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 The needle will then be withdrawn, and the catheter will be taped into place to prevent it from coming out.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.

We live in technological world. Today, it is nearly impossible to take a trip to the store without the viable concern that you may be videotaped by some stranger with a smartphone. We take more pictures and videos today than any other generation has. Ever. And this ease of technology that makes it simple to capture life’s moments one by one, and post them online for friends and family to see within minutes, has definitely made its appearance in the delivery room.

Most women log their pregnancy through pictures that show the beautiful and sometimes subtle transitions of the female body. It is also becoming increasingly popular for to-be parents to hire fancy birth photographers to show up during labor and delivery to document birth from beginning to end.  (Of course, all the photography will be edited with soft filters afterwards so no one sees your wincing and “ugly birth face.” But is it birth photography for you?

Today, there is a whole new breed of birth photographers who require hefty deposits, and who are willing to trek into the delivery room with you to record your experiences there for all posterity. They will catch every sound, every beautiful movement of your body, every expression of your loved ones as they wait for their lives to change with the birth of your baby. And then, they will edit these moments providing you with a beautiful keepsake. One of the nice results, is that often life is moving so fast while you are giving birth that YOU miss out on many things that are going on. The expression on your partner’s face. Hearing the first sound of your baby. Watching them get their first bath that will make them smell so shiny and new. The cutting of the umbilical cord. If you want to be able to see these things, then you should consider labor and delivery birth photography.

Or, you can be more traditional and have some family members snap a few shots, and hope that your memory of the day will suffice for the rest of your life. For some people, having strangers and extras in the delivery room is not something they want. After all, you never know how it is going to go, and having your legs up in stirrups while your baby crowns doesn’t always make for the perfect wall art for the family room.

Truth is, only you can decide what is right for you.  If you want to go the full route and hire a birth photographer, you need to start planning before your third trimester. These folks live off a beeper, and can only be in one place at one time. If you want to preserve memories with pictures and videos, but prefer a more private setting – then ask a loved one or a good friend (a very good friend) to handle the pictures and videography for you.

One thing that I, as an experienced mother, would advise is to bring some make-up and hair accessories to the hospital, along with an attractive shirt so that you can get some stunning shots of you and your baby in the hours and days that follow your first physical meeting. These will definitely be pictures and moments that you will treasure for the rest of your life. And, you only have one chance to make this happen.

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.

If you’re anxiously waiting for the birth of your first child, you’re probably wondering what signs of labour to look out for. As your due date approaches, you may be over analysing every twinge to discover whether labour is imminent. Don’t forget, only five percent of babies are born on their due date, so you may have a little longer left to wait.

The following signs of labour may help you to identify when labour has begun:

The show

Don’t worry, this isn’t one of those ‘give birth on national television’ scenarios, it’s simply the name given to losing your mucus plug. The mucus plug has been sitting at the entrance to your uterus since the pregnancy began, keeping your uterus sterile for the baby. As your cervix begins to soften and dilate, the mucus plug can become dislodged. You may notice a heavy vaginal discharge, this could be tinged brown or red. Alternatively, you may be completely unaware that you have lost your mucus plug.

Waters breaking

Only around 10 percent of women notice their waters breaking before the onset of labour. For most, labour is well underway before their waters break. The water is actually amniotic fluid released when the amniotic sac ruptures. If your waters do break first, this is a good indicator that labour will start within 24 hours.

The amniotic fluid should be clear. If it is tinged yellow, green or brown, it has your baby’s first bowel movement, meconium, in it. This could indicate that your baby is in distress, or could cause respiratory problems for baby after birth. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if there is meconium present in the amniotic fluid.

Bathroom breaks

As the baby prepares for the journey down the birth canal, you may feel pressure on your bowel or bladder which can result in a desperate need to visit the bathroom. This is normal, and is your body’s way of clearing your digestive system and ensuring baby has as much space as possible. Some women experience diarrhea during early labour, this is caused by labour hormones, and is another way of ensuring the baby’s route is free for the birth.

Contractions

The best way to find out whether labour has started, is to keep track of your contractions. If your contractions vary in length, are irregular and felt in the lower abdomen, it is probably false labour. While the name is disheartening, these contractions are actually very important. False labour contractions are thought to stretch the lower uterus in preparation for birth, and begin the process of dilating the cervix. Your cervix will be 4cm dilated before you are considered to be in labour, so there is a lot of preparation work to be done.

