My Expert Midwife
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What is Hypnobirthing?
Read more →Hypnobirthing is a range of techniques taught via interactive classes, from audios and books, which enable those who have learnt about breathing, visualisation and how to make choices in maternity care, to achieve a more relaxing and empowering birth. The key to achieving this is the work you will do during learning hypnobirthing to release fear, stress and worry, which will enable your body to work efficiently and comfortably. The media’s portrayal of birth In modern society we are exposed to multiple messages through many media outlets about birth. Most of these are depicting traumatic and frightening images, as drama attracts more viewers/readers/clicks. This can trigger worry and anxiety for couples birthing their babies, as this message has been sent to them from an early age...
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Why should I choose to have a waterbirth?
Read more →3 minute read Most hospitals and birth centres are now equipped with water pools specifically designed for use by women in labour. Water has a strong research base behind it to suggest that it is effective not only to help relieve labour pain, but also in helping to shorten the duration of labour, as well as helping to reduce the incidence of tearing during your baby’s birth. Types of water pools There are quite a few different types of pools available to use. The water pools in hospitals and birth centres can be various shapes and sizes and are usually made of rigid plastic, so they can be maintained and cleaned easily. If you want to see what is...
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International Women’s Day - Women’s choices in maternity care
Read more →International Women’s Day is celebrated on the 8th March each year to celebrate the achievements of women, but also to highlight the fact that we still live in a male dominated society, and as such, women continue to strive for gender equality. Maternity care is certainly still a place where women’s choices can be decided for them and where we can still lack aspects of control over our reproductive rights. This blog will explain how you can start to negotiate the maternity system when you are faced with difficult decisions, so you can make the right choices for you and...
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Should I have my baby at home?
Read more →The midwives at My Expert Midwife have had a lot of experience caring for women who birth at home, as well as women who birth in hospital. The current research supports homebirth as a safe choice for both you and your baby, if you remain free from any other complications during your pregnancy. If you do have other complications this does not mean you cannot have a homebirth, but it may be that you would be advised to birth in hospital. Discuss any additional risk factors you may have with your midwife or doctor, but the decision on where you birth is ultimately your choice. Why does labour work better at home? Giving birth at...
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What will happen when I have my planned Caesarean Section?
Read more →There are many reasons why you may choose or be recommended that your baby is born via caesarean section, some of which are for medical reasons, personal preference or occasionally for psychological factors. If you decide that a planned or elective caesarean section is the best way for you to give birth, you will have an appointment with your obstetrician (doctor), where the advantages and disadvantages of having a caesarean section will be discussed. Once you have made an informed choice surrounding this discussion, your surgery will be booked, and a date given to you. If everything is normal with...
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Valentines day when you’re pregnant
Read more →Valentine’s day celebrates love, romance and is a day for pampering and appreciating each other. It is the perfect opportunity to take time out for you and your partner to indulge in some self-care and to celebrate the new person that is growing inside you. Feeling loved and cared for helps to create oxytocin, often called “the hormone of love”, and who doesn’t want a bit of that?! Think you are too busy, stressed or it will cost too much? Here are some things you could plan to do together which suit different lifestyles and budgets when you are pregnant...
