How to make decisions in labour without panicking.
Trust your instincts
In labour, your instincts are one of your most valuable tools. You know your body, your baby, and what feels right for you. If something doesn’t sit well, it’s okay to pause, ask questions, and make sure you understand all your choices before deciding. This space to breathe can help lower adrenaline, steady your mind, and make your instincts easier to hear. Research shows that when women feel involved in decision making, they’re 2–3 times more likely to describe their birth as a positive experience, regardless of how their baby is born. Pairing that inner knowing with clear, evidence-based information means you can make confident decisions you feel at peace with, whatever path your birth takes
Birth Partner Support
A well prepared birth partner can make a huge difference, not just emotionally, but physically and practically too. They can be your advocate, help you stay calm, and ensure your preferences are heard when you might be focused inward. Continuous support during labour, from someone you trust, is linked to 25% shorter labours, a 31% reduction in the need for synthetic oxytocin, a 28% reduction in caesarean births, and a 34% reduction in the need for assisted delivery. Simple acts like reminding you to breathe, offering comfort, or asking for more time before making a decision can have a lasting impact on both your experience and your outcome
Practice Relaxation Techniques
One of the best ways to stay calm when making decisions in labour is to prepare before the big day. Practise breathing techniques that help slow your heart rate and relax your muscles, such as deep, slow breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth. Visualise your ideal birth, but also imagine a few different possible scenarios and how you would like to handle them. This way, even if plans change, you already have a mental script for staying calm and in control. These tools help keep adrenaline low and oxytocin flowing, which not only supports clear thinking but can also help labour progress smoothly
Know your options
The more you know before labour, the less likely you are to feel caught off guard. Attending an antenatal or hypnobirthing class gives you practical tools, evidence-based knowledge, and the confidence to navigate any twists and turns. Studies show that parents who take part in structured antenatal education are more likely to feel in control, less likely to request medical pain relief, and more likely to have a straightforward vaginal birth. Hypnobirthing techniques, in particular, have been shown to reduce the need for intervention and improve overall birth satisfaction. Being informed means you’re making decisions based on understanding and not pressure
Click here if you would like to know more about my antenatal, hypnobirthing or pregnancy relaxation classes in Cheddar, Somerset.
