An alternative approach is to open up the discussion about fear and losing control during birth. Rather than trying to eliminate fear, it seems more helpful to acknowledge it is part of birth (for most) and to embrace it. Some suggestions:
There is so much liberation in letting go, I really respect and celebrate any woman who can be herself in her body. Control is counterproductive to instinct. Fear drives instinctive behaviour. You make perfect sense once again! A pleasure to read and a pleasure to ponder.
Thanks
Thanks everyone for your comments. I knew I could rely on you to generously contribute to the post with experiences and opinions. When I direct students and mothers to this site I always tell them to read the comments as they provide valuable insights. ?
Nice one Rach! Yes it is painful , yes it is scary and to deny women their fears is as patriarchal as wanting to control childbirth in a technocratic environment. Childbirth is not owned by anyone but the woman who is experiencing it. What she feels is hers; to deny her of her emotions is doing a great disservice to women.
Thank you! This is exactly how I have felt. I have labored 4 times. The first three ended in c-section. The third was a homebirth turned hospital transfer. That was the most damaging. A homebirth midwife I trusted to hold the space for me tormented and traumatized me physically and emotionally. Her patriarchal approach was the hardest to deal with because I trusted her to be different. I feel that to deny a woman her feelings no matter what they are is to blame her for even having them. I had fear of being judged for having fear. The happy ending is that I found an amazing, supportive, loving, accepting midwife to attend me at home with my fourth child and gave birth in my bedroom after 3 c-sections. I know I could have never done this without her complete acceptance of all of my responses to pain in labor including fear.
My second experience giving birth was ecstatic and completely pain-free and I expected number 3 to be easy at the very least . . I was shocked at feeling intense pain, some fear, need for reassurance, etc.
Hi! You are so kind. Not just in your response to me, but in many of the replies you have posted. I spent hours reading through your blog last night. Yes, menstruation was traumatic. My first was a flood, and the woman gynecologist was harsh and very clinical. BTW, I live in Canada.
I remember how she gave me tasks like buying a soft drink and some snacks at the local Piggly Wiggly. I was in middle school, so it was a short walk to the store. Walking in there was pretty scary cuz it was a big store and also smelled funny.
So I know when it comes to fear, I totally get it. Years later, my executive coach recommended that I get a copy of Feel the Fear And Do It Anyway by Susan Jeffers, which was published in 1987 (Along with a book called Worry by Edward M Hallowell).
She believes that the key to overcoming fear is to focus on the present moment and to take action even when your fear is present. Jeffers offers practical techniques for managing fear and for developing a more positive outlook on your life.
Facing Your Fears: Take action and face your fears, even when they feel afraid. She believes that taking small steps toward your goals can build confidence and reduce the power of fear.
Jeffers was so excited to share what she learned that first, she became a teacher and then an author. After Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway became an international bestseller, she went on to write 16 more bestselling books, recorded many audios, became a sought-after public speaker, and TV and radio guest. What made her such a compelling author and speaker was her willingness to reveal so much of herself and the struggles she faced. With humor, she was able to connect to her readers in a way that is still unusual and much beloved.
Hey there, I'm Shannon! Being a voracious reader and passionate about learning, I started this site in the hopes of sharing my thoughts and my love of inspiring nonfiction books that can help you. It's kind of like Buddha meets business. I truly hope you enjoy!
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It's a framework of thought, a way of looking at the world that shapes how we perceive, interpret, and respond to information. It is a set of assumptions, concepts, values, and practices that guide our thinking and actions.
Use your past successes as small as it can be. Use it as a positive proof to reprogram your subconscious mind with empowering beliefs like "I am capable of achieving my goals" or "I am worthy of success."
Finally, take action towards your goals, even if it means making mistakes or experiencing setbacks along the way. By taking action, you'll build your confidence and prove to yourself that you're capable of succeeding despite your fears.
For example, you could create an affirmation like "I am a motivated and productive person who takes action towards my goals every day" and repeat it to yourself regularly. You could also create a visualization practice where you imagine yourself completing tasks with ease and feeling proud of your accomplishments.
How ? By identifying the root cause of your anxiety, challenging your limiting beliefs, and reprogramming your subconscious with positive thoughts and images, you can overcome your anxiety and achieve lasting change.
Sticking your head above the parapet (also known as starting your own business) is really scary! As Susan Jeffers sets out in the article The Five Truths About Fear, those fears won't go away unless you do something about it.
A couple of years ago, I felt in my bones that one day I would create an M.E./C.F.S. related social enterprise. But M.E./C.F.S. is like space, so vast it makes your brain hurt if you think about it for too long. I kept putting it off. The subject is controversial and very complex, and all of my inner insecurities added to the fear. I was waiting for 'the right time'. I now know that there is no 'right time' and waiting for the 'right time' has added to the lack of progress for the M.E./C.F.S. community for decades. Now is the time. Right now. This minute.
Yes, I've done it! I faced the unknown and have 'handled it'. I 'handled it' by addressing a global need for education. New challenges do indeed crop up each day, but I've made the initial jump into the fire and it's all systems go from now on.
I wouldn't say I feel better about myself, but I feel that I have been proactive about the health crisis and know that I am taking steps to improve the lives of millions of M.E./C.F.S. patients around the globe. I still feel the fear every day but am satisfied that I have taken a massive step in the right direction. I'm still waiting to feel 'stronger and stronger and stronger'!
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