In episode twelve, we meet Olga and hear all about her first pregnancy, birth and beyond journey. Olga planned to birth in a birth centre and then late in her pregnancy changed her mind and had a home birth. She then transferred to hospital to have some retained placenta removed and a small tear stitched in theatre. Olga also talks about her experiences of establishing breastfeeding and learning to be content while parenting a new baby.
Topics covered in this episode include: early pregnancy tiredness, low level morning sickness, pregnancy travel, doula support through pregnancy, planning water birth, changing from birth centre plan to homebirth plan late in pregnancy, being labelled high risk due to smoking before being pregnant, preparing mentally and looking after yourself physically in pregnancy for birth, slow start to contractions, meet-up and massage in early labour, labour gradually increasing through the day and evening, calling out doula and midwives and then sending them home, calling everyone back and getting in the pool immediately ready to push, pool birth, physiological third stage, post partum hemorage and retained placenta, transfer to hospital, retained placenta removed and second degree tear stitched in theatre, three day stay in hospital, self advocacy with routine medical interventions, declining routine anticoagulant injections, resisting pressure to formula feed in hospital, mixed support levels in hospital, placenta encapsulation, postnatal recovery, breastfeeding with inverted nipple, sleep and small babies, sleep and small babies, protecting your peace when planning your birth, keeping going with a plan for if you have slow downs during labour.
If you’re wondering whether a doula might be right for you or even what one actually is or does this might be a good place to start reading.
https://hampshiredoulas.uk/what-is-a-doula/
https://hampshiredoulas.uk/frequently-asked-questions/
If you are looking for a community of new families to be part of please do come and join ours in person if you’re in South East Hampshire or Online if you’re further away. Join our Facebook group here.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/pregnancybirthandbeyondcommunitygroup
Find the details for our meet-ups here
https://www.informedpregnancybirthandbeyond.org/meet-ups
For information about the possibility of some or all of your placenta not coming out as expected and what can be offered to help this is a good place to start reading
https://www.tommys.org/pregnancy-information/pregnancy-complications/retained-placenta
If you’re wondering if your baby is sleeping a normal amount you might find this a helpful website
https://www.basisonline.org.uk/hcp-how-babies-sleep/
Or this book
https://lyndseyhookway.com/product/lets-talk-about-your-new-familys-sleep/
In episode eleven of series three, we’re back with Kimberley to hear the story of her second baby’s birth. After the events surrounding her experience in the hospital after her first birth, Kimberley opted for a planned cesarean for her second baby. She had a very positive second birth experience
Second pregnancy worse PGP, pregnancy in covid affecting medical appointments, making a choice for planned cesarean due to previous trauma, TBR Three-Step-Rewind trauma recovery, planning a family centred cesarean, student midwives - impact of respectful care, skin to skin and cesarean birth, sensory processing issues and the business of theatre, fast birth, skin to skin in theatre, declining weighing offers, establishing breastfeeding with a second baby, placenta smoothies, postnatal recovery, postnatal planning, postnatal self care, thoughts on the experience of cesarean birth after a previous home birth.
If you’re having any pain around your pelvic joints and would like support or information the Pelvic Partnership is the place to go.
https://pelvicpartnership.org.uk/
You may also find the Let’s Talk about Pelvic Girdle Pain Podcast helpful.
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/lets-talk-about-pelvic-girdle-pain/id1582059096
If you’re planning to have a cesarean birth for any reason this would be a good place to start thinking about how to make that a comfortable and safe experience for you and your baby.
https://www.royalsurrey.nhs.uk/download.cfm?doc=docm93jijm4n14342.pdf&ver=37125
If sensory processing challenges are something that you think might affect you during your pregnancy, birth or beyond or you’re interested in how that or other things that could affect people differently during this time you might want to check out this podcast
https://www.ndbirth.com/podcast
If you’re interested in how your placenta could benefit you post birth then check out Kimberley’s own website https://www.southcoastplacenta.co.uk/benefits
If you would like to know more about the TBR Three-Step-Rewind process check it out here
https://traumaticbirthrecovery.com/what-is-the-3-step-treatment/
If you are interested in Sarah’s support for yourself find her here
In episode ten of the third series, we meet Kimberley and hear about the birth of her first baby.
