Imagine trying to be intimate with your partner in a bright, sterile room with strangers walking in and out. How do you think that might go? Now imagine intimacy in a warm, candlelit bedroom with the door locked. Which scenario is more likely to lead to the best outcome? The same aspects can affect your birth.

One of the most significant factors in your labor and birth is how you react to your environment. Experts in childbirth know when a laboring woman feels safe, secure, private and relaxed, she will progress well toward birth. But a mom who feels threatened will release hormones that can slow labor.

Privacy and safety are the keys for creating an environment conducive to birth. What will it take to make you feel protected, comfortable, supported and relaxed? As you write your birth plan, imagine how you can use all of your senses to create an atmosphere that will help you to feel these attributes, so your body can do the work it needs to do to birth your baby.

Sight: Women do best during childbirth with dim lights, which create a sense of seclusion. Consider the room you are laboring in: do you need to close the blinds or turn the lights off to achieve the privacy you need? In addition, having something to focus your attention visually can help you maintain your attention during contractions, or even in between. Make it something that creates a sense of serenity for you – a piece of artwork, a photograph of your favorite vacation spot, a sonogram picture, a labyrinth or maze, etc.

Smell: Did you ever notice how connected your olfaction is to your emotions? Scents may remind you of certain people or situations – both positive and negative. And when you catch a whiff, you may have a very physical reaction – changes in breathing, heart rate, hormone production, etc. Aromatherapy can reduce anxiety, boost energy, and reduce pain. And there are no side effects that could affect your baby or your labor. What are your favorite scents? Are there ones that relax you, like lavender? Or others that energize you? Will the antiseptic hospital smells bother you? Will you need to find a way to mask them?

Hearing: If you are in the hospital, the sounds of staff coming and going in the hallway, as well as announcements on the public address system, can be distracting. How can you minimize these? If you’re at home, will there be noises from outside that will intrude on your ability to relax? Music, headphones, and closed doors all help to block unwanted noise. If you’re planning to use music to help you through labor, remember that it doesn’t all need to be slow and relaxing. You may have points in your labor where you want something fast and energizing.

Taste: While this may not have to do directly with a secure, private setting, you may want to have gum or candy on hand throughout labor. These will keep you from getting a dry mouth, which can be distracting. Staying hydrated is extremely important, too. Your favorite soothing tea might serve the purpose – keeping you relaxed and keeping all of your muscles (including your uterus) working well.

Touch: Massage, gentle stroking, even a hand lightly on your shoulder – all can ground you and help you feel safe in the unknowns of childbirth. Skin is your largest organ, and all of those nerve fibers underneath can provide a direct route to pain management during labor. Remember to add some type of lubrication for any massage (maybe your favorite scented oil or lotion) so that you’re not bothered by friction (which can work against your labor progress!). Water – whether raining down on you in the shower or surrounding you in a bath – can also provide tactile stimulation that will help you relax (and the tub or shower can be very private!).

Keep in mind one method won’t work for your entire labor, so have a “goody bag” of supplies, or at least a mental list of methods, to try. Create a setting that feels good – in which you feel protected and secure – so you can relax and ease your baby into the world. Plan your childbirth comfort measures with all of your senses in mind.

Written by Michelle, childbirth educator, lactation consultant, and mother to 4 busy kids

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2017. All rights reserved.

When you are pregnant, you will find that many people lose their manners when it comes to speaking to you. They say things that are unnecessary, or hurtful, or frightening, or just plain strange. It’s a weird phenomenon, really, that people seem to lose all their social filters when dealing with a pregnant woman.

The following are 5 things NOT to say to a pregnant woman. Ever.

1. Don’t say ‘You are too big or too small.’ Making reference to the size of a pregnant woman’s belly will just cause her to worry. Everyone carries differently. If she is huge – she is huge. If she is small – she is small. Simply accept the baby bump for what it is, and make references of how cute she is, or how adorable her belly is, but never question or be inquisitive about why she is either too big or too small in your opinion.

2. Never, ever share miscarriage, stillbirth or labor and delivery horror stories with pregnant woman. They don’t want to hear it. Seriously, just keep those things to yourself! All they do is cause unnecessary stress and even more worry for the pregnant woman.

