In our culture, birth fears flourish. There’s an entire sociological history about why we’re afraid of birth. If you’re interested in this topic, check out the book by Tina Cassidy called Birth: The Surprising History of How We are Born. I’m so glad that Tina wrote the history on why we’re afraid of birth so that I can focus on what we can do about it.

The first step in learning how to release the fears about birth is to understand fear. I like to separate fears into two categories. The first category I call “clean fears.” These are based on actual threats, like a tiger hiding in the bush. The second category I call “messy fears.” These are not based on actual threats but on fear-based beliefs.

Messy fears create pain, and pain has a lasting negative impact on your physical and mental health. Feeling stressed, overwhelmed, insecure, frustrated, uncertain, and pressured takes its toll on your body. It weakens your immune system, impairs nutrient absorption in your gastrointestinal system, increases vulnerabilities in your cardiovascular system, decreases your reproductive hormones, and disturbs your nervous system.

As I’m sure you have already guessed, none of these things are good for pregnant mamas. This is why it’s so important to release the messy fears that might be causing you stress.

Have you ever heard the saying, “Neurons that fire together, wire together”? Basically what this means is that every fearful thought you have creates a fear-based system in your mind that increases pessimism, anxiety, and irritability, lowering your mood, ambition, and positive risk-taking.

But don’t worry; it’s not hopeless. If you have messy fears, there are many ways to release them. One of the best ways to release fear and anxiety and to increase confidence, peace, and trust is to fire new neurons that support what you want. Here’s a strategy that can help you get started.

Focus on taking action in three areas of your life in order to “fire and wire” a neural pathway that’s more supportive of a peaceful and positive birth experience.

The first area of your life where you can take action is the world around you. This includes your environment, your partner, and your birth team. Create a supportive, loving, and positive environment. Have important conversations about how people can support you. Reduce the amount of negativity in your environment (stop watching the news and reality TV shows about birth). Prepare your environment for a beautiful and positive birth experience.

The second area of your life where you can take action is your body. Make sure that you’re getting lots of sleep, good nutrition, and healthy exercise. Nurture yourself in healthy ways by getting massages, stretching, exercising your pelvic floor, and practicing yoga. Prepare your body for a beautiful and positive birth experience.

The third area of your life where you can take action is your mind. Read supportive and positive books to learn mental processes that will allow you to release fear and anxiety. Start reinforcing positive beliefs about the birth process. Learn strategies to increase trust in yourself, your baby, and your unique birth process. Prepare your mind for a beautiful and positive birth experience

Go ahead and make a plan to take action in these three areas of your life. Write out ideas that will apply to each of the three areas. Once you make your plan, remember to act on it. Action is what makes all the difference.

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Gemma Stone is a mom, psychologist, speaker, and writer who is passionate about birth. She focuses on empowering women to have peaceful and positive birth experiences (no matter how the birth process unfolds). Visit her at www.birthingfromlove.com and sign up for the free guide to Birthing without Fear.