Fear of labor pain
Fear of labor pain
When it comes to childbirth, fear is the main reason why some women end up giving up on having a natural birth. It is very common to think this way, as childbirth has long been associated with pain and suffering, whether in a friend’s account or in stories told by family members, and even in soap operas and movies, this approach ends up being reproduced.
But what do we need to do to change this type of thinking?
We need to know our bodies and how they work. Pain is part of the physiology of childbirth, but we have to consider that pain is subjective and individual, meaning that each person has their own pain threshold and ability to endure it. Other factors that can contribute to intensifying this pain are stress and tension, as well as emotional distress. To better deal with the pain of childbirth, it is essential to disassociate this event from an experience of suffering and instead focus on the arrival of the baby.
Understanding how it works
Understanding how the birthing process works is very important in order to know how to deal with the pain that comes with uterine contractions, which are responsible for moving the baby. At first, these contractions are short and uncoordinated, but as labor progresses, they become more rhythmic. This can take time, so it is important to eat and rest.
As the uterus contracts and the baby pushes down, the cervix thins, and it is common to bleed a little, but don’t panic! Staying calm and knowing that this is all part of our body’s natural process, that we are born with this gift, helps us to experience this in a positive way, which is very important. During contractions, it is very helpful to connect with yourself and your baby. Breathing calmly will help you stay calm. Breathing exercises save your emotions; each slow and light breath helps you get through this phase. Listen to your body, do what brings you comfort, and don’t repress your desire to express what you are feeling.
Having someone to support you is essential, whether it’s your partner, mother, friend, or doula. Using non-pharmacological methods and exercises for pain relief is very effective and promotes comfort and well-being.
Don’t rush; remember, everyone has their own pace. It will be no different for you and your baby. The more you connect with your birth, the more surrendered you become.
Don’t be afraid! Listen to your body; it will tell you when it’s the right time to push. Respect it; it’s your moment! Breathe and trust yourself; your baby will be born at the right time. Each contraction brings your baby closer to you, so every contraction is important.
Soon I will talk about non-pharmacological methods for pain relief.
We seek to train doulas and prepare them to guide, teach, and direct pregnant women in the best way possible, without imposing their opinions on the mother-to-be, and also to work with women to address all their fears about childbirth in order to promote the best possible experience from pregnancy to postpartum.
Author: Doula Léa, Rio de Janeiro
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