3. Don’t ask, ‘Did you get a boy or girl this time?’ For some reason when people see a pregnant woman with a daughter or son, they automatically assume the family hopes to be pregnant with the ‘other’ gender. “Oh, did you get your son this time?” Not only does this hurt the already born children, but it is kind of rude. Who’s to say a pregnant mom doesn’t want two boys, or three girls? The assumption that the perfect family is a son and a daughter (in that order) is outdated.

4. Avoid telling a woman how much labor hurts, or the details of horrendous labor. In fact, the best thing to remind pregnant woman is that women have been giving birth since the dawn of mankind, and that everything will be just fine.

5. Parenting horror stories aren’t necessary. Forewarning them about how awful, or stressful rearing children is, or how their yet to be born baby will become a wild brat one day, is not necessary. Personalities and parenting choices are something every mom finds out on her own. Why burst her bubble now, when she is glowing with joy and basking in motherhood?

What are some of the things you wish people didn’t say to you while you were pregnant?

Written By Stef, Mom of 4 @Momspirational

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2017. All rights reserved.

The big day is finally here, you spent a few hours at home, bouncing on your birthing ball and breathing during contractions. Your contractions grew stronger, longer and more frequent, so you jumped in the car and headed to the hospital. You’re now bent over the front desk, huffing and puffing your way through another contraction, as your partner rubs your back while trying not to collapse under the weight of the three colour coordinated hospital bags you brought.

As your healthcare provider ushers you into your room and tells you to make yourself at home, your mind might be focused on other things. By this point, you may have forgotten the list of things you wanted to ask your healthcare provider. Of course, your healthcare provider will have a copy of your pregnancy notes, and this should include a birth plan; but birthing centres are busy places, so it’s always worth reiterating the important information in person. Make sure you tell your healthcare provider the following:

1. The type of birth you want – you don’t need to sit down and give a detailed and lengthy description including backing music and desired lighting, but it is worth giving a general outline. Would you like a water birth or active birth? What sort of positions would you like to try? Try to keep an open mind on the day, though. Remember, things can change.
2. Your desired pain relief – remember, this could all go out of the window because it’s impossible to predict how you will find labour, but you can give an idea of your thoughts on pain relief. If you’re hoping for a natural birth, your healthcare provider will try to support you in this plan. Alternatively, if you are hoping for an epidural, it is helpful to know this is a possibility so arrangements can be made with the necessary medical staff.
3. Your birth partner’s role – whether you want your partner to massage your back, get you drinks or sing your praises during labour, you should let your healthcare provider know in advance. Some birth partners may feel overwhelmed on the day, and forget to carry out certain roles, but your healthcare provider can help to involve them in the process if you state your wishes in advance.
4. Anything out of the ordinary – if you have experienced vaginal bleeding, or noticed a brown tinge to your mucus plug or amniotic fluid, you should inform your healthcare provider immediately. While it may be nothing to worry about, your healthcare provider needs to be fully informed about your situation to provide you with the best care.
5. How you feel about interventions – if you feel very strongly that you would like to avoid interventions, such as episiotomies, you should state this in advance. Of course, your healthcare provider is charged with safely delivering your baby, and sometimes interventions are unavoidable. However, knowing in advance that you want to avoid medical interventions may cause your medical team to question whether an intervention is really necessary before making a decision.

Finally, it never hurts to say thank you at the end. If you feel that you had the best care possible, and will be eternally grateful to your fantastic healthcare provider, let them know. Send them a card thanking them for their hard work. It’s always nice to feel appreciated.

Do you enjoy this App? Good news! You can now also download our new Baby App for iPhone / iPad or Android. Click Baby+ iOS or Baby+ Android to install the App, and prepare for the arrival of your little one(s).

Written by Fiona (@Fiona_Peacock), mother, writer and lover of all things baby related.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2017. All rights reserved.

Benefits of listening to music during labour

Some women choose to use music during labour, either as a way to motivate them or keep them calm during contractions. For some women, controlling their birthing environment helps them to feel empowered during labour. While you can’t redecorate the birthing suite, you can do things to make it feel more like home. Music is a great way to change the ambience, and will distract from the background sounds of the labour ward.

Listening to pleasant music can release dopamine into the brain. Dopamine is strongly associated with feel-good activities such as sex and food, and may act as a form of pain relief. Scientists believe music can lessen patients’ experience of pain at the dentist, so why not give it a go during childbirth? As well as triggering the release of chemicals, music can act as a distraction from the discomfort. If you are focused on the music, you will be less focused on any discomfort you may be experiencing.

