There’s hope for those experiencing a severe fear of childbirth

It is understandable that many find the thought of giving birth frightening. Especially in view of the uncertainty associated with it.

But there is a difference between a “normal” fear of childbirth and a phobia, says Professor Julie Jomeen, dean of Southern Cross University’s Department of Health, professor of midwife and expert on toophobia.

“Tokophobia is a serious fear of pregnancy and childbirth,” explains Professor Jomeen, who has been researching the psychological aspects of childbirth for 20 years.

“There are two types of toophobia. Primary toophobia occurs in women who have never had a baby and secondary toophobia occurs in women who have given birth and is likely caused by a traumatic event in the previous pregnancy. “

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The causes of primary toophobia are still being investigated. “There is some evidence that it is more common in women who were abused in their childhood. Negative experiences with childbirth can also play a role, ”says Professor Jomeen.

It is difficult to say how many women have toophobia, especially when you consider that many of them avoid pregnancy and are therefore not rated on the toophobia severity scale. Some reports suggest that 28 percent of women have the disease, while other numbers are as low as five percent. Professor Jomeen says the average is around 14 percent of women. That’s millions of women around the world who suffer from a phobia that has significantly less airtime than claustrophobia, arachnophobia, or agoraphobia.

For women with toophobia who become pregnant, the effects can be severe. “The condition affects them every day and affects how they deal with their pregnancy. Many women avoid making decisions and discussions about childbirth until the end, and if they share their great fear of childbirth six weeks before the birth, the care options are limited, ”admits Professor Jomeen on the causes, diagnosis and treatment of the phobia. “We may not get rid of the phobia, but we can put support mechanisms in place to help.”

While toophobia is still a relatively new area of ​​research, progress is being made. A severity scale has been developed to help with diagnosis and care plans are being introduced in the UK to ensure that pregnant women receive proper support from both a psychiatrist and midwife throughout their pregnancy.

As a leading expert, Professor Jomeen wants people to know that toophobia exists, but that it is a very pronounced, extreme condition. “Women who feel they have toophobia should get in touch and speak to their doctor. We want to be able to identify and support people with this condition, but we don’t want to overuse the label for cases of normative concern, ”she says.

The final message that Professor Jomeen wants to convey is one of hope: “Women with toophobia can still have a positive birthing experience with the right care and support.”

ADVICE FROM PROFESSOR JOMEEN ON ADDRESSING TOKOPHOBIA

Talk about it

“The sooner women raise their concerns, the better. With early intervention, we can provide meaningful and effective support. We have come very far in the last 10 years. Midwives are more comfortable talking to women about mental health, and women are more open to disclosing mental health issues without fear of stigma. “

Consider cognitive behavior therapy

“The best evidence we have right now suggests that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a good approach to dealing with toophobia. CBT enables women to use their own resources and to cope with fear. “

Identify options for Continuity of care

“One of the most important things about toophobia treatment is continuity of care. Ideally, patients would see the same midwife and nurse all the time. It’s hard for women to keep telling their story to new people. When women have the same doctors throughout pregnancy, they can build trust and stay in control. “

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source https://dailyhealthynews.ca/theres-hope-for-those-experiencing-a-severe-fear-of-childbirth/