Cee, it can be just as problematic as lying on your back to be anxious / terrified / inhibited as far as birth goes! Hormones take no mercy! If you are feeling that way, adrenaline is produced as part as the flight or fight response we have when feeling scared, anxious etc and stops oxytocin (labour hormone) production in it's tracks. Way back when in the very ancient of days, if a woman was birthing and was in danger, this was useful as her labour would stop and she could move to a safe place to continue birthing. However if this happens in hospital, you can't leave and find a safe place! It will be the people around you that will need to work hard to help you feel safe, which isn't something an Ob or midwife would do as they just aren't by your side the whole time during labour.

Clearly you need to find a place and carer who will respect your need for privacy and you will need some trust in your body - so you can surrender and let your body birth your baby. Have you been doing any good pre-natal education? Private classes are best, a birth attendant or private midwife, some relaxation, massage, pre-natal yoga is ideal for someone who needs help with relaxation - so many things! You have a great book to provide you with information on how to birth well, now all you need is to get your mind joining in with your body