Overcome your Fear of Child Birth
Surround yourself with support
The most important step in easing childbirth fears is to surround yourself with a positive support network. A recent study in Obstetrics and Gynecology found women who were in a partnership of more than five years were less likely to fear childbirth. But there are many other places to seek out support. Steve Schklar, a certified group psychotherapist, recommends looking for a support group, seeking out a midwife or doula, talking to friends and family and finding a sympathetic physician.
Your relationship with your doctor is essential to putting your mind at ease. Pay attention to the way your doctor speaks to you. "Saying things like: ‘The moment it becomes painful, I will give you a sedative,' is actually very harmful," says Dr. Verny. "The doctor is confirming that birth will be so painful that you will need to be sedated." A good doctor should be comforting, informative and non-fear promoting.
It also helps not to go to the doctor alone. "Always have someone at the prenatal visit with you who you trust," says Dr. Verny. You may turn to your partner, a friend, a doula or a midwife but, whoever it is, it will make it easier than trying to approach pregnancy and delivery on your own. Although there are many reasons that could be behind your apprehension, personal support is the best way to put your fears at ease.
Meet our experts:
Thomas R. Verny, M.D., D. Psych., FRCPC is one of the world's leading authorities on the effect of prenatal and early postnatal environment on personality development. He is the founder of the Association for Pre- & Perinatal Psychology and Health (APPPAH) and served as its president for eight years. Dr. Verny is the author of 10 books, including international bestseller The Secret Life of the Unborn Child and his most recent book Pre-Parenting: Nurturing your Child from Conception (Simon & Schuster, 2003). To learn more about Dr. Verny, go to trvernymd.com
Steve Schklar is a certified group psychotherapist and clinical member and past president of the Ontario Society for Psychotherapy. You can learn more about his practice at psychotherapytoronto.com
