Bits and Boobs

Having a tear or an episiotomy (a cut) during childbirth can be quite an overwhelming thought for women. Fortunately, there are preparations you can make during your pregnancy that could help reduce.

VBAC (vaginal birth after caesarean section) is when a woman has a baby vaginally after previously having an emergency or elective (planned) caesarean section.

Labour can take a long time, so aiming for slow-release energy foods can be helpful, and keep drinking to keep hydrated.

There are three stages of active labour and listening to your body throughout is important as every labour is different.

For some women labour can be quick, but for most women early labour involves a latent phase, which can last for quite a few hours or even several days, before active labour and the birth of your baby.  

This is the big question for many. Most women find it hard to imagine that their vagina/perineum/vulva will stretch enough to accommodate a WHOLE human baby during the expulsive stage of labour (also called second stage) without major trauma. Even if they have had a baby before, the thought of that last stretch before holding the baby is daunting.

Giving birth can seem daunting. The options seem endless, and yet sometimes restricted, depending on who you talk to during your maternity care and whether your midwife and/or doctor are supportive of choice, or less so.

Your body and your baby are uniquely designed for labour and birth. We often hear horror stories in the media about labour and birth being difficult, but the reality is that your body and your baby are made for this! This blog will focus on the how your baby and pelvis work together to facilitate the birth.