I have been suggesting laid back postures to the mums I support for some years now. If you don't know what Biological Nurturing (BN) is, have a look at Suzanne Colson's website. The magic that happens when a mother leans back in the chair and makes her whole body (breast to pubic bone) available to Continue Reading
Latest Doula UK Statistics find again that we make a difference
A survey of doula-supported births in 2013 in the UK Sophie Brigstocke This was first published in MIDIRS 2014 and reproduced here with the kind permission of Nurturing Birth Introduction In 2008 a survey was carried out by Nurturing Birth (Goedkoop 2009) to compare data given by birth doulas with Continue Reading
What is an ‘IBCLC’ and Why I’ll Probably Never Be One
OK, before we start, here's a disclaimer: this is a rant. A rather personal one - although there are many people in the same situation and it does have ramifications for breastfeeding support in this country (UK). I'll do my best not to come across as a moaning minny and to find the positives as I Continue Reading
The Politics of Breastfeeding: Partnerships, Parameters, Taboos and Pecadillos
The following was, more or less, a speech I gave at the 2014 Doula UK conference. I am passionate about breastfeeding and the ways in which doulas fit into the breastfeeding support landscape. I'd like to take you on a little tour of some of the social attitudes to breastfeeding that interest me Continue Reading
What the Heck is the Fuss about Tongue Tie?
On one fairly routine day for a postnatal doula I found myself ringing the doorbell of a potential client. Her baby was 2 months old and she wanted some support with the baby while she rested. As I greeted her and cast my eyes around the house, I could see with a glance that all was not Continue Reading
Hypernatraemia in newborns: A study
"Neonatal hypernatraemia at this level, in this population, is strongly associated with weight loss. It occurs almost exclusively after attempts to initiate breast feeding, occurs uncommonly and does not appear to be associated with serious short term morbidities, beyond admission to Continue Reading
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
The debilitating symptoms of PTSD are often mistaken for postnatal depression. Milli Hill investigates the causes of this trauma and what needs to be done to raise awareness and provide support for the parents Continue Reading
Cat’s Story
I intended to breastfeed when I was pregnant but I had very little knowledge. I was so preoccupied with the birth that I didn’t really think about how I was going to breastfeed and I didn’t anticipate having any problems! I had a wonderful birth experience with the support of a fantastic doula. In Continue Reading
Because…by Maddie McMahon
Because birth isn’t like extracting a rotten tooth. Chemically, emotionally, it’s more like making love. Because when babies are born in fear and trauma, mothers and birthing people are broken. Because families need to be treated with respect and love and be given choices. Because black Continue Reading
Feminism and Birth, By Evony Lynch of Mamacafe
There’s a movement happening. #feministbirth. Birthworkers across the UK are joining forces to declare their feminism and what it means to them in their work with women. But what does it mean? Feminist come in all shapes and sizes and this one loves everyone – menincluded. I have two fab sons who Continue Reading