The contractions of real labour occur at regular intervals, and will grow stronger, longer and more frequent over time. They are more intense than false labour contractions, and are usually felt in the lower back. Ask your birth partner to keep track of your contraction times so that you can determine when labour has started. When the contractions last at least 45 seconds, and occur every 5 minutes, it’s time to head to hospital – it’s almost time to meet your baby.

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.

What does it mean if my baby is breech?

If your baby is breech, it means he is lying in a bottom down position. Up to four percent of babies are thought to be breech at the end of the pregnancy. By the end of most pregnancies, the baby is in a head down position, this means the largest part of the baby (the head) is born first. A breech birth is more complicated.

Turning the baby

If your baby is breech at 32 weeks, there is a good chance he will move himself into a head down position before the birth. By week 36, however, your baby will have less room to move around, and your healthcare provider may want to intervene.

An obstetrician may try to turn your baby using a technique called external cephalic version (ECV). This involves manually applying pressure to your bump in an attempt to turn the baby. ECV will take place in hospital, and your baby will be monitored throughout. Your doctor’s movements will be guided with the help of ultrasound. You may be offered drugs to relax your uterus during the procedure. ECV shouldn’t hurt but may be uncomfortable as pressure is applied. This technique is successful in around half of all cases, and this is partly down to the skill of the obstetrician performing the procedure.

Breech birth

If your baby doesn’t turn during ECV, your healthcare provider will want to discuss birth options with you. In the US, 85 percent of breech babies are delivered by cesarean. Cesarean birth is considered the safest way to deliver a breech baby, although some are still born by vaginal delivery. If you go into labour before your scheduled cesarean surgery, your healthcare provider will assess whether you should try for a vaginal birth instead.

You will be advised against a vaginal birth if:

• your baby’s foot is below his bottom
• your baby is in a kneeling down position
• your baby has his head tilted back
• you have pre-eclampsia
• your baby is expected to weigh less than 2kg
• your baby is expected to weigh more than 3.8kg
• you have a narrow pelvis
• you have had a previous cesarean
• you have a low-lying placenta

If you are expecting twins, and the first twin is breech you will also be advised to avoid a vaginal birth. If none of the above apply to you, and you would like to pursue a vaginal breech delivery, you should speak to your healthcare provider.

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.

You’ve been waiting 9 months for it – and now your due date has come and gone. Only around five percent of babies are born on their due date, most are born after this point. Knowing you are in the majority is unlikely to make you feel much better if you’re feeling sorry for yourself, and waiting for labour to start.

Your due date is simply an estimation of when your baby will be born. There are various reasons why your due date may be incorrect. For example, if you have an irregular cycle, or are unsure when conception occurred, your due date may be out by a few days or more. Even if you had a dating scan, it’s still possible that your confirmed due date could be inaccurate.

Another thing to remember is that your due date is just an estimation, and is based on the average length of pregnancies. In fact, there is not a one length fits all gestation periods, some pregnancies are slightly longer or shorter than others.

Pregnancy is categorized as follows:

• babies born before 37 weeks are considered preterm
• babies born between 37 and 39 weeks are considered late-preterm
• babies born between 39 and 42 weeks are considered term
• babies born after 42 weeks are considered post-dates, or overdue

What should I do?

Going past term can be frustrating. You may be desperate to meet your baby, in a hurry to stop being pregnant, or just ready to get labour out of the way. If you still have loose ends to tie up, now is the time to do that. Buying last minute items, tidying the house or stockpiling frozen dinners for after the birth are all useful ways to use this extra time.

If you are wondering what to do with your still pregnant self, take a look at these suggestions:

• Sleep – make sure you get enough rest. You will need your strength for labour, so try to get as much sleep as you can. If you are struggling to sleep, at least be sure to rest.
• Stay active – if you’re feeling demoralised about going overdue, it’s easy to waste your days on the sofa. Try to stay active, by going for daily walks or continuing with your pregnancy exercise routine if you have one.
• Talk – if you are feeling frustrated, tired or low, talk to your partner, friends and family for support.
• Ask a professional – talk to your healthcare provider if you are worried about being overdue. They will be able to reassure you and talk you through your options as the days go by.

Trust in your body, and have faith that your baby will come when he or she is ready. While you may be fed up with being overdue, your baby might be going through the final stages of development to be ready for life outside the womb.

Don’t worry, it won’t be long until you meet your baby.

Why not start reading up on what to expect when your baby is there? Whilst you wait for your baby’s arrival, 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.

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.

Ouch! My aching back. Will the pain EVER end?

The good news is that it will. The bad news is it might not let up completely until after your baby is born.

Back pain and pregnancy go hand in hand. For one thing, all that extra weight on the front side of your body puts an excess amount of pressure on your lower back (lumbar region). And, surges in hormones, the production of extra fluid which can make you swell and can cause pressure – and did we mention hormones – make back pain a typical and expected part of pregnancy. Making matters worse, if your back and abdominal muscles were not in optimal shape (and whose are?) prior to pregnancy, the stress on your core can make back pain even worse.

Interestingly, true sciatica, caused by bulged or damaged discs in the spine only affects around 1% of all pregnancies.  However, most people describe sciatic pain as pain that leaves the lower lumbar back and pulses down the long sciatic nerve into the buttocks, thighs, calves, feet and even toes. Often times, extra fluid and swelling during pregnancy can put pressure on this large nerve, and you may notice that your legs and feet go numb more often than before pregnancy. Inflammation caused by the weight of the baby pressing on the sciatic nerve can also cause bouts of sciatic pain. Some women, even experience tingling or numbness in the groin area.  In very extreme cases that involve the sciatic nerve, you can experience difficultly urinating or defecating.

So what can you do about it? One of the most important things to help ease back pain is to stay mobile as much as possible. Taking a walk, signing up for a prenatal yoga class, stretching (safely), and drinking plenty of fluids can help. If the pain definitely seems to stem from your sciatic nerve, and runs long distances down your body – then scheduling a pregnancy massage with a licensed pre-natal therapist can be very beneficial. During the night, try to sleep on your left side, using pillows to support your belly – and try not to stay in a sedentary position for too long. If you work at a desk during the day, try to get up at least once every hour.

Most often, a true treatment for sciatic pain during pregnancy does not exist. It will likely come and go, depending on your fluid retention and the position of your uterus. While its definitely painful and frustrating, you shouldn’t take over-the-counter pain relievers for the pain unless you check with your provider. The same goes for using heating pads. In some instances, if you know the source of the pain, applying ice packs for short intervals can reduce inflammation.

Certainly, this is not the answer that you wanted to hear! The good news is that once you have your baby, your back and sciatic pain will be reduced. In other words, this is typically a short term condition caused by pregnancy.

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.

A cesarean birth (c-section) is the delivery of a baby through an incision in the mother’s abdomen. Over 30 percent of babies born in the US are delivered by cesarean, and the number is nearly as high in the UK. Cesarean birth is the most common procedure done in the operating room. While there is sometimes a medical need for a cesarean birth, keep in mind it is major abdominal surgery.

Elective c-sections are pre-planned for various medical reasons including breech presentation, some uterine abnormalities, chronic medical conditions, and a big baby. Some women may choose cesarean birth due to trauma from a previous birth experience.

Emergency cesareans are not planned in advance, and are usually carried out because the mother and/or baby is thought to be at serious risk. If the doctors are concerned about the survival of mother or baby, the c-section will be carried out rapidly. In other instances, there may be a less severe concern for mother or baby, and then a c-section will occur in a less hurried fashion.

Before the procedure
The doctor will explain why he or she feels this procedure is necessary, and you will be asked to sign a consent form. Your birth partner should be allowed into the operating room with you for the birth, although in a rapid emergency situation, this may not be possible.

General anesthetic is rarely used for c-sections. You are most likely to require an epidural or spinal for pain relief. These allow you to stay awake during the birth, but numb your lower half to prevent you feeling the procedure.

Once your anesthesia has been administered, a catheter will be inserted into your urethra, and an IV will be started. If necessary, the top section of your pubic hair may be shaved to allow for the incision.

Once in the operating room, you’ll be asked to drink an antacid medication. This is given as a precautionary measure in case you later require general anesthetic. Antibiotics will be administered through your IV.

The surgery
It’s now time for the surgery. You may be given some extra anesthetic at this point, and a small blue screen will be erected to prevent you from seeing the surgery. Your birth partner should be with you by this point, sitting next to you to offer reassurance. You shouldn’t feel any pain during the procedure, but you may feel pressure or tugging as the operation is performed.

Your tummy will be cleaned using an antiseptic solution, and then a 10 cm (4 inch) horizontal incision will be made across your bikini line. In a small number of c-sections, a vertical cut will be made instead. Your bladder will be pushed down, and the doctor will make an incision into your uterus. If your waters haven’t yet broken, this will be done now. Then the doctor will reach in and deliver your baby. The cord will be cut, and then you should be able to meet your baby.

At this point, you will be given a shot to help deliver the placenta. If your baby is well, you and your partner should be able to enjoy skin to skin contact for the remainder of the surgery. Your uterus will be closed using dissolvable stitches, and then each layer of tummy muscle will be stitched back together. Stitches or staples will be used to close the incision site, and these will need to be removed up to a week later.

