Labour can be a very painful experiences. Knowing some of the ways to ease the pain, may contribute to having a better labour experience. If you are an expecting mother planning on having a natural birth, and would like to see labour as a rewarding and less painful experience, here are 10 secrets you should know!

1. Stay Fit

Expecting mothers who stay fit usually have shorter labours compared to those who are either overweight or underweight. Fitness improves the endurance of a pregnant woman, making her more able to tolerate the pain. You can keep fit by swimming, walking, or taking a prenatal exercise class.

2. Take a Childbirth Class

To help you feel less anxious, familiarise yourself with the stages of childbirth and practice comfort measures before the big day. Take childbirth classes in small groups, with a certified instructor, and goals that coincide with yours.

3. Find a Good Support

Although your partner will most likely be by your side throughout the labour, you may want to add more people in your support group. According to studies, women with continuous care, provided by a person trained to support labouring women, experience better child births. This lessens the need for caesarean birth and pain medication. Women with such support also experience shorter labour. Discuss this option with your health care provider.

4. Entertain Yourself

First-time mothers experience active labour for 12 to 14 hours. When contractions begin, try to stay calm. Entertain yourself with other activities such as walking, taking a shower, and baking cookies.

5. Eat Some Snacks

To help maintain your energy level, take some light snacks. However, you should avoid fatty foods and hard-to-digest foods to avoid nausea and vomiting. Muscle contractions and rapid breathing may lead to dehydration as well. So, drink enough clear liquids at home and once you arrive at the hospital. Let you healthcare providers know when you feel thirsty.

6. Take a Shower

Pain causes tension in your muscles, adding more discomfort. A warm shower can relieve the pain, especially by aiming the showerhead at the area where the contractions are most intense. Just ask if you can use the shower during labour in hospital.

7. Immerse in the Tub

Immersing yourself in the tub can provide pain relief. You can change positions easily in the tub by sliding around in the warm bath. Aim your lower back at the jets to ease your intense contractions. Most hospitals provide a birth pool, but you may need to ask in advance.

8. Get a Massage

Labouring women who receive massages from their partner feel less pain and anxiety during childbirth. Inform your partner what feels best – a shoulder or a neck rub, or even a simple hand or foot rub.

9. Do Not Lie Down

Stay upright all throughout the labour. It will help your cervix dilate. Also, you can try standing, squatting, or kneeling to lessen the discomfort and hasten delivery.

10. Entonox (gas and air)

Entonox (also known as laughing gas) won’t remove all the pain but it can help to reduce it and make it more bearable. Many women like it because it’s easy to use and they control it themselves. It’s safe for your baby and the extra oxygen you breathe in may even be good for you and your baby. Although Gas and Air doesn’t take away the pain entirely, they do take the edge off contractions. This method isn’t available everywhere, so you may want to check with your birth location ahead of time.

Written by Team Health & Parenting

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 2018. All rights reserved.

Choosing to invite a birth photographer to attend your birth, and capture the event as it unfolds, is a very personal decision. The birth of your child is going to be one of the pivotal moments of your life, whether that is because of the strength and empowerment you feel giving birth, or because of the overwhelming you love you feel once that baby is placed in your arms.

If you have decided to hire a birth photographer to take professional photographs at the birth, you may be wondering how to find the right birth photographer. Here are some important things to consider:

1. Do you like their style?
Each photographer has a unique style, and a feel to the photographs that make them stand out. When you are looking for birth photographers, have a look through their portfolios. Choose a birth photographer whose style most appeals to you. There’s no point forking out for photographs you won’t love. Look on their websites, Facebook business pages, and ask to see photographs at your appointment, so you can get a feel for what’s on offer.

2. Do they put you at ease?
There is no modesty in birth. You will be, at least, semi naked, surrounded by strangers, at your most vulnerable. If you’re going to throw a photographer into the mix, make sure this won’t leave you feeling uneasy. Find a photographer who you click with, one who you think will blend into the background during the birth, and who you will feel comfortable around. Meet up with a few different photographers before making a final decision, so you can compare bedside manners.

3. Do they have the relevant experience?
You want a photographer who will be in their comfort zone during the birth. If you are planning to give birth at hospital, find a photographer who has experience of hospital births, ideally at the same hospital. Hospitals have rules and procedures that photographers must abide by, so choose a photographer who has experience of this.

