Emotional Preparation for Childbirth

A component often missing in childbirth education classes is the emotional preparation for natural childbirth. Unfortunately, for many women, the emotional component is more important than practicing squatting positions or backrubs.

The way you feel about what is happening to you in pregnancy and during childbirth will affect your ability to remain relaxed, deal with pain and discomfort and make informed decisions. One of the indicators of a woman's successful natural childbirth is her confidence in her ability to give birth. No one can give you confidence in your body, in the birth process or in yourself. You have to find your own sources of strength, and know how to use them during childbirth.

Childbirth Emotions Is an exercise to help you recognize how you may react to some of the possible experiences of childbirth. If you discover unproductive emotional responses, you can begin working now to prepare for that possibility.

Childbirth Fears Is an exercise to help you identify the things you are most concerned about as you prepare for childbirth. It can give you insights into places you need more information.

Options and Emotions is an exercise to help you prepare for the feelings you may have as work through your birth plan. Rather than feeling helpless when you choose to use an intervention, this exercise helps you identify the freedom and choices you will still have.

Your Perfect Labor helps you work backwards through the experience of childbirth to determine what you need to do now to have the type of labor you are hoping for.

Strength Words is a journaling exercise to help you identify what strengths you already bring to childbirth and how to build on those strengths.

You May Also Be Interested In: Explore ways exercise in pregnancy can help you prepare for childbirth. Finding out how to tell if labor has started. The Coach's Notebook helps you master comfort measures for labor. The Natural Childbirth Directory can help you find more information about pregnancy and locate childbirth professionals. Virtual Labor Game lets you practice your new labor skills.

© Copyright 2000-2007 Jennifer VanderLaan and Birthing Naturally

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