Fear in Labor

Our body releases two hormones, epinephrine or adrenaline, that are responsible for the fight or flight response. This is when we shift into survival mode, when we feel that it is important for us to get out of a situation to protect ourselves. Our adrenal glands release these hormones in response to stressful situations which gives us the extra energy to flee or react to threatening times. Quite often in labor, women feel scared. Scared of the pain, scared of something going wrong, scared of their expectations not being met. When a laboring woman is scared, her body sends a message to the brain that she is being threatened. Thus, the release of adrenaline from the adrenal glands. Unfortunately, with the increase of adrenaline comes the decrease of oxytocin, the hormone that is responsible for uterine contractions. When scared, a woman's labor can slow or stop altogether.
"All mammals, including humans,share the same basic needs when they give birth. In a wild environment, a female mammal cannot give birth with a predator around.Thanks to the release of adrenaline, associated with fear, she can fight or flee. She will give birth later,when her adrenaline level has dropped; that is, when the danger has gone and she feels secure." (Childbirth Without Fear, Grantley Dick-Read)
So, this is why I like to work with mamas in pregnancy to acknowledge and work through fears and concerns they may have towards the birth process. Just to be able to talk about it and get it out provides a sense of relief. To acknowledge anything that may be worrying a mama can be a valuable an opportunity diffuse the fear and intense emotions, while developing coping skills to move through it if it does in fact occur. By acknowledging fears and concerns, mothers can feel more open, confident and secure as they approach childbirth and postpartum