You should expect to stay in hospital for a few days. Remember, a cesarean birth is major surgery so it may take you a couple of months to fully recover.

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.

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.

Congratulations, you’re expanding your family. You are getting ready to welcome your first child into the home, and while over the moon, you may be a bit worried how your pet will react. Whether you have a dog, cat, rabbit or budgie, your pets are likely a central part of your family.

While on the one hand you may be worried about your baby’s safety around the new pet, you are probably also concerned that your pet will feel pushed out or lonely once the baby arrives. You may worry that you won’t have the time to commit to looking after your pet once you become a mother. How can you go about preparing your pet for the baby?

Firstly, there is no need to get rid of your pet because you are expecting a baby. You can prepare your pet for the arrival of a baby, help them to deal with any stress and uncertainty it may cause, and prepare them for life as part of a larger family now.

How will my pet react?
When the baby arrives, your pet may feel a bit jealous, something similar to the sibling rivalry experienced by older children. It is unavoidable that with the addition of a baby to the family, you will have less time to spend with your pet. One way to make the transition easier, is to prepare your pet for this during pregnancy.

Rather than a sharp decrease in the time and attention your pet receives, try to decrease it gradually throughout the pregnancy. If your pet is particularly attached to you, encourage your partner to build a strong relationship with the pet to compensate for when the baby is hogging most of your attention.

Preparing your pet
The more preparation you do during pregnancy, the easier the transition will be. With that in mind, here are some simple tips to help prepare your pet for the new baby:

• spay or neuter your pet – sterilized pets are calmer and less likely to bite
• go to the vets – make sure your pet is up to date with vaccinations and has had a full health check before the baby arrives
• deal with any behavioural problems – if your pet nips or pounces, now is the time to break that habit
• keep your pet’s nails short
• train your pet not to jump into your lap until invited
• apply double sided sticky tape to any furniture you don’t want your pet to jump on – the crib or changing table for example

When baby arrives
Allow your pet to sniff a blanket or item of clothing with the baby’s scent on. This will allow your pet to become accustomed to the new smell. Introduce your pet to the baby carefully, and be sure to have treats handy to reward good behaviour. Try to make it a positive experience for your pet. Never leave your baby alone with your pet.

Routine is important for animals, and they can easily become stressed by routine changes. If you always walk your dog at a certain time, try to stick as closely to the routine as you can once baby arrives. This even allows you to get some exercise and fresh air each day!

Do you have any tips for how to allow your baby and animal to build a strong bond?

Have you enjoyed this article? If so, you can find plenty more great articles and useful tools in 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.

It may seem that choosing a place for your infant to sleep is a given.  After all, isn’t that what the crib you bought is for?  The truth is that during the first few months of life, your baby will be calmer and sleep better if they are in a womb-like environment and closer to YOU. This is where a bassinet, cradle or baby Moses basket comes into play. Leave the big crib in the nursery and find one of the hundreds of adorable baby bassinets to keep your baby in close quarters.  Many have traditional handles perfect for toting baby from one room to the next without waking them. And the best part is you can keep your baby in the bedroom with you so you will be sure you will hear every sound and sniffle your baby makes during the night.

According to experts, a baby basket or bassinet in the room WITH YOU is safer than bed-sharing. It will help you sleep soundly at night, as well, because you will feel more relaxed. If you are planning to breastfeed, getting to your baby quickly helps them ease back to sleep more efficiently (Which also means you can get back to sleep more quickly).

When looking for a baby basket or bassinet, the key is to find one that is both sturdy and easy to clean. Make sure that the mattress is removable and well-fitted, and that you can find tight fitting sheets for the mattress. Some of the baby baskets or bassinets have legs or wheels which mean that you can transport them around the house without waking the baby. Even though your baby will not be rolling over or moving much in the very beginning – you want to make sure the walls are high enough to provide safety to your baby. Keep in mind babies can use their reflexes to scoot their bodies around in sleep; so, you may notice your baby against the side of the bassinet after a short while (which is why you should be sure to never leave your baby unattended on an adult bed or couch.)

Certainly, you will need that beautiful crib in the nursery at some point. There will come a day in the next few months where the nursery will be alive with the sounds of a baby. What most new parents don’t realize, however, is that leaving the baby in the nursery, even with a baby monitor, causes a lot of stress and many trips up and down throughout the night, especially in the first few weeks after birth. If you haven’t had your shower yet, check out a bassinet or Moses basket, and put it on your list. Even though it will only be useful for a very short time, it will definitely make your life easier.

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.