How Do You Overcome a Fear of Labor and Delivery?

By Ella Clark

Anxious About an Upcoming Birth?

No Need to Fear, Lamaze is Here

Normal anxieties about an upcoming birth turn into the phobia known as tokophobia when fears about birth begin interrupting your daily life.  Symptoms of tokophobia include trouble sleeping, constantly thinking about the possible negative outcomes of birth, and panic attacks, which are commonly associated with the additional symptoms of rapid breathing, shortness of breath, an increased heart rate, and an extreme feeling of dread or fear.   A recent article “Explaining tokophobia, the phobia of pregnancy and childbirth” by Monique Robinson published on The Independent’s website explains that tokophobia affects about 3-8% of pregnant people.  Robinson explains that those with tokophobia are more likely to request cesarean sections, and epidurals than those without.  While there are many reasons why someone might develop tokophobia, such as having experienced any type of abuse, sexual trauma, or a history of anxiety and depression, Robinson goes onto explain that a negative experience with previous births may also play a role in its development.  

According to a recent journal article “Why Are Young Canadians Afraid of Birth? A Survey Study of Childbirth Fear and Birth Preferences among Canadian University Students", published in Midwifery, and as mentioned by Robinson, a fear of childbirth can sometimes be associated with a lack of understanding of what to expect, especially if the majority of your information about birth comes from popular media like television.  Unfortunately, most TV shows that feature birth stories focus on those who have dangerous, and obscure complications, rather than the more common low risk birth.  However, people who learn about birth from family members, and personal acquaintances who have experienced low risk birth are less likely to fear birth.  Another way of reducing fears associated with pregnancy, and birth, mentioned by both articles, was providing people with accurate, evidence based information about birth, and pregnancy.  

Some of the ways Robinson’s article suggests for those seeking to overcome tokophobia include, education about birth, and pregnancy, understanding what went wrong if you have experienced a negative birth, finding others to offer emotional support, and experiencing a positive birth.  Fortunately, Lamaze offers a wide range of classes focused on providing the most up to date, and accurate information about childbearing possible.  If you’re strapped for time, interested in a childbirth refresher course, or are want to get to know Lamaze without committing to a full four week childbirth class, our Low-Down on Labor, and Labor Support classes are a great option.  Low-Down on Labor deals with understanding the realities of low risk birth, and the importance of understanding the changes your body goes through during pregnancy, and delivery.  Labor Support focuses on coping with pain, and learning how to stay relaxed during childbirth.  Together, both classes are perfect for partners interested in learning more about what their partner will experience, and how to take a hands on approach to assisting a birthing person.  Both classes are only two hours long, and offered at the low price of $50 each.  

References

Robinson, Monique. "Explaining Tokophobia, the Phobia of Pregnancy and Childbirth." The Independent 11 Sept. 2014. Web. 22 Sept. 2014.

Stoll PhD, Kathrin, Wendy Hall RN, PhD, Patricia Janssen PhD, and Elaine Carty CNM, SciD. "Why Are Young Canadians Afraid of Birth? A Survey Study of Childbirth Fear and Birth Preferences among Canadian University Students." Midwifery 30 (2013): 220-26. Web. 1 Aug. 2014.