Since the day I found out I was pregnant, women have been telling me horror stories about childbirth. I've heard things that would make your toes curl. I try to ignore them, but some accounts scare me to the point of tears. This is my first pregnancy and I don't know what to expect from the delivery. Why do people feel the need to share their most awful birth experiences instead of the joyous ones?

I think it is because the delivery process is something that is very difficult to prepare for. Regardless how much reading and technical knowledge you’ve acquired, one can never tell what is really going to happen. I supposed many mothers who have had difficult births felt the need to share as they hope to better prepare others for what they may not have considered/imagined. Try to remember that every woman is different and even though some may have rather traumatizing tales to tell, they are also living proof that no matter how tough, it is not impossible. Instead of being traumatized by their stories, learn what got them through. Was it support from their hubbies? Any particular breathing technique? Having songs or music to help calm them? Were there any last minute decisions that they had to make (you could consider those and think of what decision you may want to make for yourself?)? You can also read some factual and less toe-curling narratives of the birth process to help calm your nerves. Here are a few which I thought are rather alright (though still involve a little drama here and there, which I supposed can’t be help because every experience is unique and intense to the mother at some point): http://www.indrani.net/2007/11/keis_birth_2_the_day http://watchmomtry.com/having-a-baby-in-singapore-part-3/ http://yannisms.com/archives/2014/06/14/zac-a-birth-story/ Take care and all the best mummy!