All posts filed under: Birth Space

The reality of birth – in your words

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Labour and birth is not the same for everyone. It can be long or fast, in water or on a bed, spontaneous or induced, straightforward or more medical, at home or in hospital – there are similar themes but each one is individual. I asked you to share your experiences and thoughts about labour and birth… Reality of birth – your words of wisdom “I didn’t know I wouldn’t be able to eat at all during labour so I was physically sick throughout with a mix of hunger, pain and exhaustion. It change the course of the birth because I had an epidural in the hope I would stop being sick but it slowed everything right down.” “I wish pain relief was normalised – I had an epidural and I loved giving birth to her but I was worried I would feel like a failure.” “It helps to communicate well with your midwife – the consultant I saw was quick to dismiss my birth preferences but the midwife advocated for me and told him she …

Birth In Your Words (4)

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Janine Smith Practice – where you read and talk about pregnancy, birth, babies and early parenting Working with parents since 2002 Say hello…Instagram | Linkedin

Birth In Your Words (3)

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Janine Smith Practice – where you read and talk about pregnancy, birth, babies and early parenting Working with parents since 2002 Say hello…Instagram | Linkedin

woman giving birth to baby via c section

Birth In Your Words (1)

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Janine Smith Practice – where you read and talk about pregnancy, birth, babies and early parenting Working with parents since 2002 Say hello…Instagram | Linkedin

10 tips for labour and birth

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Much of labour and birth is about focusing on the simple things that you can do to work with contractions and to help your body bring you your baby. There’s a lot of advice out there but keeping it simple and taking it step by step can work well, so you can keep assessing what you need. Simple tips for labour and birth breathe – for focus, calm and oxytocin. relax your muscles so you are not carrying tension, which creates adrenaline. move and use gravity to be comfortable and to give your baby the room he needs. drink water for energy and so you don’t become dehydrated. eat little and often for energy and to be more comfortable. wee regularly so you can keep your bladder empty – your baby needs that space. accept your contractions and the pattern of your labour. There isn’t a right length of labour to aim for so work with your contractions, don’t battle with them – they need to be strong, regular and powerful to bring you your …