Kimberly had a turnaround in pregnancy and went from having thought she would choose a cesarean to choosing a home birth. Kimberley also talks about her experience of transferring to hospital for stitches after birthing at home.
Topics covered in this episode include support from an NCT teacher, the birthplace study, planning a homebirth after being afraid of birth before pregnancy, PGP - chiropractic and NHS physio support, stretch and sweep, watching comedy, immediate start to strong regular contractions, following your body’s lead for position, labour in birth pool, gas and air, privacy on the toilet - feeling of progress, mooing, birthing on sofa, birthing lying on side, having a cat doula, coached pushing, fourth-degree tear, shower at home then transfer to hospital, mention of tramatic experience in hospital, fourth-degree tear stitched in theatre, overly fully bladder given catheter to rest bladder for a week, home with a catheter, supportive partner, establishing breastfeeding, frequent feeding, long term perspective of feeding and sleep.
For information on the birthplace study check out
https://www.npeu.ox.ac.uk/birthplace/
More information on the research about homebirth can be found here
https://www.sarawickham.com/research-updates/is_home_birth_safe/
Some information about what to expect if you have a third or fourth degree tear
In Episode Nine of the third series, we meet Katie who tells us all about her pregnancy, birth and postnatal experiences with her first baby. Katie had a fast labour and a longer pushing stage of her birth due to her baby having a hand by her face. Katie also talks about her experience of caring for a baby with cow’s milk protein allergy.
Topics covered in this episode include: pregnancy after miscarriage, growth scans, hypnobirthing course, mention of Remifentanil, unhelpful/unsupportive comments during pregnancy about ability to cope without pain relief, water’s breaking at start of labour/before contractions, immediate strong contractions, use of TENS machine, active labour, labour on toilet, arriving at the hospital fully dilated, long pushing stage, hand by face presentation, second degree tear, stitches, “ring of fire” crowning sensations, not staying in hospital but returning for newborn checks the next day, cows milk protein allergy, tongue tie.
If the idea of being as relaxed as Katie appeals to you you can find out more about hypnobirthing here https://hampshiredoulas.uk/2017/10/09/an-introduction-to-hypnobirth-with-wendy-from-wondrous-birth/
If you’re looking for a hypnobirthing course we can recommend contacting our team members Sally and Sophy, Megan from Southsea Birthing or Hannah Rose Hypnotherapy.
If you would like information and support with cows milk protein allergy you might find these websites useful
https://www.allergyuk.org/about-allergy/allergy-in-childhood/cows-milk-allergy/
In episode eight of the third series, we chat to Sinead a longstanding member of the Informed Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond team about her labour birth and postnatal experiences with her eldest child in Australia.
This episode includes Sinead’s experience of her baby being very ill and needing resuscitation at 9 days old. If you would find this distressing or triggering please skip this episode.
Topics covered in this episode include: labour starting with waters going at 36 weeks, Natropath/herbalist support to conceive, planning birth in a midwife unit/birth centre, show at 35 weeks, placenta previa, eating in labour - being sick, nipple stimulation to increase contractions, using the shower in labour, counter pressure on lower back, baby born on birth stool in shower (water off), managed third stage, staying in hospital second night, establishing breastfeeding with a tiny baby, baby infection at 9 days, needing resusitation in hospital, baby in intensive care, baby in hospital, return to health.
If you would like to know more about placenta praevia / low-lying placenta) this is a helpful place to start reading
If your baby is hospitalised as a newborn you may find the charity Bliss are a good source of information and support
If you’re wondering about using a birth stool like Sinead or other options for giving birth in an upright position and why anyone might want to avoid birthing in the bed/on their back then you might find this a helpful read/listen
In episode seven of the third series, we meet Lilia who had her first baby in a stand-alone midwife-led birth centre. Lilia had a quick birth and a very positive experience being well supported by her partner, mum and the team at the birth centre.