4. Will they be available?
Sadly, your baby is unlikely to let you know when his birthday will be in advance. You may be calling your birth photographer at 10am on a Wednesday, or at 3am on a Sunday morning. Find out how your photographer’s availability works. Will you be able to get hold of them at the crucial time, and will they be able to guarantee being there for the birth (time permitting, of course). If, for example, there are certain times they may be unavailable, will those hours be covered by another photographer, and if so, will you get to meet them in advance?

5. How much will it cost?
Birth photography isn’t cheap, but prices can vary drastically. Find out about the costs, and whether there are any ways to reduce the price. Less experienced photographers may offer a discount for experience. Find out what is included in the price – will you be given the original photo files, or will you need to order prints through the photographer? If you need to order prints through your photographer, ask for the costs in advance so you can allow for this in your budget.

Now you’ve selected your birth photographer, you need to think about setting some ground rules. Decide what you want to be photographer, and what things are off limits (if any).

Are you hiring a birth photographer to capture your baby’s birth?

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 2018. All rights reserved.

An increasing number of women are choosing to spend at least some of their labour immersed in water. For some, this means a few hours in the bath at the start of their labour, and for others it means delivering their babies in a birthing pool. Birthing pools are now a common sight in birthing centres in the UK, and some women even choose to hire birthing pools for use at home. Water births are less common in the US, though many women still choose this option when planning a home birth.

If you are currently writing your birth plan, you may be considering water birth as an option. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages or water births:

The advantages:

• The warm water can provide relief from the discomfort of labour, and may even be used instead of medical pain relief
• It doesn’t prevent the use of other medicines, you would still be able to use certain forms of pain relief in the pool. Speak to your healthcare provider to find out more
• The water can have a calming effect, allowing you to relax during labour which can help labour to progress
• The water can support your weight, meaning you may find yourself free from the aches and pains of late pregnancy
• The water can support your weight, leaving you better able to change position and stay upright
• The pool around you can help you to feel more private and protected. Your healthcare provider will still be able to reach you if needed, though the barrier may help you to feel more in control during labour
• The calming effect of the warm water can help to lower blood pressure
• Giving birth in water is thought to reduce the risk of vaginal tearing

The disadvantages:

• There are some forms of pain relief that are not compatible with the pool, so you may need to abandon the birthing pool if you want to have one of those pain relief options
• If you get into the pool before labour is underway, there are concerns that you could slow down the onset of labour
• Birthing pools are not available in all birthing units, you will need to check with your healthcare provider whether you will be able to have one on the day
• If you are planning a homebirth, you will need to hire a pool yourself which you will need to budget for
• Not all women experience the pain relieving benefits of water, some simply feel disappointed when they get into the pool

Are you considering a water birth?

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 2018. All rights reserved.

Neon is hot! Energizing, bright colors are the trend, and neon has made its way into baby clothes and nursery decoration. Trendy parents-to-be have started adding fluorescent pops of colour to their basic palette. When planning your baby’s nursery, how will you go about choosing nursery colors?

Research has been done on how color affects mood, and you can use this information to plan a nursery to best suit your needs. Your baby may not even notice the red walls, but they may be too distracting for you. Blue walls, though, might be calming when you’re in the room for nighttime nursings. Here’s what a rainbow of colors can do for you:

Red is passionate, bold, exciting and it attracts a lot of attention. Use it as an accent color rather than a wall color, as it might pull out your baby’s volatile side.

Orange is warm and cozy. It inspires comfort and closeness. An orange accent wall may be just what your nursery needs.

Yellow is cheerful and energetic. Tired in the morning after the 3am feeding interrupted your sleep. Maybe yellow nursery walls will energize you to get your day started. Too much yellow, though, can cause agitation – tone it down or use it as an accent.

Green is calming. It’s refreshing and serene, and promotes concentration and thinking. You can’t go wrong with this color from nature.

Blue can be soothing and cooling, but can also be depressing. So choose shades with less gray and more yellow or white.

Purple can be the color of royalty (if dark), or can be a shade that is more calming and serene (if pastel). Whichever you choose, it’s a luxurious choice.

