At the risk of you all getting the impression that I only ever think of my stomach, I am reminded today of the way I used to eat biscuits when I was a child - still do in private, if I'm honest. I first revelled in the anticipation: just knowing they were there, a whole packet of bourbons or jammy Continue Reading
RCM Reports new Doula UK Initiative
During World Doula Week, a new doula initiative is announced. Reported here by the Royal College of Midwives - doulas are working to provide support to those most in need. http://www.rcm.org.uk/midwives/news/new-doula-initiative-is-announced/ Continue Reading
Nibbling The Biscuits
At the risk of you all getting the impression that I only ever think of my stomach, I am reminded today of the way I used to eat biscuits when I was a child - still do in private, if I'm honest. I first revelled in the anticipation: just knowing they were there, a whole packet of bourbons or jammy Continue Reading
When Push Comes to Shove
At some point when contemplating how this baby is going to actually come out, most of us naturally turn our minds to labour and how we might cope with the contractions. Few of us think about the second stage of labour - after all, isn't it as simple as the instruction on the door above? Once labour Continue Reading
What is a doula?
So, what is a Doula and What Do You Get Out of Having One? A doula is a well-informed friend. She's there for you when you need a listening ear. She points you in the direction of good quality information to help you make decisions along the way. She encourages you to work out what it is you want Continue Reading
Why doulas?
A doula provides emotional and practical support which enables you to have the most satisfying and empowering time that you can during pregnancy, birth and the early days as a new mother. This type of support also helps the whole family to relax and enjoy the experience. There are several key Continue Reading
The Love Drug that Helps You Give Birth
Many doulas who are new to the role tell me that they feel they should be ‘doing something’ when they are with a woman in labour. They feel helpless in the face of the contractions that are challenging their clients’ strength and emotional resources. They want to take away the pain. This is, of Continue Reading
VBAC pages
VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesaerean) and HBAC (Homebirth After Cesearean) is at once a huge, complex subject and a simple one. To start with the simple, it really just means the option to have your baby normally after previously having a baby via c-section. Research evidence, The Royal College of Continue Reading
VBAC Facts
I'm starting a list here of VBAC signposts. Please feel free to add resources you may come across on your journey below in the comments. 1. http://www.vbacfacts.com/ Does what it says on the tin! Lots of VBAC and HBAC stories, round ups of the research and lots more besides. Not the most Continue Reading
Twins and Multiples
http://www.tamba.org.uk/Tamba is a nationwide UK charity providing information and mutual support networks for families of twins, triplets and more. An article about approaching birth choices with multiples and some information about the early days will follow here soon. Continue Reading