What to pack into your birth bag aka hospital bag during this pandemic? Are there any essentials that you've missed? Find out... Pack one bag for mum, one for baby/babies and one for your birth partner COVID-19 TopUPs are highlighted in bold Bag for mum Your birth plan and maternity notesComfy, lose-fit dressing gown Nighties… Continue reading Birth bag tips (COVID-19 TopUPs)
Studies have found higher comfort and satisfaction when people use aromatherapy during labour. Some essential oils may help decreasing nausea and vomiting. In one large study, more than 50% of mothers rated aromatherapy as helpful for coping with labour and birth. In general, aromatherapy may promote relaxation, ease anxiety, and promote greater satisfaction with your… Continue reading Aromatherapy for Labour & Childbirth
Pregnancy is often a woman's first significant introduction to the healthcare system. Suddenly, you have to make all sorts of decisions for you, your baby and your family unit. You'll be faced with difficult choices around your healthcare during your pregnancy and birth. Often you'll be influenced by healthcare professionals, your family and friends, media,… Continue reading Informed Choice
The use of water for labour and birth The Benefits: Contractions will be less painful No side effects on baby or mum The warm water helps you to relax Being relaxed helps your body to produce more endorphins (natural pain killers) Being relaxed helps your body to produce more oxytocin (makes your contractions more efficient)… Continue reading Planning a Waterbirth (at Home?)
If you were lucky enough to delve between lines of this blog last week, you may remember the challenge I set myself persuading a sceptical Mr Hubby of the values of re-usable nappies. Persuading the hubby can sometimes be like riding a bike uphill in a stiff wind, but just like the equally stiff wind… Continue reading Persuading the Hubby: Waterbirth in the kitchen by Lara Robinson
A Aromatherapy, Acupuncture, Acupressure and Ask for information: the more you know, the more relaxed you'll feel, Fresh air B Breathe rhythmically, and relax as you breathe out, have a bath, birth ball, read a book, bake something C Cuddles, use electronic candles to lower the lighting and change the mood, change position, communication, comfort… Continue reading A-Z of self-help for labour and birth
Within the UK parents-to-be can choose between three different environments to give birth in:
Labour ward (Obstetric Unit or Delivery Suite)
Birth Centre (Birth Unit or Midwife-led Unit)
Home
To understand and compare which choice is for you, there is some information about differences between the three.
Water (Hydrotherapy) Water is a drug-free form of pain relief in labour. It works best when you can get your bump covered. Also, make sure the water is warm but not hot. Sometimes, water may slow down labour, especially if used too early. Therefore midwives usually recommend to wait until you are in established labour… Continue reading Self-help skills for Labour & Birth #12