White signals innocence – but remember it has to be clean. Maybe not the best choice for baby. Consider white as a base color.

Black is powerful, and signals strength. But it’s also very dark and should be limited to accents in a room with lots of natural light.

So what are you going to do? Decorate your nursery with neon coloured children’s wall stickers? Or brighten up your crib or cot with some soothing light green fabric? Maybe you’ve already started knitting some little yellow socks to inspire energy and cheer?

Let us know what you think!

Written by Team Health & Parenting 

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 2018. All rights reserved.

As you near the finale of the nine-month-long trek you’ve been waiting for, you may feel like going off grid altogether. The endless texts asking “Any news?”, combined with the Facebook updates telling you yet another prenatal class buddy has welcomed their little bundle of joy, are enough to convince you to throw your smart phone out of the nearest window. Add to this the abundance of phone calls from over excited soon-to-be-grandparents desperate to know when it all kicks off, and you’ll soon be reaching for the scissors to put your landline out of action too.

The only exception to this please-leave-me-alone-and-stop-contacting-me-to-ask-if-I’m-in-labour-yet rule, is your birth partner. You will want your birthing partner in front of their emails, next to the office phone, with their mobile waiting and ready in their hand, just in case it’s almost time. If your partner has a hectic work schedule, or can often be out of contact for hours at a time, what can you do to ensure you reach them when the big day comes?

1. Keep it mobile – while your grandma may remember the days of labouring women awaiting neighbours running across town to inform soon-to-be-fathers that labour had started, that’s not quite how it works today. In fact, your partner probably has a mobile phone that is taken with them everywhere, and this makes things much easier. Make sure your partner keeps their phone fully charged, and carries a phone charger at all times, just in case. Ask your birth partner to turn the volume up and keep the phone with them at all times. If your birth goes places without signal, he or she should try to call every few hours to make sure they haven’t missed any calls from you.

2. Call the office – make sure you have the office number, and that the receptionist knows you are due to have a baby so any calls from you will be considered urgent. Work lines can be busy, so it may take a while to get through. If you’re not having any luck on their mobile, try calling the office. Even if he or she is not there, the receptionist is likely to offer to take over ringing their mobile number so that you can concentrate on labour.

3. Get the digits – you have the mobile number and office number, but where else might they be when the first contraction hits? If your birth partner spends a lot of time at the gym, make sure you have the number for the reception in case they are working out when it starts. You don’t want to be googling sports venues during your early contractions. If they are going round to a friend’s house, ask them for the landline number in case you need to get in touch. This is going to be one the greatest events of their life, so you’ll want to make sure they doesn’t miss it.

4. Have a back up – not a back up birth partner, although that is always a good idea to have one in mind, just in case. Have a back up phone operator in case you struggle to get hold of your partner. You really don’t want to be breathing through contractions while listening to the electronic voice mail message for the millionth time. If you can’t get in touch with your partner, ask a friend to take over calling them while you focus on labour.

5. Send for your birth partner – if you know where they are but can’t get through because of bad signal, a dead battery or a power cut – send someone else to look for them. Ask a close friend or family member to go and find your birth partner and get them for you. It’s unlikely you’ll ever need to do this, chances are the phone will be picked up as soon as you ring the mobile, but it’s worth being prepared.

How is your partner staying accessible as your due date approaches?

Have you enjoyed this article? You can find plenty more useful articles and great 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 (@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 2018. All rights reserved.

Sometime during your pregnancy you will start the search for the perfect car seat for your baby. Today, hospitals won’t allow you to leave without one. The hard part is that there are so many choices, that fit so many different budgets, that it can be a difficult decision to make. Do you need the one with the drink holder, do you need a convertible, and what is a LATCH system? Online research can only make things more confusing as the reviews of every product are seemingly positive and boasting that the product as ‘the best.’

Truth is, buying a car seat doesn’t have to be a difficult. If you follow these 5 tips for buying a car seat, you will get the perfect one for your car, your baby and your lifestyle! And if you plan on putting your car seat on a registry, follow these tips and ask specifically for a certain make and model.

1. Don’t buy a used car seat or accept a hand-me-down. Unless you were the original owner, you should never buy a used car seat. For one thing, newer models adhere to newer safety standards. And you need to be kept informed of any recalls on car seats. Plus, if parts are missing you might never know it, and missing parts can compromise the safety of the seat. There are plenty of car seats to fit all budgets to make sure that you get a new car seat that puts safety first.

