challenge for the birthing process.

WHAT’S THE BiG FUSS ABOUT BiRTH FEARS?

Imagine you're all set for the big day, but fear and anxiety decide to join the party. What's the result? Stress hormones like cortisol start playing a role, slowing down labor and increasing your pain levels. It's like an unexpected twist we didn't sign up for. Plus, there's a list of potential issues, from prolonged labor to unnecessary interventions like Pitocin or even c-section.

These types of unexpected twists and turns can produce resentment and deep disappointment about your birth experience.

BREAKiNG DOWN THE COMMMON FEARS

Let's get real about the fears. Here are some of our most common concerns:

Pain: Yup, that's a big one. Who wouldn't fear labor pain? I often wondered if I could survive the pain.

Loss of Control: What if things don't go as planned? It's like we're passengers on a wild ride.

Complications: The 'C' word – Cesarean, postpartum hemorrhage, vaginal tearing, baby getting hurt – these are legit fears.

Negative Birth Story: Nobody wants to feel unsupported or mistreated. We want to be one of the lucky ones who have an amazing birth.

Being Alone: The thought of going through birth solo? Terrifying.

Fear of Death: Super rare, but it's okay to acknowledge the fear.

Fear of the Unknown: Labor's like a surprise party – exciting but kind of nerve-wracking.

Let's throw it out there: feeling scared about childbirth is absolutely normal. I've been there, worried about being mistreated, losing control, going through a C-section, or tearing during the big push. It's a rollercoaster of emotions, from fear and uncertainty to excitement and vulnerability.

HOW TO BEST CRUSH THE FEARS

1. Knowledge is Power: Ever heard of childbirth education? It's like the ultimate birth prep toolkit. Understanding what your body's up to can be a game-changer. Trust me; it's like turning on the lights in a dark room. Many of us don’t get to experience birth until it’s our turn, so it is a mystery. Learning how our body functions is empowering. I felt relief when I understood the different sensations I would experience and how my uterus would work throughout labor. It didn’t lead me to panic, it was comforting to understand how my body was made.

2. Talk it Out: Don't bottle up those fears. Share them with a friend or write them out in a journal if needed. Speaking your fears aloud is a legitimate therapy session. However, if the anxiety and fear are too much to handle and its negatively impacting your daily life, it can also be beneficial to seek counseling to develop new coping strategies. You have to take care of yourself to properly care for your baby.

3. Relaxation Techniques: Deep breaths, meditation, and visualizations aren't just for Instagram. They're incredible tools to manage anxiety during labor. It works and makes labor contractions more efficient and less painful.

4. Ride with Your Squad: Having a birthing coach, whether it's your partner, family member, or a doula, is like having a lifeline. My husband went full-on 'daddy doula' for me, and it was epic. He was a rockstar and I leaned on him for strength when I was at my weakest points in all four of our labors and births. Check out my blog post about why you should have a birth coach here.

5. Choose Your Birth Team Wisely: Find a medical professional who is willing to listen to and support your birthing goals.

Communication is key, so spill those fears, and plan your birth strategy together.

KNOWLEDGE iS YOUR SUPERPOWER

This isn't the whole handbook, but it's a start. My game-changer? Diving into childbirth education with my husband. We incorporated Dr. Bradley's wisdom, an amazing childbirth educator, and the supportive community around us – that combo turned our fears into strengths. And guess what? We're now paying it forward by helping other soon-to-be parents.

iN A NUTSHELL: FEAR LESS, ENJOY MORE

The fear of childbirth is part of the journey, but it doesn't have to be the driver. Embrace the fear, and kick it to the curb with knowledge, support, and lots of relaxation. Trust me, you got this. Let's crush those fears and make your birth story one for the ages!

READY TO CRUSH YOUR BiRTH FEARS?

If you've resonated with the journey of overcoming childbirth fears and want to have your own empowering birth story, I invite you to Our BirthRoom Academy. It's not just any course; it's a supportive community, a wealth of knowledge, and a chance to build your birthing toolkit.

WHAT YOU’LL GAiN:

• In-depth childbirth education to stay safe and feel confident

• Tried-and-true relaxation techniques

• Strategies to tackle fears and anxieties

• Partner training to get through labor smoothly

• Insights from experienced childbirth educators

I've been there, faced the fears, and emerged stronger. Now, I'm here to guide you through this transformative journey. Let's turn your fears into strengths and make your birth experience everything you hope for.

Cheers to fearless birthing!