Helping women overcome fear of childbirth

informed choices they make.

As Jessica points out: “If a woman is severely tokophobic then a Caesarian section might be the best option for her. But I’ve worked with women who were terrified of giving birth but not permitted Caesarians and so made things up in order to get one.

“In the end there are human rights involved in childbirth and no-one can do anything to your body without your express permission and without giving you an informed choice, but we know that doesn’t happen because hospitals are constrained. What women need is access to a calm, safe and controlled place and be able to look on birth as a enjoyable experience.”

And, as Tracy adds: “A woman’s birth experience will remain with her for the rest of her life and it’s quite a pivotal experience. Whether you have a natural birth or a section, as long as you feel you have been cared for in a supportive way and take that with you it will make a massive difference.

“In a lot of cultures women are nurtured more and have a network of other women around them.

“In this country there are women with no extended families to support them. The Positive Birth Movement is a support network.”

Anyone interested in joining the Huddersfield group should attend the next meeting on Thursday, April 26, from 6.30pm, or get details from positivebirthmovement.org

Tracy also runs a weekly post-natal support group at Ruddi’s Retreat in Linthwaite on Thursday mornings from 9.45am until 11.45am, at which mums and dads can drop in for advice on feeding and weaning.