What Is Tokophobia - And Could You Have It?

Maybe you've heard the word tokophobia before and felt a flicker of recognition. Or maybe you've never heard it - and you've just been carrying this particular dread without a name for it. In this episode, Katie explains what tokophobia actually is, why having a name for it matters, and what it means for the support you can ask for.IN THIS EPISODE:The difference between general birth anxiety and tokophobia — and why it mattersPrimary and secondary tokophobia explained in plain languageThe specific signs that might mean this is more than nervesWhy having a clinical name for what you're experiencing changes what you can ask forWhat to say at a GP or midwife appointment to access the right supportPRACTICAL TOOL THIS WEEK:The three-phrase practice - a simple tool for when the dread arrives: "I know what this is. This response makes sense. I am safe right now."RESOURCES MENTIONED:Free Trauma-Informed Birth Plan Workbook | Birthcare with Katie30-Day Calm & Confident Birth Challenge (free)https://birthcare.co.uk/30-day-mindset-challengeBetter Birth Anxiety Workbook — The Birthcare Collectionhttps://birthcare.co.uk/products-listBirth Without Fear: Essentials for a Better Birthhttps://birthcare.co.uk/birth-without-fearCONNECT WITH KATIE:Instagram: @birthcarewithkatieWebsite: https://birthcare.co.uk/With compassion,Katie - NHS Mental Health Midwife | Perinatal Trauma Specialist