Becoming Aware of Your Fears

One of the most important things a woman can do is to become aware of her fears about childbirth, because once you have awareness of these fears you are halfway there to changing them. One way to become aware is to ask yourself the following questions. If they cause you begin to experience fear in any way it is because you have an underlying negative belief which once aware of, you can now easily change, if you choose.

Your Own Birth
What are the stories your mother has told you about your own birth or your sibling’s births, were they positive or negative? Remember it is not always what was said that matters, non-verbal communication is just as important.

Others Births
What types of births did others in your family have? What about your friends? How do you feel when you see births portrayed on television and in the media?

Your Own Previous Labour and Birth
You will take with you all the experiences of your last birth with into your next birth. Was your last birth was long and difficult? Were you able to resolve any issues you had about your previous labour and birth?

You Support Network
Are the people who support you during your pregnancy positive or negative. Do they believe in your ability to give birth?
Does your work place support your pregnancy and your planned leave following the birth?

Your Relationship With Your Baby’s Father
Is your baby’s father involved and supportive during the pregnancy? Are you able to communicate what your needs are to them during the pregnancy and birth?

Your Career
Will you need to put your career path on hold following the birth of your baby? Do you intend to return to work very soon after the birth?

Adjusting To Parenthood
Are you afraid that you won’t be able to cope as a mother? Were you given a good or bad role model in your own parents? What childcare arrangements do you have?

Your Living Arrangements
Will you need to move to a bigger home? Have you left these changes to your living arrangements to the last minute?

Caregivers
Do you feel comfortable with your present caregiver? Do you feel that they will be supportive of your plans for your birth?

Money
Do you have enough savings to allow you not to work after your baby is born? How soon will you need to go back to work? Will you be able to meet your monetary commitments?

Loss of Control
Do you feel you need to control everything about your pregnancy and birth? Do you have a long and detailed birth plan? Are you frightened of losing control in your labour?

In my next post I will give you a ideas to help you change these any negative beliefs you have discovered.