In a time where intervention rates are ridiculously high (63% at NHS Lothian – details from an FOI request – what percentage of births are induced/augemented/forceps/ventous/c-section – a rise in 12% in the last 5 years…. ) In a time where adverse events in maternity care are very high In a time where […]
Many other mammals and animals give birth without complications, without interventions, in calm and peaceful nests or surroundings. Why is it that we, humans, struggle to birth? Even in current modern times, with access to all this technology and pain relief – we still struggle. Why so? Why is childbirth so painful for many of […]
If you’re pregnant and you are absolutely shitting it and wonder if this is normal to feel so worried – then congratulations – you are in the MAJORITY of woman and yes, it is normal. If you’re pregnant, and you are totally embracing your birth, have no fears whatsoever – well done – but maybe you […]
If you’re reading this post and this is you – then I’m sorry and I hope it doesn’t trigger you in any way. Many of us, including myself, didn’t get the birth that we wanted – the birth that we had hoped for and visualised – I’d class us as having birth disappointment or birth […]
I’m not going to sit on the fence about this issue – I’m getting more and more cross with Project Fear in our maternity services and specifically related to birth choices. The last few weeks I’ve been supporting a few mums planning to make choices against what their Health Care Professionals are supporting. These mums are traumatised […]
The biggest area I’m passionate about when delivering my weaning classes is how you can develop good eaters and healthy life long eating habits. So here’s some areas for you to consider: What does your baby see you eat? Do you eat with your baby/toddler? Does your baby have a choice over what they eat? […]
As most of the work I do is with twins, I often get asked about top ups which are extremely common. Here’s some information about what top ups are, how they affect breastfeeding and how you can reduce/remove them. What are top ups? Top ups are feeds given to babies where there has been an […]
Any twin (or triplet) parent will hear – ‘double trouble’, ‘how will/do you cope’, ‘oh I couldn’t do that’, ‘you have your hands full’ and so much more – I’m sure if you’re a twin parent, you will ‘get’ what I mean. Weirdly none of those people ever offered to help me as I was […]
I’m often asked what is it a postnatal doula is – “What is it you do?” – so here’s some of the top reasons where I believe a postnatal doula can support you. 1. A doula will look after you so you can focus entirely on looking after your baby 2. A doula will support you […]
I posted an article yesterday on Facebook about postpartum rage. Something I’m sure the VAST majority of mothers (and fathers) have felt – even if you won’t admit openly about it. I don’t think it’s a positive emotion to feel nor something that’s ‘OK’ but it’s probably fairly ‘normal’ and I feel it’s a warning sign […]