2. Look for seats that have some longevity. Infant car seats will have to be replaced when your baby faces forward and reaches 20 pounds. Front facing seats may not fit a growing toddler. In other words, you don’t want to be replacing your car seat every year. There are many seats that work from infancy up to 8 years old. They may seem bulky and big at first, but your baby will grow quickly, and you will save money by not having to buy a new seat each and every year.

3. Make sure the car seat is easy to wash! As your baby gets older, they will spill things and spit-up, diapers will leak, and stains will build up on the car seat. All of the coverings should be washable, and you should make sure you can find replacement covers online to increase the longevity of your car seat. If the seat is too difficult to wash and clean, chances are you will end up throwing it away at some point.

4. Before buying a car seat, try it for a fit in YOUR car. Many baby stores will allow you to take a demo model out to your vehicle to snap in the car. Some seats will fit great in your vehicle while others won’t. If you have an older model car, buying a seat with a LATCH system will not work. The best car seat in the world won’t be worthwhile if it doesn’t fit well into your vehicle.

5. Check out www.seatcheck.org before purchasing or making a final decision to make sure that there are no recalls, or safety warnings on the seat that you chose. This is a non-biased, safety based organization that gives detailed information about car seats.

Whatever car seat you choose, get it into the car as soon as possible so everything is in place when the time comes! You don’t want to be struggling with directions and seatbelts when you are in labor. Use the instructions that come with the seat, as well as the owner’s manual for your car to get the perfect fit. Many areas have organizations who run car seat checks to be sure yours is installed correctly – take advantage of this service.

Tell us how your car seat search is going.

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 2018. All rights reserved.

When you last left your house, you were a heavily pregnant woman, possibly in the throes of labour. Now you are about to walk into your house as a new mother, and introduce your newborn baby to his or her first home. The significance of this moment would be enough to have you in tears even without the post-partum hormonal sob fest, but what practical things should you have ready for your first days as a new parent?

1. Food, glorious food – you don’t want to arrive home from the hospital to discover that the cupboards are bare. Make sure your freezer is stocked up with precooked meals in advance, so all you need to do is reheat and eat. If you plan on having visitors during the first week, ask them to bring a small selection of fresh fruit with them. It’s important to eat healthily and look after yourself so that you are able to look after your baby.
2. Battle stations at the ready – well, changing stations anyway. You will arrive home from the hospital in a whirlwind of nappy changes, feeds and cuddles, so you won’t have time to hunt for nappy cream or diapers. Have your changing station set up before your due date, so that everything is where it should be for your first dirty nappy. In fact, consider having a couple of different ones – especially if your living quarters are two stories.
3. Going off grid – unplug the house phone, turn your mobile phone to silent, let the email inbox pile up, and ignore the door. These first few days are the ideal bonding time for your new family. Of course, you should invite any guests you want round, but make sure that your private moments are uninterrupted. There is nothing worse than finally soothing your baby to sleep, only to have your hard work undone by a deafeningly loud phone ringing in the next room.
4. Just in case – chances are, between childbirth and breastfeeding, you’re going to feel a little sore. You may not need them, but it doesn’t hurt to be prepared. Have some breastfeeding safe over-the-counter painkillers in the house, as well as some heat and ice packs. If you’re planning to breastfeed, you may want to keep some soothing nipple cream in the house too, because your nipples may feel quite tender for the first couple of days. Even a bag of frozen peas might make a handy ice pack if you’re suffering from engorgement.
5. Some baggies – you won’t be straight back into your skinny jeans, but you probably won’t need maternity wear anymore, either. Make sure you have lots of clean, comfy pyjamas to wear. Don’t forget, you’ll also want some clothes to wear for when visitors pop round, unless you don’t mind them seeing you in your pajamas.

The first few days as a new parent are exhausting, difficult and truly amazing all at the same time. Make sure you have the above items in the house, and if you discover any other useful must haves, be sure to share the advice in the comments below.

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 2018. All rights reserved.

Many women are upset to realize in the third trimester of pregnancy that they have stretch marks many places on their bodies. Some women get one or two, while others get multiple stretch marks on their abdomens, legs, back, buttocks, and breasts.

