have no experience on delivering my baby so that makes me scared and nervous sometimes. what can i do?”
Of course you’re scared. Giving birth, especially for the first time, is one of the scariest things anyone can go through! But in this day and age, delivery is very, very safe for you and the baby. That doesn’t mean it’s risk-free or painless, though. What you can do is face your fears head-on by learning as much as you can about what’s going to happen and what choices you may face about your care. Here’s some ways to do that:
- Call the hospital maternity ward where you plan to deliver and ask if they offer birth classes and tours. Sign up for both.
- Read quality pregnancy books, like ours
- Between checkups, keep a list of questions that you want to ask.
- Also keep a list of your specific fears. Are you scared of the pain? Of the epidural? About what you’ll do with a baby? Then let your health care provider know what your fears are, even if they might sound silly. Talk over your pain relief options. Ask your doctor to recommend a parenting class if you’re afraid you won’t know how to take care of the baby. If you must you can even say, “I know this fear is completely irrational, but please reassure me anyway.”
- Write a birth plan and discuss it with your health care provider. Hospitals may not read birth plans, but a birth plan will help you prepare yourself for some of the choices you may face while you’re in labor.
Hope this helps!
