Relaxation
Relaxation is very important during labour. It ensures your body is not hindered in delivering your baby.
If you are tense, the pain will be more intense.
When you are in your own surroundings, it is much easier to relax than when you are being moved into a unknown, cold, clinical and noisy place like a hospital. It is very important to stay relaxed during labour as this will ensure your natural hormonal painkillers (endorphins) can do their job. One aspect of being able to stay relaxed is looking forward to the birth and not being fearful of pain. A lot of horror stories come from women who went into hospital to give birth and gave all control to other people. This baby is growing inside you and your body knows how to deliver this baby into the world. Please trust yourself and your body!
Should you fear birth, please look into relaxation classes while you are pregnant. Going into hospital and hoping other people will sort the birth for you is not going to help. YOU need to deliver the baby. no-one else. So the more you prepare yourself should you feel anxious, the better your experience will be when you are due.
There are many homebirth support groups around. Please click on this link to find one in your area, or alternatively contact the NCT for a local group.
You could also attent classes in YOGA, HYPNOBIRTHING, of go to your local ANTI-NATAL class for reassurance (ask your midwife for details).
There are also numerous books written on natural birth, which will hopefully put your mind at rest. Labour is a natural process and most women are low-risk in pregnancy and are able to deliver the baby naturally. And should you be part of the small percentage who need assistance, hospital is never far away.....