Music has been found to relieve the physiological symptoms of stress. During labour, these symptoms can act to impede labour by triggering the fight or flight response. Music can lower blood pressure, slow breathing down and ease muscle tension, all of which could have a positive effect on labour.

The practicalities

Most hospitals and birthing centres have CD players or music docks available, but it is worth checking in advance. If your hospital does not offer this service, they may allow you to bring your own in. Some women choose to listen to the music on headphones instead.

If you are having an elective cesarean, whether you are allowed music playing will depend on your surgeon. Some are happy to allow patients to choose music, but others may find it distracting which isn’t really ideal for operating! Speak to the hospital in advance, and find out what to expect on the day. Unlike with a vaginal birth, you should know in advance exactly how long the birth will last, and can plan a playlist accordingly.

What to listen to

If you want to use music during labour, you should create a playlist including your favourite songs. Try to cover all the bases – emotional, upbeat, angry and calming – you’ll probably experience a variety of emotions during childbirth.

It’s impossible to predict how you will feel on the day. You may find that after spending hours producing the perfect mix playlist for labour, you then want to sit in stoney silence throughout. If you usually like calm, sensual music, you may find yourself yearning for some loud, angry heavy metal for the pushing stage of labour. Be prepared, and take a mix of music types, so that you have something to suit every mood.

What songs have you got on your labour playlist?

Written by Fiona (@Fiona_Peacock), mother, writer and lover of all things baby related.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2017. All rights reserved.

Talking about childbirth sometimes seems like a secret code: what are the three stages of labour, anyway?

The first stage of labour

This is usually the longest stage of labour, lasting on average between six and 20 hours for first time mums. If you’ve given birth before, your first stage could be between two and 10 hours, although these are just averages and of course individual labours vary wildly.

During the first stage, your cervix softens and begins to dilate. Your contractions may last between 10 to 40 seconds at first, but this will increase as labour progresses. The first stage of labour officially starts when you are 4cm dilated and experiencing regular, strong contractions.

You should time your contractions to keep track of how regular they are. Going for a short walk, soaking in a warm bath and practising your breathing techniques are all good ways to spend the beginning of labour. Find a position you feel comfortable in, be that kneeling, squatting, leaning, and rock your hips with each contraction.

Your contractions will continue to increase in strength and frequency. Once you think labour is established, you should contact your healthcare provider. Once you arrive at the hospital, your healthcare provider will monitor your baby’s heartbeat from time to time to make sure he isn’t in distress.

By the end of the first stage of labour, your cervix will be fully dilated and you will be ready to push.

The second stage of labour

By this point, your cervix is dilated a full 10cm, and it is time to start bearing down to deliver the baby. Your baby is about to make the journey out of your uterus, through the birth canal and out into the world. The pushing stage of labour can last from just a few minutes up to around two hours. To help you get to the finish line, you could try:

• three short pushes with each contraction, this is said to be more effective than one long push
• an upright position – let gravity do some of the work for you
• bear down – imagine you are trying to push out a very big poo
• exhale – breathe out steadily during each contraction

By the end of the second stage of labour, you will have delivered your baby. When the third stage starts, you should be cuddling your baby on your chest for some skin to skin bonding.

The third stage of labour

Now that your baby has been born, the placenta is no longer needed. During the third stage of labour, you need to deliver the placenta.

When your baby is born, the umbilical cord will still be connected to your baby and to the placenta still in your uterus. Some parents choose to clamp the cord immediately, but others choose to wait for the cord to stop pulsating first. This pulsating is the passage of blood from the umbilical cord to the baby and back again.

Some women choose to deliver the placenta naturally, and others choose to have an injection to speed up the process. This is a personal choice and entirely up to you. Once the cord has been cut, the umbilical cord will be clamped close to your baby’s navel. In time, this will shrivel up and fall off, leaving behind your baby’s beautiful belly button.

Written by Fiona (@Fiona_Peacock), mother, writer and lover of all things baby related.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2017. All rights reserved.

As you are planning your birth, have you thought about your baby’s transition to the outside world? How would you like to greet your baby, and how would you like to spend those precious first moments? Recent research shows babies do best when given skin-to-skin contact with mom for the first hour after birth – or until the first breastfeeding takes place.

