Fear of Vomit and Pregnancy: How to Navigate the Emetophobia in Preparation for Pregnancy and Parenthood Today I am diving into a topic that affects more people than you might imagine - the fear of vomit and pregnancy. The fear of being sick is also known as emetophobia and while it may not be the number one fear for everyone, it ranks high on the list of most common phobias. During this episode I explore the seriousness of this fear, and its impact on those contemplating pregnancy or dealing with a fear of pregnancy or giving birth. I'll also be sharing insights and strategies to help you overcome this fear and create a fearless mindset. Emetophobia is the fear of vomiting or being sick, and it can have a profound impact on pregnancy. A fear of vomit or a fear of being sick is particularly tricky when coupled with the challenges of morning sickness or for those who suffer with tokophobia, the fear of pregnancy or giving birth. When your phobias start to stack on top of each other, things can quickly feel overwhelming. Emetophobia: Understanding the Fear of Vomit or Being Sick Emetophobia is no ordinary dislike of throwing up. It's a deep-seated fear that can elicit intense anxiety and panic at the mere thought of vomiting or being around others who might. This fear often extends to situations where illness is a possibility, leading to a complex web of anxieties. From discomfort to phobia: How it develops The roots of emetophobia can often be traced back to personal experiences or traumas involving vomiting. It might be a childhood memory of a stomach bug or witnessing someone fall ill. Over time, these experiences become etched in the mind, linking vomiting with extreme fear and distress. As the fear solidifies, it begins to infiltrate various aspects of life. People with emetophobia might become hypervigilant about potential sources of illness, meticulously avoiding situations where vomiting could occur. This avoidance, though initially a coping mechanism, eventually reinforces the fear, turning it into a phobia that exerts significant control over one's daily life. How I developed my fear of vomit I developed this phobia as a result of my baby being sick on a car journey. My partner was working away when my youngest was around 9 months, so one weekend we went to visit him. It was a really long drive and we were stuck in really bad January traffic. It was raining really badly and I was stuck in roadworks on the M25 in the UK (affectionately called the Road to Hell by Chris Rea in his famous song). My baby used to do this thing where she would sometime bring up her milk about half an hour after feeding and I was conscious of this as I was driving soon after we had stopped for a feed. Then she started being sick! And, I was stuck in the front seat driving and couldn't do anything about it. Because we were in roadworks I couldn't pull over. I just had to sit there listening to her vomit all over the back of the car. It was horrid! From then on, I would be super stressed on any journey longer than half an hour as I would anticipate the inevitable. When baby #2 turned up this continued and it was a total nightmare to deal with. But I didn't realise at first that was was going on was a fear of vomit as I'd never had that before. Fear of Vomit and Pregnancy: Morning Sickness Now, imagine emetophobia and pregnancy. Now, we find a convergence of fears, where the potential for vomiting during morning sickness becomes a daunting prospect for those already grappling with emetophobia. Morning sickness, although a normal part of many pregnancies, triggers a sense of dread for individuals with emetophobia. The anticipation of nausea or vomiting during this period amplifies their existing anxiety, creating a challenging mental and emotional landscape to navigate. Emetophobia meets Tokophobia When we add tokophobia to the mix too, things can quickly start to escalate emotionally.

