All posts filed under: Baby Preparation Essentials

doctor holding baby

How to prepare for birth

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When you prepare for birth, it can seem a bit daunting and overwhelming – some expectant parents do every class and read every book, while others don’t think about it. In the 20 years as a practitioner, I have helped to prepare hundreds of expectant parents for labour and birth and I have also attended many births. I have a personalised approach to birth – how do you feel about it and what do you need to know? I’m all about a good conversation, so I can ask you questions and answer yours. know how to use your breathing – so many benefits but, ultimately, it’s what is going to keep you calm consider all births, not just your ideal birth – it’s not fixed so you have more control if you know more know where they challenges might be and how you could manage them be honest with yourself about any fears or worries – otherwise you might carry these concerns into labour with you, which can affect how it unfolds don’t just go …

second-time parents

Birth preparation for second-time parents

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When you are about to become second-time parents, or maybe even third or fourth-time parents, you still need to get ready for birth and a new baby again. Some of the second-time parents I see want to do the full antenatal course again – to thoroughly refresh their knowledge and skills, while others want to focus on more specific issues. As second-time parents, here are some of the birth & baby preparation options for you I work with a lot of second-time parents so I know how precious time can be and I am familiar with many of the issues second and third time around. Consultation Package These 1:1 sessions will be tailored to you. With a combination of birth debrief, talking through any concerns or worries about birth or having a new baby and discussing specific options & strategies, you will be better prepared with refreshed birth or baby knowledge. £150 with three 60-90minute consultation sessions, which can be arranged at a time to best suit you. Includes: access to birth preparation resources with downloadable worksheets. Plus …

birth preparation

14 ways to focus on having a straightforward birth

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Focusing on straightforward birth This is an essential part of your birth preparation so you are equipped with knowledge and skills to help labour along. If you can have a strong foundation of information with practical skills and strategies to use when you need them, you can focus on what works and adapt if your birth plan needs to change. Of course this doesn’t mean that interventions won’t become necessary, it just means that your preparation and perspective is about what you can do with or without interventions: saying what you need asking questions so you know more about your options movement and gravity – even on a bed using you breathing being supported and informed resting and conserving energy eating and drinking putting yourself at the centre of your care My philosophy with birth preparation is about doing birth on purpose so you have more realistic expectations, so you think about what you want birth to be and so you can be better prepared if your ideal birth doesn’t happen. It’s important not to …

Induction Preparation

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Induction Preparation can be essential, even if you have attended antenatal classes because it helps to focus what you know on medical induction. Induction can be straight-forward and it can also take some time. It is medical from the outset – very different from a spontaneous labour where you will spend some time at home – so it can be useful to know more of what to expect, to know more about your options and how to boost an induced labour. Induction preparation can make a huge difference so you know more about: the hospital induction facilities what can boost an induction what you can do to feel more comfortable putting yourself at the centre of your care, saying what you need to do using positions and movement for comfort and help your baby to move into a better position for labour and birth using your breathing so you can be calm and focused, as well as more relaxed – which is crucial for induction Induction feature as part of my antenatal course and 1:1 …

Preparing for a Caesarean

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Preparing for a Caesarean is just as important as labour – it is still the birth of your baby and you will benefit from knowing what to expect and what your options are. It may be that this preparation is part of your labour and birth preparation or you may be preparing for a planned caesarean. Preparing for a Caesarean can make a difference so you: know more about the process, as well as your options for issues such as a gentle caesarean, for meeting your baby, for having skin-to-skin. use your breathing to stay as calm as possible – knowing how to use your breathing is not just for labour, it is just as powerful before, during and after a caesarean. are able to say what you need, ensuring you are at the centre of your care, having the information you need to feel reassured. can boost your recovery so you know more about what to expect as well as what can help. Caesareans feature as part of my antenatal course and 1:1 consultations …