Many women feel anxious about giving birth. Fear of the unknown and over-sharing by others ("I felt I was ripped apart," one mother told my antenatal group) can make labour daunting. Being frightened of childbirth can prolong labour — by an average of 47 minutes, but it feels longer — increase the need for pain relief, make a caesarean section more likely and raise the risk of postpartum depression.
Last month, a small, randomised controlled trial added to the evidence that teaching mindfulness to pregnant women could [...].