All posts filed under: Birth Essentials

a pregnant woman sitting on a yoga ball with arm stretched

10 simple ways to boost your wellbeing in early labour

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Here are some quick and easy ways to enhance your wellbeing in early labour. These things can be very much overlooked especially when experiencing a range of emotions but focusing on your basic needs can go a long way to boost both your physical and emotional health. Simple steps for your wellbeing in early labour… 1. Fresh Air 2. Water 3. Eat 4. Use your breathing 5. Rest 6. Talk 7. Wallow 8. Ask questions 9. Use your ball 10. Music There isn’t a prescriptive list of what you should do to boost your wellbeing in early labour but just focusing on the basics, working with your body and on what you need that day can be really helpful. For more information about pregnancy, birth and life with a baby, you can: ■ follow me on Instagram – click on the bell for notifications so you don’t miss a post/story■ sign up for my newsletter■ join my community group for expectant and new parents ■ book a consultation with me Janine Smith | A specialist in …

Do you know what the 5 main labour and birth challenges might be?

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This is a quick guide to what the labour and birth challenges might be and why your options can change. Labour and birth is pretty unique to you and your baby and, while we know what can help labour progress, there are some things that can affect what you need and what is an option for you. Sometimes these challenges can mean a change in your birth plan. Labour and birth challenges: why does the position of your baby make a difference? The position of your baby can be pretty important when it comes to labour and birth. If your baby is in a back-to-back position this can delay labour starting, labour could be longer and you may have more backache. Know: Movement and gravity in pregnancy and in labour can help your baby to be in a better position, although sometimes they just do their own thing no matter what you do. But it is worth knowing that your baby might not quite be in the right position, because your contractions could be trying …

control during labour and birth

8 ways you can have more control during labour and birth

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Lack of control during labour and birth is a common concern and I am always keen to stress that, while labour and birth, can be unpredictable, there are things you can do to have a greater sense of control. Firstly, what does it mean to have control? When it comes to labour and birth, you can’t control the pace or length of labour, you can’t control whether it is easy or not. But there are things you can do that could have some impact on how your labour unfolds and flows. Control can be very subjective and how you perceive control can also be about having realistic expectations of what labour and birth is. For me, having control is about having a foundation of knowledge, being able to work your body, knowing what might help and being able to stay as calm as possible. It’s also about being able to adjust to changes, to be involved in decisions and to know what your options are. So what help give you more control during labour and …

Meeting Baby Checklist

Meeting Baby Checklist

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This meeting baby checklist is for everyone who is pregnant and who will have a newborn baby. Whether you are feeling great or if your birth is more complicated you can adapt this checklist to suit your needs. Do you understand what is happening? Immediately after birth, the placenta needs to be delivered, your perineum will be checked and you might need stitches. If you aren’t sure what is going on, you can ask your midwife. Cuddle your baby You can cuddle and have skin-to-skin with your baby for as long as you want to. Just make sure you are both warm. If you need any stitches, you may prefer someone else to cuddle your baby until that procedure is finished and you are more comfortable. If you are unable to cuddle your baby straight away, ask if your partner can provide cuddles or find out when cuddles or any contact can happen. What do you need? Support, reassurance, help to be comfortable, food, a drink? Can you sit in a comfortable position? Use cushions …

induction checklist

Induction Checklist

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An induction checklist can help you remember the simple things that could make a huge difference to how well your induction works as well as how comfortable and prepared you are. All of these help to put you at the centre of it all – to focus on what you might need to be more comfortable and to give your body what it needs to work and help labour progress. Do you understand what is happening? Do you need more information or reassurance about why you are being induced, about the induction process or about what to expect at the hospital? Pack well Your labour needs to start in hospital and this process can take a while – pack items to keep you distracted, entertained, relaxed and comfortable. Make the space yours Whether you are in a private room or a shared induction bay, make your space comfortable for you so you can feel relaxed, comfortable and secure. You don’t have to stay on the bed – you can wander, use your birth ball, a …