Another significant factor that increases anxiety is that we often minimize our strengths, such as coping skills, access to resources, and support systems. This increases our sense of vulnerability. Not only do we fear that something bad will happen, but we feel when it does, we couldn't cope or handle it. Creating a coping plan will help you see and be prepared to utilize a variety of coping tools. Many couples go into labor with a birth plan.
Mental flexibility is a crucial part of mental fitness.
One of the scary parts of the labor and delivery process is a sense of loss of control. Having a trusting relationship with your medical practitioner and your partner, having a flexible attitude, and having a plan for all the contingencies you fear, will help lower the stress level. Some wonderful research by Dr. Kathleen Mooney at the Center for Cognitive Therapy in Newport Beach can be very helpful in breaking this cycle of worry. Your list might include having an induced or very long or difficult labor, or concerns about needing a Cesarean Section or problems nursing. See yourself using your plan to cope with and manage each situation.