The Power of Healing Your Hidden Pregnancy and Birth Trauma In this episode I explore hidden pregnancy and birth trauma. Discover how ancestral trauma can fuel fears and anxieties about pregnancy and birth, even if you've never been pregnant. I also share my personal healing journey, transforming my perspective on childbirth. Join me in addressing any hidden pregnancy and birth trauma for a fearless pregnancy and birth. I'd like to dive into a topic that often gets overshadowed by nursery décor and baby names: the importance of healing your emotional wounds and traumas around pregnancy and birth. Pregnancy and childbirth are undoubtedly transformative experiences, and while they can be filled with joy and excitement, they can also bring forth a surge of emotions, some of which may be deeply rooted in our past. So, let's chat about why taking care of your emotional well-being during this time is not just a good idea – it's crucial. 1. Emotions and Pregnancy: A Deep Connection Pregnancy is a powerful journey that connects the physical and emotional aspects of our lives in a profound way. As your body changes and grows, so do your emotions. It's like a rollercoaster ride – thrilling, sometimes scary, and occasionally a bit overwhelming. But here's the thing: those rollercoaster emotions aren't just about what's happening in the moment. They can also be influenced by unresolved issues and traumas from the past. These emotional wounds can impact your overall experience, your connection with your baby, and even your postpartum period. If you've had difficult pregnancy or birth experiences in the past, then making peace with them is an important step for you to be able to enjoy the future. And I don't just mean future pregnancy or birth experiences, but YOUR future. Difficult or traumatic pregnancy and birth experiences will stay with you and will cloud your parenting journey. Releasing them will enable you to enjoy your time as a parent. And, if you're struggling with fears of pregnancy or birth, or are suffering from tokophobia, then it's likely that you have some traumas or wounds that are feeding your fears. These might well be traumas or emotional wounds that are related to pregnancy or birth. Taking the time to heal any pregnancy and birth trauma will help you make good progress in releasing your fears and getting to a place whereby you can enjoy your pregnancy or the thought of being pregnant. 2. Create a Healthy Emotional Blueprint for Your Baby The emotional state you're in during pregnancy can have a lasting impact on your little one. Babies in the womb are incredibly perceptive and attuned to their mother's emotional state. I've talked about this a lot in the past, and I've interviewed the Father of Prenatal Psychology himself, Dr Thomas Verny all about this important topic. So be sure to listen to that episode if you want to better understand this. Putting time aside to heal any pregnancy and birth trauma, you're not only taking care of yourself but also nurturing a healthy emotional environment for your baby. Imagine the beautiful ripple effect of starting your baby's life with a foundation of love, peace, and emotional well-being. It's like giving them a head start in the game of life! 3. A Fear Free Childbirth Experience When you've worked through your emotional baggage, you're more likely to approach birth with confidence and calm. There is a lot of evidence to support this and it's one of the surer ways to guarantee a smooth and fear-free childbirth experience. Birth is a transformative event, and it's normal to feel anxious or fearful. However, healing emotional wounds can help you manage these emotions and make the birthing process smoother and less stressful. Our emotional wounds feed our fears and anxieties, so when we take the time to heal our wounds, we are taking away the fuel that feeds our fears. 4. Postpartum Bliss The postpartum period can be a challenging time,...

Welcome to another episode of Fear Free Childbirth podcast, where we delve into the incredible realm of childbirth and explore unconventional yet empowering practices. In this episode, I am joined by special guest Sophie Messager, a doula who has integrated drumming into her work with expecting mothers. Together, we explore the profound effects of drumming during pregnancy and birth, while highlighting the lost wisdom of traditional women's practices. Drumming during Pregnancy and Birth We touch upon several thought-provoking topics and intriguing questions related to drumming for pregnancy and birth. 1. Uncovering the Healing Power: Sophie emphasises the importance of healing oneself before guiding others on their journey. By attuning to their own energetic patterns and addressing any emotional blocks, practitioners can hold space more effectively and transmit the transformational power of their method. 2. Training and Specialisation: Our discussion sheds light on the availability of training options for practitioners interested in incorporating drumming into their work. From practitioner and professional levels to specialised training for pregnancy and birth, individuals can explore these avenues to deepen their understanding and skills. 