It’s natural to have fears surrounding giving birth, especially if this is your first child. First, know everything you’re feeling—from anxiety to excitement to anticipation—is valid. Rest assured, you aren’t the first to have these emotions; support is available.
We can provide a compassionate environment to explore these fears and receive factual information and resources to help you prepare for labor and delivery. Crossroads Care Clinic is here for you.
Keep reading to learn more about how to tackle your fears.
Knowledge is Power
One of the best ways to manage your fears surrounding birth is to speak with your healthcare provider. Medical professionals like obstetricians and midwives have a wealth of experience and professional insight, so they can answer your questions.
Addressing your concerns with them can help you feel more confident as the big day approaches. You can also consider making a birth plan, which will outline your expectations and desires for how you’d like things to go.
With a birth plan, you can note things like pain management preferences, who you’d like in the delivery room, and more. Although you can’t predict with certainty how the birth will go, reflecting on what you’d like for your experience can help things go more smoothly and foster communication with those helping you.
Prioritize Self-Care
It’s easy to feel like childbirth prep is occupying much of your time, especially as your due date approaches. Your emotions can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re nervous about what to expect.
Amid these changes, remember to take care of yourself. Preparing for labor and delivery is important, but as you approach this significant life change, be sure to focus on things you can do to relax as much as possible.
What do you enjoy doing? Even as you are approaching the end of your pregnancy and experiencing physical changes, consider what makes you feel refreshed. Do you have a favorite TV show you enjoy watching? Have you connected with friends and family?
Self-care activities may not seem significant right now, but they can make a big difference in your mental and physical health. As you prepare for motherhood, reminding yourself that you’re still you can help settle your fears. You can find encouragement in doing what you enjoy and finding community with loved ones.
Additionally, reminding yourself that you’re more capable than you realize may seem simple, but it is essential. Whether you have a vaginal delivery or a C-section, you are capable of giving birth and have the tools needed to succeed.
Don’t Be Afraid to Reach Out for Support
Though it can be challenging to reach out for support, know that you aren’t the only woman to feel anxious about giving birth. However, this also means you aren’t alone; others can provide the support you seek.
Crossroads Care Clinic is here for you. You don’t need to figure out the next steps yourself, and our experienced advocates can connect you to additional resources as you prepare to welcome your baby.
Schedule a free and confidential appointment today to start receiving the help you deserve.