Amazingly, babies seem to be pre-programmed to expect contact with mom after birth. When a baby is left prone on mom’s abdomen after an unmedicated birth, he begins to use his reflexes to get to the breast. Once there, he will usually latch and begin nursing within the first hour. You don’t need to be that laissez faire about it – you can be more deliberate about snuggling your baby in a cradle hold and offering the breast. But babies know what to do – it’s sometimes our routines and procedures that get in the way!

The Benefits of Skin-to-Skin:
Babies who spend time skin-to-skin with their mothers after birth:

• Have more regular breathing and heart rate,
• Cry less (thus conserving energy),
• Stay warmer than babies in standard care (placed on a warming bed apart from their mothers), and
• Breastfeed better and longer.

But I’m Having a Cesarean Birth …
Doctors are now recognizing that skin-to-skin time with their mothers is a basic necessity for newborns, and are helping this to happen even when mom and baby need a surgical birth. Sometimes referred to a ‘gentle cesarean,’ baby is placed skin-to-skin on mom’s chest as the surgical repair is made, and remains there as mom is recovering. Let your doctor know ahead of time that skin-to-skin is important to you, and work with your healthcare team to develop a plan for successfully achieving a ‘gentle cesarean.’

Sometimes Skin-to-Skin Can’t Be Done
If mom or baby need life-saving care in the minutes or hours after birth, skin-to-skin will need to be postponed. If mom is ill, dad can take over skin-to-skin duties. If baby is ill, skin-to-skin can be done as soon as baby is stable. Spending time skin-to-skin can sometimes heal the emotional wounds of a traumatic birth – for both mom and baby – even if it’s done months later.

Does it end after that first hour?
Skin-to-skin time is great for baby at any age – whether minutes, days or weeks old. This is especially true for babies who are having breastfeeding difficulties. If you imagine your baby’s first three months of life as a 4th trimester, you can help baby adapt to life outsider the womb by recreating a womb-like environment – constant carrying, skin-to-skin, breastfeeding on demand, etc.

Written by Michelle, lactation consultant, childbirth instructor, writer and editor, and mom to 4 busy kids

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2017. All rights reserved.

Staying active during childbirth will encourage your labour to progress. At the beginning of labour, you may find you can move around quite easily. Walking, rocking and swaying are all actions that may be useful to you during labour. You should aim to stay active throughout the birth if possible, as this will help your contractions to be stronger and more effective.

In an active birth, you should be able to move and change position freely. While women on TV are usually shown giving birth flat on their back, this is not an ideal position for labour. Research has found that women who give birth lying down experience more painful and less effective contractions, longer labours and reduced blood flow to their babies.

Birthing positions

You may find that changing position every so often helps you to deal with any discomfort caused by the contractions. Follow your instincts and do whatever you feel you need to. Here are a few suggested positions that have been found to be effective during the pushing stage of labour:

1. Kneeling – kneeling upright with your legs apart is a particularly useful position for women experiencing backache during contractions. You can adopt this position using your birth partner, a birthing ball, chair or bed to lean on for support. During contractions, flex your lower back and buttocks as you bear down.
2. Squatting – this position opens your pelvis up to 30 percent more than lying down, so is well worth a try. Squatting allows gravity to help you labour, which can lead to a shorter pushing stage. This is a tiring position though, so you may want to rehearse squatting during pregnancy to see how long you can hold the position for. During labour, it is advisable to be supported in your squatting position. Your birthing partner can can stand behind you, and support you from under your arms as you squat. Some birthing rooms have ropes for use during active labour, these hang from the ceiling and you use them to support yourself in a squat position. Some midwives have birthing stools to help you get into a supported squat.
3. Sitting – this position is great for helping you rest between contractions. You could sit on a birthing ball, chair or toilet – it’s up to you. Sitting opens up your pelvis and allows the baby to travel down the birth canal.
4. Leaning – leaning forward during contractions can help to manage discomfort. If you are having a water birth, you may find that leaning over the side of the pool can provide more relief. You could lean over a chair, the bed, or lean on your partner for support. Leaning also frees up your back so that your partner can provide a lower back massage during contractions, this may be useful if you are feeling the contractions in your back.

It’s impossible to predict how you will experience labour on the day, so just get into whichever position feels right for you at the time. You should find that you naturally adopt different positions throughout the birth, and these will help your labour to progress.

What positions are you hoping to try during labour?

Written by Fiona, proud owner of a toddler, @fiona_peacock

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2017. All rights reserved.

