FEAR OF LABOR - Part 2

Do we need to  rid ourselves totally of all fear of labor?  Realistically this is probably not going to happen.  But we can reduce the fear.  Knowledge helps us reduce fear - if I know that babies actually do emerge from moms' bodies all the time, it really does work, I have seen it over and over in videos and talked to other moms, then that knowledge should work in my favor when I suddenly face fear in pushing. When my mind is suddenly saying, "How am I going to get this baby out?"  If I tell myself with each pushing contraction, "I can do this" or "This is working", I will be working with the natural forces inside of me to produce the baby and pushing the fear aside.

If I know in advance that there will be sensations that are normal to labor - nausea - shakiness - hot/cold flashes - then could I use that information to remind myself that these "normal labor" sensations are telling me that labor is progressing, that my body is doing exactly what it is supposed to be doing to complete this task? 

So knowledge is one way to reduce the fear.  What doesn't help is hearing numerous negative birth stories from everyone we meet.  A mom's memory of her birth is her own - good or bad.  But we need to remind ourselves that each of us will uniquely experience this journey and that others' experiences are their own - not ours - this knowledge can help us to move forward to build our own birth story, hopefully with less fear and more determination of the job ahead.

Comments?

I am hoping that my postings will be helpful to others so I would love to have some feedback. If you have any comments, questions, concerns, would love to hear from you!

"650"

No, not six dollars and 50 cents.  I had the pleasure of attending my 650th birth on Tuesday.  And I do mean my pleasure.  It was hard to get that first l:30am phone call when I had not slept well the night before, but once I was up and moving, the day moved quickly.

Although this is definitely a milestone in my doula career, each birth still has such special meaning to me.  I am in awe of the laboring mom and dad working their way through the process, weighing decisions, grabbing at the "anchors" I provide in a position, a touch, a word.

The strength women show in labor is always encouraging and remarkable and a pleasure to witness. The power a dad shows in his hold, his touch, his presence is a joy to watch.  Two people coming together for a common goal - a healthy birth.

And if anyone has any comments on my blog, I would love to hear them.  This is a journey I hope to share with many families.  I would love your feedback.

So when this 650th baby emerged into the arms of her mom and and dad that morning, I was just as amazed as I was the first time I attended a birth. And so grateful for the privilege of being asked to serve as a guide, a witness, a participant in the process.  Thank you to all the wonderful families who have allowed me to share their journey.  I'm ready for the next birth!