Category: Blog
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How to be a supportive Birth Partner #2
Be calm and patient. That will help her to stay calm, too When a mother is calm, her body will release Oxytocin more effectively. What is Oxytocin? Oxytocin is the hormone which triggers her contractions and keeps them coming. Oxytocin is also known as the hormone of love. At the same time, a mother’s body…
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How to be a supportive Birth Partner #1
#1 Be confident! You know your partner best! You are going to be a birth partner for your partner? Be confident! You know her best! You will know your partner better than anyone else in the birthing room. This should make you confident. You know when she is doing well, when she needs reassurance, when…
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New Series: How to be a supportive Birth Partner
A series of 10 top tips from mothers to their birth partners starts tomorrow! Please share with anyone who might be interested. These cards (pdf files) as well as an A2 poster are available to purchase for both parents-to-be and birth professionals from my website!
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Self-help skills for Labour & Birth #13
Distraction Find some distractions in the early stages, such as a book, music, etc. Waiting for contractions creates tension. So cover up your clocks and watches and get distracted by something 🙂 This is the final post of the series. Thank you for reading and following!
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Self-help skills for Labour & Birth #12
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…
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Self-help skills for Labour & Birth #11
Being Assertive – Making Decisions When making decisions, ask What are the Benefits? What are the Risks? What do my Instincts tell me? What are the Alternatives? What if we do Nothing for a while? Use the acronym BRIAN (or BRAIN).
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Self-help skills for Labour & Birth #9 & #10
#9 Making a noise Make some noise! It is well known that making a noise is an effective form of pain relief. #10 TENS Machine A TENS machine is a device that transmits mild electric impulses to pads on your back. This blocks the pain signals and helps your body to release endorphins.
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Self-help skills for Labour & Birth #8
The birth space To make your birth space your own and make it as comfortable as possible you might wish to take your own pillow(s), blanket(s), music, drinks and snacks. It might also help to change & adjust the lighting in the room or the room temperature. You may also ask for equipment e.g. birth…
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Self-help skills for Labour & Birth #7
Complementary therapies There are many types of complementary therapies available: Acupuncture, aromatherapy (available in most birth units) homeopathy, massage, self-hypnosis and yoga.
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Self-help skills for Labour & Birth #6
Rest or sleep You will need your energy for the later stages of labour. Try to sleep or rest during early labour.
Tina Gibbs 
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