Fear Free Childbirth

How Fear Can Impact Labor

Believe it or not, many women do struggle with fears over childbirth to a greater or lesser degree. Research indicates that most fears revolve around the baby’s physical well-being, mom’s physical well-being, and mom’s concern about losing control or having to make decisions she doesn’t feel comfortable with. Some women develop fear of childbirth after having a previous traumatic birth experience or after knowing of someone else’s (we will address birth trauma in next month's post).

​Regardless of where the fear comes from, research indicates that women who come to early labor with “distressing thoughts” increase their chances of having longer labors and C-sections. You see, fear works against the normal labor process God has designed.

• It creates a physiologic response in the body, called fight or flight, which sends blood away from your organs (and uterus) and out to your extremities.
• It creates added tension in the body which facilitates exhaustion and augments pain sensations.
• It also keeps you from mentally cooperating with the dilation process.

​“The relation that exists between the mind and the body is very intimate. When one is affected, the other sympathizes” (Ministry of Healing, p.241.1). Overcoming fear is an important step to being birth ready. What are your specific fears in childbirth? 

Facing the Unknown

​One big source of fear is fear of the unknown. Feeling unprepared for childbirth or not knowing how labor is supposed to proceed or confusion about what interventions may be needed during labor can create a lot of anxiety about you and your baby's wellbeing during childbirth. The best way to deal with fear is to face it head on with the TRUTH.

• Practice good prenatal self-care. Learn about the 8 laws of prenatal health!
  
• What about birth feels very unknown to you?
• Do you understand the stages of labor?
• Have you mastered good coping skills?
• Do you know your hospital’s policies?
• Have you talked with your care provider about different scenarios?
• Even though you may aim for a vaginal delivery, do you understand what happens in a C-section and what choices you have in that scenario?

​You can get answers to these question in a good childbirth preparation class series, like Birth Ready, and by talking to your care provider.

Bible Promises to Overcome Fear

While you are actively addressing fear through these practical tips, leave what you cannot control in God's hands. Below are a few great Bible promises to pray over to defeat fear.

• "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7
• "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me." Psalm 23:4
• "The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?" Psalm 27:1 ​

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Face your fears by getting the answers to your most pressing childbirth questions and concerns in a Birth Ready childbirth preparation class series hosted by one of our Christian Certified Childbirth Educators. 

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