3. Science Meets Tradition: Our conversation touches upon the scientific validation of non-scientific practices like Reiki and the need to bridge traditional wisdom with modern science, bringing together the best of both worlds. This holistic approach offers a comprehensive understanding of the profound effects drumming can have on the mind, body, and spirit. Some of the key questions we explore include: How does the use of drumming in pregnancy and birth align with traditional women's wisdom and cultural practices? In what ways can drumming support women in feeling empowered and relaxed during childbirth? How can drumming be adapted to meet the needs and preferences of each individual woman? How could Sophie’s book contribute to the existing literature on childbirth practices? How does drumming affect the brain and fascias, and what other potential benefits might it have for the body? How can holistic approaches, like drumming, contribute to this healing process? How can we promote a more positive and empowering perspective on menopause in our communities? How could drumming positively impact young girls' experiences of developing womanhood? How can we advocate for a more holistic approach to health, especially in the context of childbirth? Is there a correlation between drumming and labour induction? How might we further explore this connection? This episode takes us on a captivating journey into the ancient wisdom of drumming and its transformative power during pregnancy and birth. We shed light on the forgotten practices of women's wisdom, emphasising the significance of creating safe and supportive spaces for birthing individuals. As we explore the profound connection between science and tradition, may we embrace the healing potential of drumming and empower expecting mothers to embark on their birth journeys fearlessly. Resources mentioned during the episode Throughout the episode, we mention several resources that can provide in-depth information and insights into the practice of drumming for pregnancy and birth. Here are some valuable resources to get you started: 1. Fearless Birthing Professional Training for doulas, midwives and birth professionals: For detailed information on the upcoming training programmes for learning Alexia's fear clearance method - Head Trash Clearance - visit the Fearless Birthing website. www.fearless-birthing/training 2. Head Trash Clearance: If you're a therapist or coach who works outside of the pregnancy and birth world, and you would like to find out more about the Head Trash Clearance method and the various training opportunities. 3. Corine Sombrun’s Research: Corine Sombrun,,

In this week's episode, Alexia chats to Ramona, who shares her powerful story of triumphing over tokophobia and body dysmorphia to embrace and enjoy pregnancy. Throughout our conversation, Ramona imparts wisdom on communicating with healthcare providers, finding the right support, and illuminating challenging experiences. She candidly shares her transformation from body dysmorphia to embracing pregnancy joyfully, revealing how her perspective changed with the help of a personal trainer and a comprehensive program of healing and self-care. Conquering Tokophobia & Body Dysmorphia: Ramona's Story Ramona's journey traces a path to acceptance and empowerment, from initial anxiety about her pregnancy to a resolute decision to embrace it. We explore how her past experiences parallel her approach to pregnancy and childbirth, as she confronts longstanding fears and anxieties head-on. Here are just some of the questions we explore in this episode How did Ramona's initial doubts about the effectiveness of mantras change over time? Did her open-mindedness play a role in their transformation? What were some of her previous attempts to improve her sleep and why did she find the mantras to be more effective? In what ways did her trauma therapy, combined with the use of mantras, contribute to her transformative journey? How does she experience with CBT for anxiety disorders and phobias compare to their belief in the need for body therapy to rewire the brain and body's response to fear? What are some additional therapies that she recommends for addressing phobias and anxiety disorders, and why does she find them effective? What steps did she take to prepare for childbirth and ensure a positive experience despite her tokophobia? Why does she emphasise the importance of talking to someone about fears and traumatic experiences, and what role does validation and support play in this process? How can societal expectations around pregnancy and parenthood contribute to feelings of loneliness and isolation? What strategies did she suggest to overcome these challenges? How did her work with a therapist and personal trainer impact her body image and relationship with her own body during pregnancy? Reflecting on her journey, what role did research, online communities, and exposure to positive birth stories have in her transformation and acceptance of pregnancy?   Resources mentioned during the episode In this episode, several resources were mentioned: 1. Fearless Birthing Online course: provides information and support related to perinatal mental health and overcoming their phobia of childbirth. 2. Supportive community: online support groups, including Facebook groups (Tokophobia Support Network), where Ramona engaged with others who shared their experiences and struggles. 3. Instagram page: "Pain Free Birth," which provided valuable insights and positive birth stories. 4. Perinatal therapist: helps navigate fears and anxiety related to pregnancy and childbirth. 5. Tokophobia Support Program: My most popular one-to-one program for those wanting support in overcoming tokophobia 6. Research: focusing on alternative modalities to treat their specific condition and seeking recommendations from perinatal therapists. Episode Timestamps 00:01:52 "Anxiety about pregnancy leads to self-discovery." 00:11:15 Therapist researches perinatal mental health treatment options. 00:16:50 Delay, avoidance, immersion, fitness, pregnancy, commitment 00:22:30 Changed routines and mantras helped me sleep. 00:26:37 Traumatic experience with puberty and menstruation. 00:32:01 Overcoming body image issues and embracing pregnancy. 00:37:36 Prepared, educated woman takes control of birth. 00:40:56 Talk to someone, don't be lonely. 00:45:39 CBT has its place, but needs body therapy for phobias. 00:47:54 Energy psychology technique offers fast relief for women.

