Transforming Fear of Childbirth Into Confidence: Why Support Matters More Than Ever
Across the UK, more women and families are speaking openly about birth trauma and the fear of childbirth — and the numbers show just how needed these conversations are.
Recent UK figures tell us that around 1 in 3 women describe their birth as traumatic, and 4–5% go on to develop birth-related PTSD. For many, the fear begins long before labour starts. Tokophobia — an extreme fear of childbirth — affects around 10% of pregnant women, and many more feel quietly anxious, unsettled, or overwhelmed.
These aren’t “small” worries.
And they’re not signs of weakness.
They are signs that something has been missing for far too long: continuity, compassion, personalised care.
Why Fear of Childbirth Is So Common
Fear around birth doesn’t come from nowhere.
It grows from stories, past experiences, rushed appointments, lack of continuity, and a maternity system stretched so thin that true emotional safety can feel out of reach.
When a woman feels unsupported or unheard during pregnancy or birth, her nervous system remembers, and that memory can shape how she feels in her next pregnancy — or whether she feels able to face birth again at all.
Many women say:
“I’m scared it will happen again.”
“I never processed my last birth.”
“I don’t feel listened to.”
“I’m already anxious, and I’m not even near term.”
Fear becomes the lens through which the whole journey is seen.
But it doesn’t have to stay that way.
Understanding Fear Through the Body
Fear of childbirth is not “all in your head”.
It lives in the body, especially after a difficult or traumatic birth.
Birth relies on oxytocin — the hormone of bonding, calm and safety.
Fear, however, triggers adrenaline.
When adrenaline rises, oxytocin falls.
And when oxytocin falls, labour slows or becomes more challenging.
This is why feeling emotionally safe is not a luxury—it’s a biological necessity.
When you understand your body, when your environment feels protective, and when the person supporting you is familiar and trustworthy, something shifts.
Fear softens.
Confidence grows.
Why Independent Midwifery Makes a Difference
One of the most protective factors against birth trauma is continuity of care — knowing the midwife who will walk alongside you.
Not just at appointments, but in the moments that matter most.
Families consistently tell me that having an independent midwife brings:
calm
clarity
emotional safety
time to explore fears and previous experiences
space to ask questions without being rushed
trust
genuine human connection
For many, the fear isn’t of birth itself — it’s of feeling alone in it.
Introducing: Birth Reflection Sessions at Birth Sense Midwifery
So many women carry their last birth inside them — quietly, heavily, often without a place to unpack it.
These unprocessed experiences feed anxiety and fear in the next pregnancy, sometimes years later.
My Birth Reflection Sessions have been created to bridge that gap gently.
They offer a space where you can:
Talk through your birth story without judgment
explore what felt scary, confusing, or overwhelming
understand the clinical side in plain language
connect the emotional and physical pieces
Identify what you need to feel safer next time
Rebuild trust in your body and your instincts
It’s not therapy — it’s tender, trauma-aware support grounded in midwifery, physiology and emotional safety.
This is where fear begins to shift.
This is where your nervous system gets to breathe again.
And this is often the first step to creating a more confident, grounded birth experience.
Fear Doesn’t Mean You’re Broken
If you’re reading this because fear of childbirth is showing up for you, please know this:
Your fear is valid.
Your experience matters.
And you deserve support that honours your story, not dismisses it.
You are not meant to walk this alone.
You’re meant to feel held.
Next Steps
If fear of childbirth or a previous traumatic birth is shaping how you feel about your next journey, my Birth Reflection Sessions might be the first step toward building a birth experience rooted in calm, clarity and confidence.
You can book or enquire here:
