Follow this link to a list of BOOKS for fledgling parents on Pinterest. … [Read more...] about Books for Fledgling Parents
Paracetamol in early labour
I and virtually every doula I know, and certainly every midwife, have at many times advised pregnant mums experiencing early labour "twinges" to "take 2 paracetamol, have a warm bath and try to get some sleep". Could it be that this advice was NOT for the best, but in fact may have been … [Read more...] about Paracetamol in early labour
Emma Pickett’s Low Milk Supply 101
This is a special message to all my clients who have recently had their babies and are breastfeeding. While decluttering a bookcase this week I came across this Baby Journal which I kept after the birth of my first child more than 25 years ago. Near the beginning is an account of the night we … [Read more...] about Emma Pickett’s Low Milk Supply 101
Waterbirth miracles
I run a waterbirth workshop every 3 months for the NCT - it's good fun and the parents always learn "things they didn't know they didn't know". I have an old borrowed Birth Pool in a Box and I try to encourage the pregnant mums to kick off their shoes, get in the pool and see how it feels. They … [Read more...] about Waterbirth miracles
Does size matter?
Medical professionals do tend to scare pregnant women, usually without intending to. Perhaps one of the most common ways is to suggest, even very subtly, that this thing which the woman has to push out of her vagina is “too big”. Eek, a big baby! It only takes a radiographer to raise an eyebrow, or … [Read more...] about Does size matter?
Things you won’t hear on “One Born Every Minute”
Things you won't hear on #OBEM ("One Born Every Minute" - reality TV about a maternity ward on Channel 4) Midwife: "Even with your epidural in place, please remember you are still in labour. Your body is working hard, and you need that wonderful oxytocin hormone to help it. So let's turn off … [Read more...] about Things you won’t hear on “One Born Every Minute”
If you decide to swaddle your baby
Most new babies are soothed by being swaddled (though we know of a few who definitely don't care for it). Here are some important safety tips to bear in mind. Wrap firmly but not too tightly Baby’s legs and feet should be able to move freely, and bend at the hip Leave arms free for babies … [Read more...] about If you decide to swaddle your baby
Transition to parenthood
Working on a brush-up and revamp of final session of my antenatal course - transition to parenthood - have got together selections of leaflets, info sheets and handouts on four different areas: safe sleep and co-sleeping; soothing and swaddling; slings and baby wearing; bathing and nappies. The … [Read more...] about Transition to parenthood
Doctor Might be, Might be Not
I was sitting in a meeting of the Maternity Services Liaison Committee today. An MSLC is a user representative group which, when it's working well, acts as a ginger group to keep maternity services improving. I am honoured to be on the MSLC for Imperial NHS Trust which includes the august premises … [Read more...] about Doctor Might be, Might be Not
Five reasons the Palace should let Kate birth #royalbaby2 AT HOME (if she wants to!)
Congratulations to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge! The Duchess is expecting a second baby, and she is being treated yet again for hyperemesis gravidarum, the absolutely terrifying type of "morning sickness" (stupid phrase) that she now knows she is prone to. At least this time there won't be any … [Read more...] about Five reasons the Palace should let Kate birth #royalbaby2 AT HOME (if she wants to!)
