When you’re pregnant again after a traumatic or difficult birth, fear can show up fast — and it can feel like something’s wrong with you. But what if that fear is actually your body’s way of trying to keep you safe?

In this short, soothing episode, Katie shares a powerful mindset shift to help you understand your anxiety with more compassion — and ends with a short guided compassionate exercise to help calm your nervous system and reconnect with your body gently.

✨ What you’ll hear:

• Why fear in this pregnancy doesn’t mean you’re broken
  
  
• How trauma activates our brain’s protection mode
  
  
• A gentle reframe using a compassion-focused therapy theory
  
  
• A short guided practice to activate your soothing system
  
  

Perfect for a quiet moment with your headphones, this episode is designed to help you feel a little more supported — right now.

Connect With Katie:

• Instagram: @birthcarewithkatie
• Facebook: Birthcare with Katie
• Website: Birthcare.co.uk

Listen & Subscribe:
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, or share it with someone who might benefit from these insights. Your support helps others discover the podcast and find the tools they need to approach their birth journey with confidence.

In this episode of the Building Birth Confidence Podcast, Katie dives into the topic of pain in labour—a subject often surrounded by fear and anxiety. Whether you’re feeling apprehensive because of a challenging previous birth or simply unsure of how to approach this part of labour, this episode is packed with insights and tools to help you reframe pain as purposeful and manageable.

By understanding the role of pain in labour, breaking the fear-tension-pain cycle, and learning practical techniques to feel more in control, you’ll leave this episode feeling more prepared and confident for your upcoming birth.

Topics Covered:

1. Why Labour Pain Exists and How It Differs From Other Types of Pain
   • How labour pain serves a purpose in guiding, focusing, and supporting your body during birth.
   • The role of hormones like oxytocin and endorphins in making labour productive and manageable.
   • Reflecting on previous birth experiences and preparing for a new approach.
2. The Fear-Tension-Pain Cycle
   • How fear and tension can amplify pain and what you can do to break the cycle.
   • Techniques like slow breathing, visualisation, and mindset shifts to help you stay calm and in control.
3. Factors That Influence Pain in Labour
   • Understanding how fear, exhaustion, and lack of support can impact pain perception.
   • Exploring ways to increase your sense of safety and comfort during labour.
4. Preparing for a More Comfortable Birth
   • Practical strategies to manage pain, including breathing techniques, mindfulness, and body movement.
   • The importance of communicating your preferences in your birth plan and building trust with your care team.
   • Exploring pain relief options without guilt or judgment.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• Free Guide: [How to Write Your Birth Plan] – A free guide and customizable template to help you create a birth plan tailored to your needs.

Connect With Katie:

• Instagram: @birthcarewithkatie
• Facebook: Birthcare with Katie
• Website: Birthcare.co.uk

Listen & Subscribe:
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, or share it with someone who might benefit from these insights. Your support helps others discover the podcast and find the tools they need to approach their birth journey with confidence.

In this episode of the Building Birth Confidence Podcast, Katie dives into the experience of dealing with the uncertainty of birth—an aspect that many find difficult, especially after a previous traumatic experience. She shares valuable strategies for navigating the unknown with a calmer, more prepared mindset and provides tools to help you feel more at ease with uncertainty. Whether you’re worried about how your birth may go this time or are struggling to manage fears of the unexpected, this episode is here to guide you toward feeling more secure and confident.

Introduction
Why uncertainty in birth can be particularly challenging after trauma and why our brains are naturally drawn to focusing on potential dangers.

Embracing the Unpredictability of Birth
Ways to focus on what can be influenced—like creating a flexible birth plan and building trust with your care team—to feel more in control.

Understanding Uncertainty from a Psychological Perspective
Why we crave certainty, especially after trauma, and how learning to tolerate uncertainty can reduce anxiety.

Techniques for Managing and Accepting Uncertainty
Tools like reframing thoughts and using worry diaries to build resilience and manage anxiety around birth.

Preparing for a Positive Birth Experience Despite Uncertainty
Mindfulness and grounding exercises to help stay present and avoid getting lost in “what if” worries.

Strategies for Tolerating Uncertainty
Practical tips for breaking down the birth process and visualising a positive experience to reduce stress around the unknown.

Regular practice of these techniques will strengthen confidence and prepare for a positive birth, even if things don’t go exactly as planned

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• Free Guide: [How to Write Your Birth Plan] – A free guide and customizable template to help you create a birth plan tailored to your needs.

Connect With Katie

• Instagram: @birthcarewithkatie
• Facebook: Birthcare with Katie
• Website: Birthcare with Katie

Listen & Subscribe: If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe, leave a review, or share it with someone who might benefit from these insights on managing birth’s uncertainty. Sharing helps others find support on their journey too!