Topics covered in this episode include: taking time to fall pregnant, healthy pregnancy, expectations vs reality of maternity care, planning to birth in a stand-alone midwifery unit/birth centre, braxton hicks, gentle early labour, 7 cm dilated on arrival, having two birth partners (covid regulations stress), labour in water, birth on land, supportive partner and care team, small tear, stitches, skin to skin, being admitted to the postnatal ward for breastfeeding support, reflections on parenting.
Many people assume at least for their first birth that they will have to birth in the hospital but the evidence shows that you may be more likely to have a safe and positive experience of birth if you choose a birth centre. The main “risk” found in this research study was that when birthing for the first time you have a high chance of needing to transfer to the hospital but with that chance being up to 45% it’s still more likely that you will birth in the birth centre without any issues. It’s also important to remember that most of those transfers are not emergency situations but more likely to be like in this birth story where you chose to go to the hospital for something specific that’s available there for example an epidural, stitches or overnight postnatal support.
https://www.rcm.org.uk/media/2353/freestanding-midwifery-units-busting-the-myths.pdf
One of the biggest impacts that Lillia talks about was the effect of having a team of people caring for her who were there for her as an individual with respect and encouragement. There’s a lot of evidence that having a midwife who knows you with you through your birth can keep you safer and improve your experience. If you have the option of a continuity of care midwifery team you may want to consider taking that option.
https://www.england.nhs.uk/blog/the-importance-of-continuity-of-carer-in-maternity-services/
In episode six of series three, we talk to Jordan about her experiences of pregnancy birth and beyond with her first baby. Jordan gave birth in the hospital having had her labour induced. She shares how she has managed her mental health during pregnancy and postnatally including receiving a diagnosis of OCD while in the care of the perinatal mental health team.
Please be aware this episode contains a discussion of a traumatic event during birth and difficult experiences with breastfeeding and postnatal mental health.
Topics covered in this episode include: uneventful pregnancy, pregnancy/birth/postnatal with existing bipolar diagnosis, induction of labour due to high blood pressure, problems with having epidural - change of anaesthetist, long pushing stage, ventouse assisted birth, episiotomy, haemorrhage, stitches in labour room, equipment failure, infection in labour - post birth antibiotics to prevent sepsis, formula feeding, staying with family for postnatal support, postnatal low mood and anxiety, perinatal mental health care, OCD diagnosis, Health Visitor Support.
If you would like to know more about the mental health team mentioned in this episode check out https://www.southernhealth.nhs.uk/our-services/a-z-list-of-services/perinatal-community-mental-health-service
If you would like to know more about perinatal (the year around childbirth) OCD this is a useful resource
If you’re wondering about assisted vaginal birth and would like some information on what happens and why it could be recommended you may want to start with the information from RCOG whose guidance your obstetrician (in the UK) will be following.
If you have an assisted birth you will usually need stitches as episiotomy is almost always part of the procedure. There’s some good information on caring for your perineum while it heals here
https://www.tommys.org/pregnancy-information/after-birth/recovering-perineal-tear
In episode five of the third series, we meet Shannon who tells the story of her second baby’s birth. Shannon’s first birth was traumatic and her second birth was very healing in many ways not least her experience of positive and respectful care.
Topics in this episode include: second pregnancy during first maternity leave, low weight for gestational age, faltering growth, previous negative birth experience - induction UTI, thrush, stomach bug in pregnancy, planning a homebirth - International Homebirth Day- research stats, birth plan - thinking through decisions - informed consent, slow manageable early labour over a couple of days, labour in water UFO positions, urge to push at 8cm, midwife offer to push cervix aside, worry of “bruised cervix”/pushing too early, fast labour - 4 hours, established labour to birth half hour pushing stage, partner support in the pool, feeling baby’s head crowning, comparing experience of birthing in the pool to previous experience birthing after induced labour having had pethidine, effect of gas and air - choosing to stop to help with awareness for pushing, gas and air, asthma, breathing experiences, birthing placenta in the pool, golden hour on sofa, tea and biscuits etc, stitches on sofa, impact of respectful care, establishing breastfeeding, blocked ducts and mastitis, balancing the needs of an older child and a new baby.
