Common fears about giving birth and how to cope

Birth is an incredible, significant life changing event that you spend nine months preparing for, and for meeting your baby. Nothing can guarantee a perfect birth regardless of where it takes place. Despite the best planning, textbook preparations, and a strong desire for normal birth, not all births are without challenges. The best laid plans are subject to change when the moment arrives. Plans can change day by day. It can feel a bit overwhelming.

It is about navigating the risks and challenges and having the tools that assist you with making choices. It is about feeling empowered with the decisions that you make.

Learning and researching your options and consistency are so important. Education and preparation are key. Knowing about your options can help you to have a safe, peaceful, joyful, and nurturing birth.

Your birth experience matters. Very few people start their pregnancy planning to have an induction of labour. If you choose to move forward with an induction of labour for example, you need relaxation and hypnobirthing skills more than ever.

HOW WILL I KNOW THAT I’M IN LABOUR?

Braxton Hick contractions are low level irregular contractions that are helping to prepare your body for birth. They are most common in the third trimester. The third trimester runs from 28 weeks until your baby is born.

Common signs are:

• Infrequent and unpredictable
• Non-rhythmic in pattern
• Varies in length
• Don’t build in intensity
• Won’t cause cervix to dilate

If the contractions don’t demand your full attention try distracting yourself by going for a walk – whatever it takes to keep your mind off the situation.

When your contractions become more intense or you have concerns, it’s time to give your care provider a call or head to the birth centre and calm the nerves. If you end up being sent home, don’t worry, false alarms are common. Follow your birthing instincts and your own intuition.

OUR INTUITION

A powerful voice. It nags us. It whispers usually. It’s the in-built sense of what women mustdo during labour It is generally hard-wired behaviour built into you. It also helps us to perceive and respond to our babies needs before they are verbalised.

A mother’s intuition is an important voice to pay attention to and the more prepared and educated you are the more you can trust your gut feelings. Think strong. Be strong and listen to your powerful voice. Pay attention to what your body is telling you. Any nagging thoughts, seek help. If something doesn’t feel right, it usually isn’t so it is important to listen to it.

Use your BRAIN, decision making tool to help you decide the best treatment options for you and your baby.

1. Benefits
2. Risks
3. Alternatives
4. Intuition
5. Nothing

What are the benefits, risks, alternatives, intuition, doing nothing.

Consider your five senses and make sure you meet them with all with something that brings you comfort and relaxation.Birth partner’s, this is your job! Focus on the things that you can take control of.

Take your time, make the right decisions for you and your baby. You are in charge. Make sure it is your choice.

No matter what birth you are planning –  natural, inductions, caesareans included, we will help you to prepare for birth, giving you the tools to make it an empowering and positive experience.

Believe that you can still have an incredible birth. Never underestimate how you can change your birth environment.

Delve deeper into the importance of your birth environment and its importance and influence on your hormones and the birthing process, and decision making in our classes. There is so much more to think about.

Your intuition is your superpower. Understanding the physiological and emotional aspects of childbirth can help you to make informed decisions.

You’ve got this.