Birth
Birth preparation
What can you do to prepare for labour?
There are lots of things you can do to prepare for birth, but the most helpful would be to take a antenatal class. These classes give detailed information about labour, birth, pain relief choices and ways your partner can support you during birth, so you feel prepared and confident about your big day. Its also a nice way to meet other soon-to-be parents. Some private birth preparation classes cover different approaches to birth, like active birth, water birth, calm birth and so on.
Fear of Birth
Tokophobia is an extreme fear of childbirth. The condition causes some people to take excessive measures to avoid getting pregnant. People who do become pregnant may dread each week of pregnancy instead of enjoying it. With therapy and extra support, this condition can be overcom
what is Hypnobirthing and how does it work
Hypnobirthing has become increasingly popular as a way to help ease anxiety over birth and help a mother feel more prepared. But what exactly is hypnobirthing and how does it work?
Hypnobirthing combines deep relaxation techniques, slow breathing, relaxation and self-hypnosis to help manage stress and anxiety during both pregnancy and birth. This preparation enables a woman to release fears, increase confidence and feel calm so that their experience of labour can be more comfortable.
PLAN FOR WHAT 'MAY' HAPPEN IN BIRTH
Every birth is different and nobody can predict exactly what is going to happen on the 'big' day, but by making sure you are ready for whatever is thrown at you, can make a big difference to how well you recover afterwards.
Perineal tears are fairly common during delivery and sometimes your midwife may need to make a cut (an episiotomy) to make the opening of the vagina a bit wider, making it easier for the baby to come through.
BREATH, PREGNANCY AND BIRTH
Breathing techniques are a great tool for pregnancy, birth and beyond. Practising controlled breathing during pregnancy can help you to feel calm and relaxed about birth and help you with falling asleep.
Breathing techniques used during birth can help with pain management, distracting you from pain, relax muscles, calm the mind and keep your oxygen supply up.
What is a doula?
A doula is someone who supports a women through labour and birth. Some doulas also look after a mother after she has her baby too. Although not medically trained, most doulas have been through training programmes and should be registered with organisations such as Doula UK. They provide practical and emotional support but are not there to replace clinical care provided by midwives and doctors.
Private Midwives
With the NHS currently being overstretched, more women are opting to choose a private midwife for their care. So what exactly is an independent midwife and how do they differ from what the NHS already offers?
Private midwives work in a self-employed capacity to provide care for women and babies during pregnancy and birth, as well as the early weeks of motherhood.
Using a birthing ball
A birthing ball could quite possibly be one of the best tools you can buy for pregnancy and labour.
During Pregnancy
Moving around can get a little harder as your pregnancy progresses. A birthing ball can feel much more comfortable to sit on than desk chairs or sofas. If you are experiencing lower back pain you can sit on the ball to relieve some of the pressure and help you feel less uncomfortable and can also help reduce pelvic and abdominal pain.
Ceasarean Birth
A caesarean section, or C-section, is an operation to deliver your baby through a cut made in your tummy and womb.
The cut is usually made across your tummy, just below your bikini line.
A caesarean is a major operation that carries a number of risks, so it's usually only done if it's the safest option for you and your baby.
Around 1 in 4 pregnant women in the UK has a caesarean birth.
what is an assisted birth?
An assisted vaginal birth is where the doctor uses special instruments such as forceps or ventouse to help deliver the baby during the last stage of labour. They are both safe and effective and your doctor will choose the one most suitable to your situation.
What are forceps birth?
Forceps are tong like, metal instruments that fit around your baby’s head. The doctor will use them to gently pull during your contractions, to help deliver your baby.