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.