7 Tips To Overcome The Fear Of Giving Birth

In this article, we will provide tips for overcoming the fear of giving birth, something that is very common, especially among first-time mothers.

Everything is ready for your baby’s arrival. You have made all the preparations and feel happy and expectant. Despite all this, there is something bothering you.

Although prenatal visits and all the advances in medical technology are there to make you feel safe and secure, you need to know that the fear is completely normal. This can affect you both physically and mentally.

The birth is a unique and indescribable experience. But when things do not go as expected, the experience can leave a bitter and painful memory.

For this reason, it is important that you prepare in the best possible way for the birth of the baby and that you stay calm to avoid the negative consequences that stress can have during childbirth.

7 tips to overcome the fear of giving birth

Below you will find 7 tips to overcome the fear of giving birth:

1. Learn about maternity facilities

The first piece of advice is that as soon as you can, you should find out what options you have for maternity facilities in your city. It can be very reassuring to read comments on the internet from previous patients, or ask for the experiences of relatives and friends.

Once you have chosen the maternity ward and registered, it can help to visit the premises and take a tour of the maternity ward. You will then be able to visualize the places and in that way you will better anticipate the child’s arrival.

2. Plan the child’s arrival

To reduce the stress around and the fear of giving birth and plan the arrival of the baby, you can read books on the subject that go through the different stages of childbirth. These will help you dispel any ambiguities and get answers to any questions.

Do not forget to decorate the baby’s room and make the final preparations to be prepared for the baby’s birth.

3. Practice breathing techniques

If you have not already done so, use the time you are pregnant to practice breathing techniques such as sofrology, haptonomy or yoga. These disciplines make it possible to relax and prepare you both mentally and in your muscles.

4. Meet your care team

Take the time to meet the gynecologist, anesthesiologist and midwives who will attend your baby’s birth. Do not hesitate to ask questions and express your concern and fear of giving birth.

You have to remember that you are not the first person to go through this right now. Consequently, these specialists are accustomed to dealing with anxious, expectant mothers.

Be sure that in these cases there are no stupid questions. The most important thing is that you feel calm.

5. Ask for your partner’s help

Your partner must be your primary support. Ask him to be present and active during the birth. He can encourage you, and he can also calm you down with the help of massages, hugs or whatever you need.

If you also need a female presence, you should know that there are companions, also called doulas, whose role is to be with you and support you in this moment.

6. The pain can be reduced

Of course, there are those who say that a birth without pain is not meaningful. But even if you decide to give birth without an epidural, there are many other methods that are effective in dealing with painful contractions:

• Moving, walking or dancing promotes a faster descent of the child.
• Good breathing is important for oxygenation during labor. It allows you to channel your energy and retain all the power needed to get the baby out as quickly as possible.
• Visualize the baby’s way out at each contraction so that you can no longer focus only on the pain.
• Between each contraction, it is important to relax as much as you can and empty the mind so that it is not in a state of constant tension.

7. A positive attitude

Finally, the best way to overcome the fear of giving birth is to simply think positively of the magical moment when you can finally, after all these long months of waiting, embrace your little one in your arms.

As in all everyday situations, you help yourself to strengthen yourself mentally to face this special moment.

Finally, you need to remember that regardless of the origin of your fears, it is ideal to get the support of a specialist.

Taking part in birth preparation classes, sharing the fear with the midwife or consulting your gynecologist also helps solve many questions and helps you reduce your fear of giving birth.