All posts tagged: #tynesidepregnancy

pregnancy newcastle tyneside

What can affect labour & birth?

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For many of us, when we are pregnant and preparing for the birth of our baby, we are aiming for a ‘normal’ labour, we want as natural and as straightforward an experience as possible but we might be unaware of what can affect labour. With an unplanned caesarean rate of 14.8%, an assisted delivery rate of 12.5% (Birthchoice) and a growing epidural rate of 30% – information about what can affect labour, how it works and how we can manage our contractions can be beneficial. As a mother of three and an antenatal teacher, I passionately believe that good antenatal classes are an important part of pregnancy – to inform, provide practical information and skills, to support and to reassure. There is a lot to be said for knowing about and trusting the birth process – of believing we can do it and this does go a long way to deal with anxiety and fear but this is only part of the story, so what can affect how labour flows and our need for pain relief …

Birth at QE Maternity Unit, Gateshead

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Queen Elizabeth Maternity Unit, Queen Elizabeth Ave, Gateshead NE9 6SX This maternity unit has… A  pregnancy assessment centre 6 labour rooms  – which are en-suite 2 Induction rooms and a family suite 1 birthing pool Gas & air Diamorphine Epidural Birth balls and birth equipment A Febromed birth system This maternity unit provides care for women who are classified as low risk, for women whose pregnancy/birth options are more complicated as well as for women who need a caesarean or to be induced 16 postnatal beds, which includes en-suite single rooms where birthing partners can stay overnight Jungle Room – space for toddlers and other children to play while visiting in the postnatal ward Postnatal day room My thoughts on the QE Maternity Unit… I used to teach antenatal classes at The QE and I have also attended births here as a birth doula – so it has been very familiar to me. I have always been impressed by the midwives as well as the layout of the unit. It has a birthing pool, as well as a …

Giving birth at the RVI

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Royal Victoria Infirmary, Leazes Wing, Richardson Road, Newcastle NE1 4LP The maternity unit has: 12 labour rooms, including 2 birth pool rooms Epidural Gas & Air Diamorphine & Pethidine Birth balls may be available Partners might be able to stay on the postnatal ward on a chair Staff: midwives, obstetricians and anaesthetists are available This maternity unit provides care for women who are classified as low risk, for women whose pregnancy/birth options are more complicated as well as for women who need a caesarean or to be induced There is a Special Care Baby Unit and a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit available for babies who need extra care and medical support My thoughts on the RVI Maternity Unit…It’s a great unit and it is used by pregnant women who may need more medical observation and monitoring or who may feel more secure having access to epidurals and interventions. Like any maternity unit, it will receive some criticisms but the feedback I usually receive from parents is very positive, with mention of individual care and flexibility. …

High Risk Pregnancy

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If you are classified as high risk, you may have limited options about where you have your baby but even this can come with a degree of flexibility, depending on what the risks are. Of course it depends why you are high risk – this can range from your age, your weight, how many babies you are carrying to medical conditions and concerns with you or your baby. I have taught women who have needed to think through their options because there are more things to consider. It’s worth asking about what your options actually are. I was high risk with my third baby because he had a severe heart defect and I had polyhydramnios, which is excessive amniotic fluid. This meant I chose not to give birth at home, despite having two previous homebirths. I knew a waterbirth wasn’t going to be an option because of continuous monitoring and my waters breaking but I used my birth ball and I gave birth standing up, leaning over the bed. As a doula I have supported women …

10 reasons to book antenatal classes Newcastle Tyneside

10 reasons to book antenatal classes

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I truly love running antenatal classes, it is a privilege to work with expectant parents at this life-changing time and my role is to provide the information, support and reassurance that different parents need. I love birth, I love the uniqueness and unpredictability of birth and I love the strength and pure awesomeness of women and what we do to grow and birth our baby. I don’t believe that one type of birth is better than another although I would prefer it if births didn’t involve any distress for women, their partners and babies – but this is an issue I talk about and attempt to prepare you for. Birth, Baby & Family Antenatal Classes I have about 16 years experience of teaching antenatal classes, I have professional qualifications and I have attended births as a doula but what’s in it for you… 1. You will benefit from a range of practical, realistic information for labour, birth, staying calm, for movement and resting, for contractions and for managing your energy. 2. I provide a professional service and I am an experienced practitioner who …