Perineal Massage. Is it worth doing?
Perineal massage is a gentle technique that involves massaging the perineum (the area between the vagina and anus) in the weeks leading up to labour. The benefits of perineal massage include increased elasticity of the perineal tissues, which may help reduce the risk of tearing during childbirth. It can also help improve blood flow to the area, leading to better healing after birth. Many women find that regular perineal massage makes them feel more connected to their body and more confident about the birth process. It’s a simple, non-invasive way to support your body in preparing for labour and delivery.
How Does Labour Process Begin?
Understanding how labour begins is key to preparing for childbirth. The process typically starts with early signs like contractions, changes in vaginal discharge, and the loss of the mucus plug. These signals indicate that your body is preparing for delivery. In this guide, we'll explore how labour starts, what to expect during the early stages, and when to reach out to your healthcare provider. Knowing these signs can help you feel more confident and ready for the big day.
Staying Active During Pregnancy: The Benefits of Exercise for You and Baby
Exercise during pregnancy offers numerous benefits for both the mother and baby. Staying active can help reduce common pregnancy discomforts, improve energy levels, support healthy weight gain, and prepare the body for labour. Whether through walking, swimming, or prenatal yoga, regular exercise boosts circulation, strengthens muscles, and improves overall well-being. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting a new routine to ensure safety for both you and your growing baby. Read on….
Why Sleeping on Your Side is Crucial During Pregnancy
Sleeping on your side during pregnancy is essential for both your health and your baby's well-being. As your pregnancy progresses, side sleeping helps improve circulation, reduces pressure on vital organs, and ensures optimal blood flow to your placenta. It also helps alleviate back pain and reduces the risk of complications like gestational hypertension. By adopting a side-sleeping position, especially on your left side, you can promote a restful sleep and support a healthier pregnancy. Read more here…..
Embracing Plus-Size Pregnancy and Labour: Navigating Your Journey with Confidence
Plus-size pregnancies come with unique considerations, but that doesn't mean your journey can't be empowering and fulfilling. Whether you're navigating the changes of pregnancy or preparing for labor, understanding your body’s needs and knowing how to advocate for yourself can make all the difference. In this blog, we’ll explore key insights and practical tips for a healthy plus-size pregnancy, including advice on labor preparation, healthcare support, and self-care. Embrace your body and your journey with confidence, knowing you’re not alone and there’s plenty of support available for you along the way.
How Hormones Work Their Magic During Pregnancy and Labour
Discover the incredible role hormones play in pregnancy and labor! From nurturing your baby's growth to preparing your body for birth, these natural chemical messengers are the ultimate support team. Learn how hormones like oxytocin, relaxin, and endorphins help you through the journey of labour, easing discomfort and guiding your body’s amazing abilities. Find out more…..
Midwives are Amazing!
Midwives are the heart of compassionate care, guiding families through pregnancy, birth, and beyond with expertise, support, and dedication. Discover the incredible role midwives play in empowering parents, ensuring safe births, and celebrating life's most precious moments.
Stronger Together: Building a Thriving Partnership and Parenting Team
Discover how to strengthen your relationship and work as a united team in parenting. From effective communication to shared responsibilities, learn practical tips to nurture your partnership while raising happy, healthy children.
Thriving as a Single Parent: Strength, Strategies, and Support
Discover practical tips, empowering strategies, and heartfelt advice for navigating life as a single parent. From balancing responsibilities to finding support, learn how to thrive and create a loving, stable environment for your child while embracing your unique parenting journey.
HELLP Syndrome: Recognising the Signs and Seeking Timely Treatment
HELLP Syndrome is a rare but serious pregnancy complication that can pose risks to both mother and baby. Learn about its symptoms, including high blood pressure, liver complications, and low platelet counts, and discover the importance of early diagnosis and treatment to ensure a safer pregnancy journey. Read more here….
Understanding Phantom Pregnancy: When the Body Believes, but There's No Baby
Some of us will have had moments where we thought we were pregnant when we actually weren’t. Maybe your period was a few days late, and you just had “that feeling” that pregnancy was underway. You may have even had some signs of early pregnancy, such as nausea or sore breasts.
Usually, though, your suspicions (or hopes) are easily answered by the coming of your period or a negative pregnancy test. This sort of thing is common for most women to experience a few times in their childbearing years: a hunch that they are pregnant—and maybe even a few light pregnancy symptoms—only to find out it wasn’t true.
How can you, as her partner, be the support she needs?
We all know what Mum's job is during labour and birth, but by offering your support, you play a crucial role as well. Besides providing encouragement during labor and birth, you’ll be the point person for all sorts of duties — from distractor-in-chief to cord-cutter!!
So, how can you prepare for what’s bound to be a physically exhausting day for her and an emotional one for both of you? Check out these tips so you can proceed with patience and confidence during one of the most important days of your life.
Is Lotus Birth Right for You? Key Information for New Parents
Throughout the last couple of decades, western medicine has faced an increase in a variety of natural methods and labour and birth haven't been left out of these notions. Lotus birth has gained a lot of attention lately, as more and more are choosing to abandon the common practice of severing the umbilical cord soon after birth. Lotus birth is often endorsed as being more 'natural' and more 'peaceful' for both Mumma and baby, but, this birthing practice/placenta ritual isn’t without its share of controversy or risk. Let's shed light on this trend.
What is Fetal Growth Restriction?
Fetal Growth Restriction (FGR), also called intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a term that describes an unborn baby who isn’t growing at the normal rate inside the uterus. These babies usually have a low weight at birth. Find out more….
Conversations to have before your baby arrives!
In between getting your baby's nursery ready, purchasing all the items you feel you might need and all of the other to-dos that come with having a baby, one of the most important things that often gets pushed to the side is sitting down and talking with your partner about the life change that is about to unfold and prepping for the impact it’ll have on your relationship.
There’s so much focus in our culture on dreaming about pregnancy and dreaming about baby, but not any dreaming about what a family of three (or more) will be like. Find out here.
Teen Dad Life: Building Strength, One Day at a Time
Becoming a parent can be one of the biggest and most demanding changes a person can go through, and if you're a teen and you've recently learned that you are going to become a dad, this could be a confusing time for you.
It’s completely normal to have lots of different thoughts and feelings, and it may take a long time to get used to the idea of becoming a dad. Young dads are among the most socially excluded parenting groups throughout the world. Continue reading…..
Fetal Hiccups.
Pop…pop…pop! If you’re in your second or third trimester and your belly suddenly feels like a popcorn popper, chances are baby’s got a case of the hiccups. By the time those first fluttery baby movements turn into actual jabs, punches and rolls, you’ll likely also begin to notice the telltale rhythmic movements of fetal hiccups as well. But why do babies hiccup in the womb, and how often is normal? Oh no, is she okay? Is she in distress? Are they annoying her? Read on to learn more about hiccups in utero.
Your baby's movements while in utero.
It's reassuring for every pregnant person to feel their baby move, and any perceived lack of movement can leave you fearing the worst. Baby movements in your uterus, also known as fetal movements or ‘kicks’, can feel like anything from a flutter, kick, swish or roll. The type of movement may change as your pregnancy progresses. Read more….
Support Persons Role - it’s important.
Supporting your partner through pregnancy is a very important job. Pregnancy and childbirth can be exhausting both physically and emotionally, so helping her in any way you can will benefit her, your relationship and ultimately your baby. Going to check-ups and antenatal classes are an important part in supporting your partner during pregnancy. Learn more….
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