Epidural is the most commonly used form of pain relief during labour in the US. A catheter is inserted into the epidural space in the membrane surrounding your spine. This tube is then used to deliver continuous medications for pain relief throughout labour. An epidural usually delivers a mix of an anaesthetic and a narcotic. An epidural decreases sensation in your lower body, but doesn’t cause numbness. An epidural enables you to stay conscious throughout labour.

How is an epidural administered?
You will be asked to sit at the edge of the bed, or lie in a curled position, for the epidural to be inserted. A numbing injection will be used to prepare the insertion site. Once the area is numb, a needle will be inserted into your lower back.

The catheter will then be fed through the needle and into your back. The needle will then be withdrawn, and the catheter will be taped into place to prevent it from coming out. Once it has been taped down, you will be able to lie back down on the bed.

You will be given a test dosage of the medicine to ensure that there are no problems, and once this has been confirmed you will be given a full dose. Your baby will need continuous monitoring if you opt for an epidural, and your blood pressure will need to be checked regularly.

Can I have an epidural?
Not all women are able to have epidurals. You will be advised against having one if you:

• have very low blood pressure
• have a bleeding disorder
• have a blood infection
• have a skin infection on your lower back
• have had previous allergic reactions to local anaesthetic
• are on certain blood thinning medication

When can I have an epidural?
You should be in active labour before you have an epidural. This means you must be at least 4cm dilated and having regular contractions. You can have an epidural fitted at any point during active labour, until your baby’s head is crowning. Then it is considered too late to start an epidural, but if necessary you will be offered other forms of pain relief.

Advantages of an epidural
The advantages of this form of pain relief are:

• it is considered to be a very effective form of pain relief
• the dosage and strength can be increased or decreased easily as required
• you will be awake and alert during the birth

Disadvantages of an epidural
There are some disadvantages to this form of pain medication, including:

• most epidurals restrict your movement and mean you are unable to stand or walk during labour, and this may restrict the birthing positions you can try
• you will require an IV and regular blood pressure checks
• your baby will require continuous fetal monitoring
• women with epidurals tend to have to push for longer during labour
• an increased risk of assisted delivery by forceps or vacuum extraction
• in a very small number of women, epidurals may affect breathing, or cause nerve damage or infection

It is impossible to predict how you will experience labour. You may be crying out for an epidural after five minutes of active labour, or you may find relaxation breathing alone gets you through the birth. Keep your mind open to an epidural, but you may like to delay it until you feel it is truly necessary.

What pain relief are you planning to use during labour?

Written by Fiona, proud owner of a toddler, @fiona_peacock

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2017. All rights reserved.

Before the birth of your child, it’s important to sit down and think about the type of birth you would like. Would you like to have your baby in hospital or at home? Do you want to use a birthing pool? What type of pain relief would you like to have available? You will need to consider all of these things when you write your birthing plan.

You should discuss your birthing plan with your healthcare provider and birth partner, so that they know how to best support you on the day. Of course, it is not a definitive plan, and you should be open to change on the day. While you may love the idea of a natural birth, on the day you may find yourself asking for drugs. Alternatively, if you plan to have an epidural immediately after the first contraction, you may surprise yourself by coping fine without.

Since you can’t predict in advance how you will feel during labour (even if you have given birth before, remember, all births are different), it makes sense to be read up on all the pain relief options available to you. That way you can make an informed decision on the day, even if labour isn’t quite what you were expecting.

Epidural

This is the most commonly used form of pain relief used during childbirth in the US, as many as 66 percent of women opt for an epidural. An epidural provides continuous pain relief during labour. A thin hollow tube is inserted into the epidural space near the base of your spine. Once in place, a combination of narcotics and a local anaesthetic will be administered. An epidural should provide good pain relief, but may restrict your movements during labour.

Systemic medications

Systematic painkillers are used to dull pain, but will not eliminate it. Systemic drugs are delivered by IV or injected into muscle, and will affect your entire body. You will remain conscious while on systemic medications, but may feel sleepy. This form of pain relief is often described as ‘taking the edge off’, and may help you relax during labour. Systemic medications cross the placenta and may affect your baby, because of this, the amount you can take is limited.