If you’re concerned about the possibility of an “early” pushing sensation you might find this research paper a helpful start to your reading. https://open.library.ubc.ca/media/stream/pdf/52966/1.0108912/3
There are also some ideas of things that may help with this in labour here https://www.spinningbabies.com/pregnancy-birth/labor/what-to-do-when/
For information about pregnancy and birth if you have asthma check out
https://www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/conditions/asthma/manage/pregnancy
Wondering about tears and stitches etc you might find out bog is a helpful place to start
Wondering about why you might think about using water for labour and birth find the facts here
In episode four of the third series, we’re back with Katie who we met in episode two. This time we catch up on her pregnancy, birth and beyond with her second baby. Katie’s second baby arrived relatively soon after her first and she chose to birth by cesarean section again. Katie shares the different challenges she had the second time around and how she was more prepared to meet them after her experiences with her eldest.
Topics covered include hyperemesis with a toddler, gestational diabetes, self-advocacy - making your own decisions, cesarean - the impact of insulin/low blood sugar when nil by mouth, antenatal expression of colostrum, postnatal recovery with a degenerative spine condition -slipped disk, breastfeeding challenges, post-weaning depression.
For information about and support with gestational diabetes check out https://www.gestationaldiabetes.co.uk/gestational-diabetes-diagnosis/
For information on expressing colostrum before your baby arrives
https://abm.me.uk/breastfeeding-information/antenatal-expression-colostrum/
If you feel sad after weaning your baby, even if that sadness stays for a longer time you’re not alone, it’s okay to talk about it and need support feeling better. https://www.pinkymckay.com/weaning-blues-the-depression-nobody-talks-about/
In the third episode of series three, we meet Alice who, after the disappointment of being sent home on her first trip into the hospital during labour, had a fast birth in the birth pool of an alongside midwife led birth centre. Alice also talks about her struggles with establishing breastfeeding and the effects of feeding a baby with a tongue tie.
Topics covered in this podcast include: pregnancy after endometriosis, pregnancy after miscarriage, growth scans, induction for “big babies” discussion, stop and start early labour, reduced movements, induction pressure, cervical sweep, wave comb, birth ball, being told you’re “not in established labour” and need to go home, oramorph, labour in the bath, using affirmations, knees in calves out, vaginal exams to access care, Gas and Air, birth pool, feeling shocked by fast birth, getting out of the water for third stage, Third degree tear 3b, stitches with spinal block, interrupted golden hour effects on breastfeeding initiation, struggles initiating breastfeeding, weight loss over 10% pumping and top ups, postnatal mental health challenges, impact of tongue tie release, benefit of in person antenatal classes for finding your perinatal community.
If you have endometriosis and are thinking about getting pregnant you can find support and information from Endometriosis UK https://www.endometriosis-uk.org/endometriosis-fertility-and-pregnancy
If you’re offered an induction of labour due to having a suspected “big baby” you may find this information useful. https://www.sarawickham.com/articles-2/induction-for-big-baby/
For a visual understanding of the knees in calves out position and why it might be helpful for the pushing stage of labour check this out.
https://youtu.be/jS9v2zFZuQc?si=MeQ5eQkE51tI0YSm
For more information about tears and repairs check out the information from RCOG
If you missed out on an uninterrupted golden hour it might not be too late to get back skin-to-skin now. For more on why and how to do that check out our blog. https://www.informedpregnancybirthandbeyond.org/post/skin-to-skin-not-just-for-the-golden-hour
For information about tongue tie and baby feeding check out
In the second episode of the third series of Our Birth Stories Podcast, we meet Katie and hear the story of her first pregnancy birth and beyond. Katie shares her experiences of pregnancy and being a new parent during the covid lockdown regulations. Katie chose to have a cesarean birth due to having a degenerative spine condition and had a positive experience of her birth. She also shares her difficult breastfeeding experiences and how she has come through that.
Topics covered include: pregnancy in covid lockdown, hyperemesis, pregnancy anxiety, gestational diabetes diagnosis, pregnancy with a degenerative spine condition, choosing cesarean due to risks of spinal damage while birthing, experience of cesarean birth,
difficulty establishing breastfeeding, having a new baby in covid lockdown, managing wider family expectations and relationships.