Its true as your skin stretches while you are pregnant, stretch marks may occur. Experts believe that your predisposition to stretch marks has more to do with genetics than the amount of weight you gain. And the truth is while they may appear purplish or red now – and maybe even itch like crazy – as your body shrinks back to normal, the appearance of the stretch marks will lessen.

While there are many products on the market that boast eliminating or removing stretch marks, doing so is actually tricky. One of the best things that you can do during pregnancy, is liberally apply natural oils or lotions on your body as you expand. Not only can this help the stretch marks, but it can also help diminish the itching and redness. There are several creams on the market specially designed for pregnant women. You can find them in the baby aisle or lotion aisle of most pharmacies or grocery stores. Ask some pregnant friends, family members or co-workers which cream they used. Chances are you will get multiple recommendations. Some women even use olive oil to gloss up their baby bumps!

It’s also important to drink plenty of water to help avoid stretch marks. Your skin is the body’s largest organ and as such, it needs lots of hydration from water to stay healthy. If you don’t drink enough water, your skin will suffer and excessive stretch marks can be the result.

Another important aspect of reducing stretch marks is eating a healthy diet. Your skin requires anti-oxidants, Vitamin E, Omega-3 fatty acids, and Vitamin A to stay in healthy shape. The best way to nourish your skin with the vitamins and minerals it needs is to eat a diet rich in these substances.

Believe it or not, another way to minimize stretch marks is to exercise during pregnancy. Exercise helps the skin maintain its elasticity which is critical in avoiding stretch marks. It can also keep you from gaining weight too quickly, which can result in stretch marks. And, its healthy for you and your baby.

At the end of your pregnancy, you shouldn’t worry too much about your stretch marks. Many women see them as their marks of courage, and are proud to have them, especially knowing that they came from the birth of their child. After you give birth, the stretch marks will fade into a silvery color and will not be as noticeable. And chances are everyone who loves you will only see you as more beautiful. So, be easy on yourself.  

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 2018. All rights reserved.

You have passed your due date, and your doctor suggests getting your labor started. Or maybe your water has broken but contractions haven’t begun on their own. Perhaps you or your baby have a complication that necessitates birth sooner rather than later, and your healthcare provider suggests induction.

While the medical technology to bring about labor is exciting, it’s also a little scary if you’re not sure what’s about to happen. Here’s a quick primer on induction basics to help you start your learning:

How is labor induced?

Induction is most often done in the hospital so you and your baby can be monitored for any complications. The most common means of induction are:

– Stripping the membranes: During a vaginal exam, your healthcare provider will push the amniotic sac away from the cervix in an attempt to release hormones to start labor. This is often done during an office visit rather than in the hospital, and it is the least effective means of starting labor. You may experience some cramping and light bleeding afterwards.

– Breaking your water: Artificial Rupture of the Membranes (AROM) is done with a crochet-like hook inserted then removed during a vaginal exam in order to put a hole in the amniotic sac. You would need to be a bit dilated for this procedure to be done. The thought is that without the cushion of fluid, your baby’s head will put pressure on the cervix and stimulate the release of hormones to start labor. AROM is better at stimulating a labor that has slowed than it is at starting a labor from scratch. This can be a long, drawn-out process if your body isn’t quite ready for labor to start, and often leads to  additional interventions, such as continuous fetal monitoring.

– Prostaglandins: Prostaglandins are produced naturally in your body and cause the cervix to soften before labor begins. A synthetic form of the substance can be placed near the cervix or taken orally in pill form.

– Pitocin / Syntocinon: Oxytocin is the hormone of labor that causes the uterine muscle to contract and release, thus opening and thinning the cervix so the baby can be born. A synthetic form of this hormone is often used intravenously to bring on labor contractions (and needs to be done in the hospital). It requires that a mom have an IV line started and often continuous fetal monitoring performed, which may limit her options as far as natural comfort measures. The amount of the drug can be adjusted depending on contraction strength – if contractions remain weak, levels will be increased gradually, and if contractions are too strong, levels can be decreased for your comfort and safety. A woman is much more likely to use pain medication with this type of induction.

Are there any natural ways to start labor?