Spinal block

A spinal block is a one-off injection into the spinal fluid. This provides fast pain relief that lasts just a few hours. Spinal blocks are often used for women who decide they want an epidural too late, or for when labour is progressing at speed. The major disadvantage to a spinal block is that it can inhibit the pushing stage and lead to a longer labour.

Combined spinal/epidural

This new technique offers fast and continuous relief. For the first hour or two, you may still be able to move around during labour, so this is a good option if you are hoping to stay mobile to help your labour progress. A combined spinal/epidural will reduce sensation which could cause problems during the pushing stage and lead to a longer labour.

Water birth

As well as helping you to stay mobile and upright during labour, birthing pools are said to provide pain relief. The warmth of the water can help to ease discomfort, and the support from the water may help you to move position easily during labour. Your healthcare provider will need to assess whether you are a suitable candidate for a water birth, and then you will need to choose a birthing centre that has pools available.

Natural birth

If you’re hoping to give birth without drugs, you may find relaxation techniques useful. Breathing exercises, meditation and hypnobirthing are all great tools to help you keep calm and focused through contractions.

What pain medication are you planning to use during childbirth?

Written by Fiona (@Fiona_Peacock), mother, writer and lover of all things baby related.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2017. All rights reserved.

Vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC) is exactly what it sounds like. It means you give birth vaginally after having at least one baby by caesarean surgery. You may hear you healthcare provider refer to a VBAC as a Trial of Labor After Caesarean (TOLAC).

Can I have a VBAC?
Your healthcare provider will assess your individual case and decide whether you are an appropriate candidate for a VBAC. If your healthcare provider gives you the go ahead for a VBAC, there is a good chance you will succeed. Up to 80% of women who attempt VBACs give birth vaginally.

Benefits of VBAC

• avoids the need for major surgery and the associated risks
• postpartum recovery tends to be longer after caesarean birth
• looking after a toddler and newborn will be much easier after a VBAC

Risks of VBAC

• there is a small risk that your caesarean scar will rupture during delivery. This affects only one in 200 women.
• there is a slightly increased risk of you developing a rupture or infection of the uterus
• there is a slightly increased risk of blood transfusion

Success rates
A quarter of women who attempt VBACs go on to have caesarean births. This rate is only slightly higher than the caesarean rate for first time mothers. Nearly 80% of attempted VBACs end in vaginal births.

If you have previously had a vaginal birth, you are more likely to have a successful VBAC. If your previous caesarean was because of a condition unique to your last pregnancy, such as a breech baby or low-lying placenta, then you have a good chance of  having a VBAC.

Some women are considered unsuitable candidates for VBAC, this is usually due to an ongoing condition such as a small pelvis or a maternal health condition that requires the baby to be born early.

VBAC success rates are slightly lower for women who:

• are induced
• are given drugs to speed up labour
• have only ever given birth by caesarean
• had a previous caesarean because the baby became stuck during labour
• had a prepregnancy BMI of over 30

I’ve decided I want a VBAC
You should speak to your healthcare provider about having a VBAC. They will assess your case and, if they decide you are a suitable candidate, they will advise you of how to go about it. Some US hospitals do not have the facilities to offer VBAC, so you may need to rethink your birth location. If your healthcare provider is not supportive of your desire for a VBAC, speak to a number of other healthcare providers to see if you can find one who will help you achieve the birth you want.

For women considering VBACs, what they really want to hear about are real life experiences, so please share yours in the comments below. Did you have a VBAC, and would you recommend it?

Written by Fiona, proud owner of a toddler, @fiona_peacock

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice.  All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2017. All rights reserved.

During those long nine months of pregnancy, as well as imagining what your baby might look like, you’ll probably spend a lot of time focusing on the birth. You may be worried about how you’ll cope during labour, or be looking forward to experiencing childbirth; but either way, you are probably curious about what it will feel like.

Unfortunately, there isn’t a simple answer to ease your worries. Every labour – and every woman – is different. Everyone experiences labour differently, and each labour is unique, so there isn’t a catch-all answer to explain how labour feels. There are a few words, however, that seem to crop up in most birth stories:

Cramping or tightening
Some women describe labour pains as intense period pains. Other women describe the contractions as feeling more like a tightening, rather than a cramp. This sensation is caused by the uterine wall tightening during contractions. Some women find the cramping or tightening to be painful, whereas others describe it as a mild discomfort. You may find that the feeling becomes more intense as the labour progresses and your contractions become stronger and more frequent.

