Don’t fear birth.
I know the horror stories scare you. I know if you are like I was, you might even fear that you won’t come out of it alive. Labour is a scary word. It’s hard work, there’s a reason it’s called labour. You travel to another place to collect a soul and give it life. That’s wonderful but hard work.
It’s normal to fear birth, it’s normal to worry about you and your baby. Human beings are the only species that doubt our ability to give birth.
My first birth made me vulnerable. I listened to thousands of women tell me “but women have been doing it for years” and I believed I failed, because it wasn’t easy. But I didn’t fail. I just forgot my power. So I took it back, and I came back ready and stronger. I used my power.
You have that power, too.
Listen: I’m scared of birth, can I get a c-section? Post continues after audio.
If you want to go with a five-page birth plan because anxiety is getting to you, do it.
If you want to take pain relief, do it.
If you want to feel every bit of it because you can, do it.
If trauma has hurt you, and you want a cesarean, do it.
You have every right to choose how you want to birth your baby. It’s your body, it’s your baby.
And if things don’t go to plan, you didn’t fail, you did what’s best to get your baby here safely, and what a selfless sacrifice that is. It’s you, showing the love you have for your baby. Never beat yourself up for that. Never. Feel strong that you’re willing to do anything for your baby.