While not fool-proof, some women decide to avoid the medical induction (therefore limiting the associated interventions) by trying natural means of getting labor started. Some of these might include:

– Sex – orgasm releases oxytocin and semen is full of prostaglandins, though this method only works if your body is already primed for labor to start

– Nipple stimulation – releases oxytocin, can be done manually or with a breast pump, but often needs to be done over a long period of time

– Acupuncture / Acupressure – these methods of Traditional Chinese Medicine have been used successfully for thousands of years to start labor

– Herbs – these are like medications so check with your provider first and work with an herbalist, homeopathic specialist or naturopath to ensure you are using them correctly, some typical ones are evening primrose oil, black cohosh, and raspberry leaf

As with any proposed intervention, ask questions until you feel comfortable making an informed decision about whether or not to consent to induction. Ask about the risks and benefits, the alternatives, and urgency of the situation. Ask how it will be performed, and what will happen if the first method doesn’t get labor going. The answers to these questions, along with the induction basics above, will help you feel confident making the right decision for you and your baby.

Written by Michelle: IBCLC, writer, editor, childbirth instructor, 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 2018. All rights reserved.

In years past, women gave birth with other women at their side. These other women were fundamental in providing the laboring mother with support and love and understanding in the hopes of making her birth experience one of spiritual importance and bonding. They also helped to guide her to find comfort to let her body do the work of birth.

As the years have flown by and we have come to rely on hospitals for birth, the landscape of our birthing experiences have changed tremendously. So much so, that some women want to trek backwards a bit and look into hiring doulas and midwives, and planning home births to mark the grand arrival of their baby.

Considering hiring a doula to support you in labor and birth is definitely a personal decision. While some women cannot say enough for the experiences they have had with a doula (or midwife), other women are completely happy with their hospital birth. Remember, each of us is different and what works for one may not be right for another. But if you haven’t considered a doula, check out these 5 facts about doulas that you may not have known.

1. Doulas are NOT medical professionals. Unlike midwives who are trained to help women give birth medically, doulas are there to provide emotional and physical support to birthing mothers during the end of their labor and birth. They are trained and certified like other health professionals, but are interested in your spiritual journey to motherhood. They are there to be WITH you for the duration of your labor and delivery. In fact their job is to keep you as comfortable as possible and they will do everything from provide you warm compresses or massage your feet to getting your partner a cup of coffee.

2. Doulas will come to your home, which means you can get through the initial parts of labor in the peace and quiet of your own home, if you wish. If you are planning a home birth, a doula will be there with you before the midwife, and will do everything possible to assist you. They are trained to know about the birthing process, and are essentially there to support you and your family members. Their total focus is on YOU. Whereas doctors and midwives may have other patients, may be on call, and may be in and out – a doula will stay with you, by your side, the entire time.

3. Doulas are an awesome source of comfort in the weeks leading up to your birth. As you try to find a doula, you will interview her in the hopes of making a personal connection. From there, she can be an amazing liaison to call when you are feeling anxious or not sure what is going on with your body. Women choose doulas who they feel connected to, and the doula becomes available to you even prior to birth. And, while you may not get your personal doctor in the delivery room as you had hoped, doulas guarantee that they will be there by your side. This can go miles to make you feel more comfortable, even during a hospital birth – having someone you know and trust by your side.

4. Doulas are certified. They learn about the normal course of labor, comfort measures, how to help a mom if something goes wrong, and more. They also red to have practical experience supporting women through births before becoming certified, meaning they have some experience once they get their credential. To find a certified doula near you, check out DONA.

5. Perhaps one of the greatest ways a doula can help is by providing post-labor doula hours. Many doulas offer postpartum hours where they will come to your home and help care for you, and help you care for your baby after delivery. For first time moms, and people who don’t have a lot of family members close by – a post labor doula can be a lifesaver.

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 2018. All rights reserved.

It’s easy to get carried away when packing your hospital bag. After all, you may be more used to packing for two weeks by the beach, and so a bare minimal hospital bag can come as a bit of a surprise. Childbirth is one of the great unknowns, so you may find yourself packing for a whole host of different scenarios, just in case. What you really need to do, is pack light and pack sensibly. A huge hospital bag bursting at the seams can be a nuisance on the day. Not only will it be difficult to drag up to the ward, but it may also prove problematic when it comes to find particular items in the bag.

