woman in labour during transition

I DON’T WANT TO DO THIS ANYMORE

"I DON’T WANT TO DO THIS ANYMORE" This is a common phrase uttered or shouted out loud at the transition part of labour. So what is going on and do we all react that way at this point in the birthing journey? In labour, somewhere between…
Women leaning forward in early labour with tens machine

Comfort Measures in Labour: TENS machine

A TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) machine is a drug free method of relieving discomfort. It is a handheld device, connected by wires to electrodes that stick to the skin on your back. There are four pads that you place on…

The place of in between – Zwischen

Are you in the last few weeks or days of pregnancy? There is something unique about this time of in-between and the Germans have a word for this "Zwischen."  I would love to be able to write about this "in-between space" as eloquently as Jana…
Epidurals

Comfort Measures in Labour: Epidurals

There a few different types of epidurals (injection with top-ups, continuous infusion, combined spinal epidural and mobile epidural). The anaesthetist will numb your lower back area with a local anaesthetic. They will then guide a fine, hollow…
Gas and Air in the birth pool

Comfort Measures in Labour: Gas & Air

Gas & Air aka Entonox, is a popular choice for pain relief during labour. In most hospitals, gas and air, is plumbed into the wall giving the person in labour an unlimited supply. In a home birth setting it is provided in large cylinders…
Cervical dilation

The Impressive Cervix

In a previous blog I posted all about the amazing uterus and how it works, so following on from that is all about what your cervix is doing in pregnancy, labour and birth and why its doesn't always indicate how long you have to go to meet your…
You are not allowed to not allow me

You are not allowed to not allow me

Sometimes as an educator and a doula I hear the phrase "I wasn't allowed or they didn't let me...." The thing is though you are the one who makes the decisions you are the one in charge, it's your body, your baby, your birth and your choices,…
Stacey Dooley and the lockdown babies

The Stacey Dooley Documentary

After many conversations with pregnant women over the last few days I decided to watch the 'Stacey Dooley and the Lockdown Babies' program which was originally shown on Monday. I really have to question, why this was even allowed to happen . Here…
Pregnant in hot weather

Keeping cool when you are pregnant in hot weather

When it comes to a warm day in the UK we are normal basking in the sun and enjoying every minute of warmer weather. However this may not be the case for anyone who is expecting right now. Not only does pregnancy mean you have a slightly higher…
Image of the Uterus with explanatory notes from Student Midwife Studygram

The amazing Uterus and why relaxation and breathing can help

So the uterus is a muscle designed to be a baby's home during pregnancy. The muscles that make up the uterus are involuntary. Just like the muscles that give us goosebumps or make our heart beat, we don't have conscious control them over them.…