why we feel pain in labor and pain relief methods

[Smoke Jaguar]

I found the 'wave' visualisation a bit hard to do, because I kept putting myself at the crest, ready to catch a wave to surf it (it's been a good 5 years since I actually surfed last!)...not very helpful! I WILL, however, be using the gently lapping waves visual, thanks for that!

[blue daisy]

To follow on...I thought this is interesting

Research of Australian Womens Birth Expectations
Positive Expectations of birth

Women expect to have a normal, spontaneous vaginal delivery
Women believe birth is
A natural event
About doing it for yourself
About control and coping
About choice
About support
Is a fulfilling experience
Is simple and straight forward
Is about going with the flow
Having a healthy baby

Negative Expectations of birth
Birth is
Scary and frightening
A medical experience
Unexpected intervention
Painful, long and hard

Influences of our childbirth expectations
What we see and hear through media
Social perceptions
Family and friends
Midwives and doctors
Antenatal education
Lifestyle and age
Own beliefs, attitudes and expectations

Childbirth fear
Wellbeing of baby
Pain
Own wellbeing
Confidence in own ability
Treatment of staff
Changes to lifestyle
c/s

Social dimension of fear
fear of unknown
horror stories
fear of babys wellbeing

Personal dimension of fear
fear of pain
losing control
previous horror birth
speed of birth

A positive birth experience enforces
self confidence
dignity
allied with midwives
respected and nurtured
safe and supported

Fear for first time mothers
High fear leads to high epidural use
Antenatal classes increase fear
High fear leads to high medical intervention


I thought this was very interesting

Antenatal classes increase fear

xx yogababy