Fear

Fear is an interesting emotion. On one hand it keeps you from danger. If you fear a lion, that's a good thing. Chances are, then, you'll run away. On the other hand it can sometimes do us some harm. If you are afraid to try new things, then you may miss out on something that could be wonderful.

In the case of labor, it can do much more harm. Your muscles all tighten up, keeping the baby from descending properly. The problem is, who wouldn't be afraid of labor! Luckily, nowadays, death is not as much a problem as the pain and the unexpected. There is also the fear that you might need a c-section, not to mention how things will go afterwards. I was afraid for my first one, just because I didn't know what to expect. I was afraid for my second because I did know what to expect.

Somehow, though, in order for labor to progress the best it possibly can we have to learn to look past that fear. To overcome the natural instinct that causes us to flee. Somehow, fear, must be looked at, scrutinized, stared in the face, and embraced. It's not a "I am woman and will conquer" kind of a thing. It's a I am afraid, but I will see it and not run. Because it is a part of me. Somehow, we have to let fear come to us and wash over us, then leave us ready to move on.