Giving Birth - Does the very Thought of it Scare You?
Giving birth is probably the one major thing you have given a great deal of consideration to during your pregnancy.
Giving birth is often a frightening concept for mothers-to-be and it's one which can occupy their thoughts more and more as the big day approaches. It's very natural to feel some anxiety about giving birth, but studies have shown that keeping calm and having a positive mental attitude towards labor and delivery can help enormously when it's time for your baby's birth.
You can help yourself by being well prepared for the delivery in advance. Pack a pregnancy and labour hospital bag and make sure to include your birth plan. Include on it such details as your preference for pain relief during childbirth and who you would like to be present during the delivery of your baby. You should also note whether breastfeeding is something you want to try and whether you would like skin-to-skin contact with your newborn before he or she is cleaned.
You may know in advance that you will be having a c-section although you should always prepare for that eventuality just in case things don't go as smoothly as planned. You may have decided you want a totally drug free, natural childbirth but again prepare for the eventuality that you may change your mind and give instructions on your birth plan about what should happen if this is the case.
Giving birth needn't be frightening if you have done some research beforehand. Ask friends and family members what it was like for them and ask them not to exaggerate but to just tell it how it was. Very often one woman will have several completely different experiences of childbirth and you may find this in itself is reassuring for you.
If you are very worried about childbirth, have a chat with your midwife about what exactly it is that you fear and she will help to reassure you.
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