Make sure you can justify everything that goes in your bag, you’ll probably still end up taking more than you need, but at least this might keep things to a minimum. Here are five items you don’t need in your hospital bag:

1. Books, magazines and films – ‘in case you get bored’, anything in this category should be taken out of the hospital bag immediately. If you arrive at the hospital in the throes of labour, and leave carrying your newborn baby, you won’t have had time to be bored. The only exception to this, is if you are being induced or having an elective caesarean. Both of these could involve a bit of waiting around, so it’s wise to take your own entertainment.
2. Pre-pregnancy clothes – you may be missing those push up bras, and be desperate to slip back into those much loved skinny jeans, but unfortunately you won’t be leaving hospital in them. After you give birth, you will still have a bump for a short while as your body slowly shrinks back to your pre-pregnant size. You will also still be carrying the extra weight you put on during pregnancy. Take clothes that will allow you to be comfortable after the birth, ideally maternity or loose fitting clothes.
3. A selection of cute baby outfits – newborns sleep most of the time, so you should pack lots of onesies and sleepwear to keep your little one warm in hospital. Cute as the mini cowgirl outfit complete with hat is, your newborn probably won’t appreciate it just yet. Keep your newborn dressed for sleep, or naked so you can enjoy some skin to skin bonding. Bring an outfit for taking baby home, and plan outerwear according to the weather.
4. The baby book – much as you want to note down each treasured memory of the birth, you’re not going to have time at the hospital. Chances are, you’ll be exhausted after the birth and will then be busy adapting to your new role as a mother for the remainder of your stay. Leave the baby book at home, but take a pen and paper with you just in case you do feel the urge to write some quick notes down.
5. Your full make up kit – while you may like a bit of mascara or a touch of blusher, chances are you won’t have time to apply a full face of make up. By all means, take a few of your must-haves, but don’t pack your entire vanity cabinet. Newborn babies take up a lot of time, and you’re likely to be sleeping when not looking after your baby. Your appearance will be far from your mind.

What would you advise expectant parents to leave at home as they head to hospital for the birth?

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 2018. All rights reserved.

When you’re past your pregnancy due date, you probably feel tired of waiting and anxious about childbirth. Your back may hurt more and your ankles may be swollen. You may even be struggling with haemorrhoids, heartburn and have trouble sleeping. However, try to enjoy these last days or weeks of your pregnancy as well. It’s the end of a beautiful journey and soon you will be very busy with your little one.

Here is some important information about being overdue.

CAUSES

Although your pregnancy due date is calculated, it is perfectly normal to give birth one or two weeks before or after. In fact, your pregnancy must continue two weeks after your due date to earn the real label of ‘overdue pregnancy’.

What are common reasons to deliver past your due date?

• The due date was incorrect assigned (e.g. due to irregular periods)
• This is your first pregnancy
• You have a (family) history of overdue pregnancy
• You are obese
• Your baby is a boy

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

1. Keep a close eye on your pregnancy

When you’re past your pregnancy due date, it’s important to increase the frequency of your prenatal care. Your health care provider will need to look out for possible complications and check your cervix frequently for thinning and dilation. If you are more than a week past your due date, your baby’s heartbeat and movements, and the amount of your amniotic fluid, will also be closely monitored.

2. Give your baby a nudge

If your pregnancy continues two weeks past your date, the chance of complications increases. His size may complicate a vaginal delivery, the amount of amniotic fluid decreases and the placenta starts to age. Therefore it won’t harm to try some natural ways to bring on labour. Try eating some spicy food or pineapple, go for a walk, try nipple stimulation or if you still feel like it have sex. These are all natural ways to bring on labour.

If the healthcare provider suspects any complications, you will probably be given medication to help soften and open the cervix in order to induce labour. Your health care provider may also break your water, or if necessary, give you a medication to start your contractions, such as Pitocin.

3. Hang in there.

Enjoy your pregnancy by accepting your emotions and taking advantage of the extra time. Enjoy watching a movie, going out for dinner, and reading a book.
As long as there are no complications, it’s best to let nature do its job. When your baby is ready to come out, he’ll come out!

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).

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 2018. All rights reserved.