In this episode of Fear Free Childbirth, I delve into the topic of anxiety and how it affects pregnancy. As someone who has personally experienced anxiety during my own pregnancy journey, I understand the importance of addressing and overcoming these fears and anxieties. Anxiety and Pregnancy Fear and control are significant themes in anxiety and tokophobia, which can intensify during pregnancy due to the numerous unknowns and changes that occur. The fear of uncertainty and the feeling of things spiralling out of control can be overwhelming. I discuss how this fear primarily exists in our minds, until a real threat is encountered. During labour, fear can arise if things are not going well, while anxiety is present before that point. Our fear radar can be influenced by society's fear messaging, making it challenging to distinguish between real threats and imagined ones. The past few years have been filled with fear messaging, but not all of it has been based on reality. In addition to the fear of pregnancy and birth, I explore how fears and anxieties can manifest in other aspects of life, such as health, relationships, parenting, work, and our professional life. I explain how patterns of conflict around control and letting go can impact multiple areas of life, and how addressing and healing these conflicts can lead to positive ripple effects. I also share my personal journey of overcoming fear of judgment and fear of losing social connections, which can cause hesitation in having children. I explore how fear of judgment and indecision can lead to procrastination in various areas of life, resulting in poor sleep quality and increased tiredness during the day. So, if you're experiencing anxiety during your pregnancy journey or simply want to understand and overcome fear in different aspects of your life, this episode is a must-listen. Here are some of the questions that I explore in this episode: How does the fear of uncertainty and change impact anxiety during pregnancy? What are some common fears and anxieties that women experience during pregnancy and childbirth? How does fear messaging from society affect our ability to distinguish between real threats and imagined ones? What role does fear of judgment play in anxiety around pregnancy and parenthood? How can conflicts around control and letting go impact various aspects of life, including pregnancy and childbirth? How does anxiety and fear of judgment affect decision-making and procrastination in other areas of life? What are some strategies or resources that can help women overcome fears and anxieties surrounding pregnancy and birth? What are some potential consequences of prolonged anxiety and fear during pregnancy, such as poor sleep quality and reliance on stimulants for energy? How can tokophobia, the fear of pregnancy and childbirth, impact a woman's journey and choices during pregnancy What can be done to increase awareness and understanding of tokophobia, and support women who are experiencing it during pregnancy?   Resources mentioned during the episode During the episode, several resources were mentioned to help women overcome fears and anxieties surrounding pregnancy and birth. These resources include: 1. Fearless Birthing group: This Facebook group is focused on pregnancy and birth-related questions and concerns. It provides a supportive community for women to share their experiences and seek guidance on overcoming their fears using my fear clearance method, Head Trash Clearance. 2. Clear Your Head Trash group: This Facebook group is for anyone dealing with non-pregnancy related issues such as relationships or work. It offers a space to address fears and anxieties in various areas of life and to get support in using Head Trash Clearance. 3. Fear Free Childbirth courses and meditations: Fear Free Childbirth offers various courses and meditations specifically designed to assist women in overcoming...