Fear of Death in Childbirth
Death in childbirth was once a common thing.After all the images we have seen, stories that we have heard, the feeling of fear ingrained throughout the generations - is it so surprising that in the back of our minds some women worry: what if something goes wrong; what if I die?
Nothing in life is guaranteed, and if we thought so deeply about our mortality, we probably wouldn't get out of bed in the morning.
In the year 2014, pregnant women living in Britain are amazingly lucky to be supported by a fantastic support network. High quality antenatal care is available throughout pregnancy. Information & education is easily accessible. Far more women are well-fed and live in much better conditions than their Great-Grandmothers and Great-Grandmothers Mothers. The maternity mortality rate in the UK is low in comparison to other countries around the world.
The following article looks at maternity mortality in Pakistan. In rural Pakistan natural birth is the norm as women simply can't afford to visit a hospital or birthing centre. Concern is expressed about the increase in maternity death. The question is asked "If giving birth is natural, why do so many mothers die?" Women have been giving birth naturally since the dawn of time. Natural birth is nothing new: the root of the problem is down to "A combination of misinformation, malnutrition and poor sanitation (which) stack the odds against pregnant mothers and their newborn babies."
The article continues that "Women deliver babies on hay, often in the filthiest part of the house, beside running sewers and clucking chickens, and using overused kitchen blades in lieu of sanitised medical tools. They are poor and hungry to begin with and often feed others in the family instead of themselves."
Compare this to our very fortunate circumstances.
If you are considering a natural birth, continue reading and make sure your choice stems from knowledge and not from fear.
If-giving-birth-is-natural-why-do-so-many-mothers-die
