All posts filed under: Birth Essentials

A birth plan template for a better birth

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When a birth plan focuses on what you want to happen in labour and birth, it can be dismissed as useless if there is no flexibility. So many women comment that they threw their birth plan away and this is why it needs to fit all births and focusing more on care and communication does that. Your birth plan Start with a brief introduction to say hello to your midwife, maybe include what you are aiming for and anything she needs to know such as anxiety, issues with movement, any medical issues. Intro – Hi, I am Kate. I would ideally like a waterbirth and I would like your help to work towards that. However, I also know that birth can be unpredictable so I would like your help to keep me informed, so I know my options and to work with my contractions. I can become anxious so I may need help to manage that and I like to be informed so I know what is going on and what my next steps can …

birth wellbeing

12 practical ways to boost your birth wellbeing

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What do I mean by birth wellbeing? Well, it’s really easy to focus on contractions and to forget to think about what you might need to be physically and mentally well during labour and birth. Labour and birth has it’s own pace, it can demand a lot from you and that is normal and to be expected. No-one knows what the pace of their labour will be before it starts so realistic preparation so you can look after you is important. The thought of labour and birth can make expectant parents question things that they wouldn’t normally think about – can I eat, will I be allowed to move, what if I need the toilet? what if I don’t understand what’s happening? will I be allowed off the bed? So let’s run through the essentials of birth wellbeing so you feel less detached from your basic needs. Ideas for your birth wellbeing… Everyone’s labour and birth is different and you will have your own needs, which is why focusing on what you need is important …

challenges of birth

Do you know how to prepare well for the challenges of birth?

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The challenges of birth will be unique to you – what one woman finds challenging, another woman is okay with. Labour and birth preparation needs to be more than focusing on the straight-forward – challenges exist so there is power in acknowledging them and know more about how to work with them. And I’m not talking about complications of birth, when medical intervention is needed, challenges are normal and can occur during a straight-forward birth. What might the challenges of birth be? the position of your baby, which can cause backache, tiredness and a long labour the intensity of contractions fear and feeling overwhelmed a long labour which can be exhausting a fast labour with powerful contractions which are close together being induced, which can feel more medical than a spontaneous labour having an epidural, monitoring and being on a bed And how can you deal with the challenges of birth? Having strategies to use, going with your instincts and knowing your options means you can make decisions, say what you need and keep putting …

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 …