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TOKOPHOBIA

HAVING A BABY IS A LIFE CHANGING EVENT THAT CAN IMPACT YOUR MENTAL HEALTH AND TRIGGER STRUGGLES, HOWEVER WITH SUPPORT AND APPROPRIATE TREATMENT IT CAN IMPROVE

It is not your fault that you have Tokophobia and having it does not mean you’re a bad parent. There is a range of support and treatments available including free support services at the bottom of the page. Seeking support does not mean your baby will be taken away as this only happens in very exceptional circumstances.

SYMPTOMS

  • Scared at the thought of pregnancy and birth
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Panic attacks
  • Nightmares
  • Anxiety and depression
  • Extreme fear of birth, complications, stillbirth, or death
  • Insistence on a Caesarean section

TREATMENTS

  • Talking to friends, family or professionals
  • Joining groups for parents
  • Speak to your doctor/midwife about services available for tokophobia
  • Meditation and practicing mindfulness
  • Trying relaxing therapies such as massage
  • Birth Trauma Resolution Therapy
  • Psychological therapy
  • Medicines

IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO IMPROVE YOUR MENTAL HEALTH, PLEASE SEEK SUPPORT. IF YOU HAVE A MENTAL HEALTH CONDITION SEE A DOCTOR OR HEALTH PROFESSIONAL