Pressure
Some women recall a feeling of pressure bearing down inside them. For some, this pressure appeared only at the pushing stage, but for others it was present earlier in the labour. This pressure is often described as feeling like you need to have a very big poop.

Pain
All women experience labour differently, and not everybody discusses pain when describing childbirth. Some women describe a pounding or stabbing pain accompanying each contraction. Try to breathe through the contractions to help you stay calm and focused. Research pain relief options in advance so you know what is available to you during labour.

Waves
Some women describe the contractions as coming in waves. From feeling fine between contractions, they then feel the contraction build, peak and ease. You may find that breathing exercises can help you to stay calm during the contractions building.

Lower back pain
Many women experience labour pains in their lower back, just as some women experience menstrual cramping there. Applying gentle pressure to the lower back can help to soothe this discomfort. Ask your partner for a massage, run the shower against the area, or use massage balls to apply pressure.

Burning
The sensation of crowning, when the baby’s head is just about to be born, is often described as feeling like a slight burning sensation. Some women find this painful, whereas others have noted a sense of relief at this point during labour.

As you can tell from the above descriptions, labour is a mixed bag and not everybody experiences the same sensations. What your friend may describe as painful, you may experience as little more than a slight discomfort. Labour truly is one of those things that you have to experience to understand.

Are you worried about labour, or are you feeling confident about the experience?

Do you enjoy this App? Good news! You can now also download our new Baby App for iPhone / iPad or Android. Click Baby+ iOS or Baby+ Android to install the App, and prepare for the arrival of your little one(s).

Written by Fiona, proud owner of a toddler, @fiona_peacock

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice.  All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2017. All rights reserved.

When you think about the impending birth, you’re probably worrying about how you’ll cope on the day, what will happen and whether it will all go to plan. With all that on your mind, it’s no wonder you’ve forgotten to consider how your partner will cope. Preparing your partner for childbirth is almost as important as packing your hospital bag, and it certainly isn’t something you should overlook.

There are plenty of horror stories about dads-to-be fainting in the delivery room and missing the birth, or infuriating the mums-to-be by asking how long is left. The birth of your child is one of those life changing moments, so make sure your partner is prepared for what’s going to happen, and how he can help on the day.

Give him homework
If he has any chance of being useful, he’s going to need to know what to expect in the delivery room. From bodily fluids to labour noises, he needs to be ready for whatever you’re about to throw at him. There are plenty of great books designed to coach dads-to-be in preparation for labour, so why not pick one out for him? There’s loads of information online, too; he could even watch some birth videos. Prenatal classes are the best place to pick up information about the birth. Your prenatal teacher will explain the labour process in detail, and answer any questions he might have. If you’ve enjoyed using this app, you could also ask him to download our new Baby+ App. It has hundreds of interesting articles, tools and great features.

Talk to friends and family
The best way to learn about childbirth, is to speak to people who’ve been through it. The best people to speak to are those who have recently experienced it, because the information will still be fresh in their minds. Ask questions, and tell them you want all the gory details. Ask the dad what it felt like for him, and what he had to do. This will give your partner ideas and prepare him for the big day.

Great expectations
Let him know any expectations you have, so that he knows what you want on the day. If you’re expecting a back massage during labour, make sure he knows in advance so he can learn some massage techniques. If he can often be found playing games on his phone, let him know that he shouldn’t do this in the delivery suite.

Taking care of himself too
One rookie mistake that lots of first time dads make, is that they forget to look after themselves on the day. The don’t eat, they don’t sleep, they don’t even stop for toilet breaks, and as a result they end up an exhausted, shivering, weak mess by the end of it all, utterly unable to offer you the support you need. Make sure he packs energy drinks and snacks for himself, and makes sure that he’s in the best state to be able to support you to deliver the baby.

Talk it through
Keep communication lines open at all times. You might be scared of impending parenthood and the birth, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t. In fact, you might find he shares all of your fears and has a few of his own too. Encourage him to talk to you about his feelings, so that you can work through any issues and prepare for any potential problems together.

Do you have any tips on how to prepare to be a birth partner?

Do you enjoy this App? Good news! You can now also download our new Baby App (iOS only, but Android will follow soon!). Click here to install the new ‘Baby+’ App, and prepare for the arrival of your little one(s).

Written by Fiona, proud owner of a toddler, @fiona_peacock

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice.  All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2017. All rights reserved.