If you think an elective cesarean might be the right choice for you for any reason you can read more about your rights and the available support on the Birthrights website. https://www.birthrights.org.uk/factsheets/right-to-a-c-section/
If you’re planning to nurse your baby linking up with the available support services during pregnancy is a great way of supporting yourself to do that. Ask your midwife whether there is an infant feeding coordinator at your hospital and what support is available there so you know what or who to ask for if you face any challenges. Check out what local peer support groups are available from the BfN, LLL or ABM and find out who your nearest IBCLC is.
https://www.laleche.org.uk/find-lll-support-group/
https://www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/drop-in-centres-map/
https://abm.me.uk/find-a-local-breastfeeding-support-group/
https://lcgb.org/find-an-ibclc/
If things haven’t gone how you wanted them to with your feeding journey your feelings about that are valid and important. You might find it helpful to read Amy Brown’s Why Breastfeeding Grief and Trauma Matter. https://professoramybrown.co.uk/books-%26-shop/ols/products/why-breastfeeding-grief-and-trauma-matter-signed-copy
Welcome to the third series of Our Birth Stories Podcast we start off this series by meeting Hannah who tells us all about her third baby’s pregnancy, birth and beyond. Hannah talks about the experience of pregnancy and birth during the constantly changing covid regulations. She describes the experience of birthing unassisted as having had a very positive impact on increasing her confidence in herself.
Topics covered in this episode include: Unexpected pregnancy, pregnancy in covid - effects of inequalities in health services, planning a home birth, walking in early labour - the difference between Braxton Hicks and labour contractions, using a hot water bottle during labour, remembering to pee during labour, labouring alone, vocalisation (mooing), counting breaths through contractions, baby arriving before midwives, older children at the birth, foetal ejection reflex, post-birth transfer to the hospital, medical management for birthing placenta, safe co-sleeping, the impact of positive birth experiences on your own life and self-confidence.
If you would like some of Hannah's confidence and wisdom why not check out her Instagram @thirty_percent_parent or @high.vibe.hypno
If you’re interested in the impact of inequalities on the health of black and brown pregnant and birthing people check out https://fivexmore.org/
Making noise is very helpful to many people as they labour and birth. The noises you make can even be a good indicator for experienced midwives as to how far into labour you are. There’s more information here https://www.lamaze.org/Giving-Birth-with-Confidence/GBWC-Post/making-noise-in-labor-and-birth
Some more explanation of why labouring on your own can be a really great choice if you’re feeling safe and relaxed. The hormones that run your labour are best produced when you feel least observed just like any other mammal.
https://sarahbuckley.com/pain-in-labour-your-hormones-are-your-helpers-2/
If you’re wondering about your choices for birthing your placenta you might be interested to read the book Birthing Your Placenta by Dr Sara Wickham.
Apologies it's taken a while in the editing stages but our third series of lovely birth stories are on their way very soon.
Episode twelve of the second series of Our Birth Stories Podcast is our final episode of the series and we finish with Elizabeth’s final birth story. This is an extra special birth story for our team as so many of us were there either in person or over text. Despite being Elizabeth’s fourth birth this was also her longest labour and gave her many firsts including her first time actually using her birth pool in labour. Baby four was born at home during a party for his arrival. Elizabeth also talks about the challenges they had as baby four didn’t put on weight as much or as fast as he ideally should have and Elizabeth had to fight to get him medical attention.
Topics covered in this episode include pregnancy in challenging family times, the impact of family and community support, not telling anyone your due date, possible breech baby, consultant midwife support, longer labour than previous babies, family barbeque in the house, post-birth transfer for stitches, trauma-informed midwifery led hospital care, mental health specialist midwifery care postnatally, breastfeeding struggles, baby not gaining weight, fighting for medical attention for baby.
If you’re wondering why you might not want to sell anyone your due date, aside from it’s no one’s business but yours, then you might be interested to read a little more about guestimated due dates. https://www.sarawickham.com/articles-2/fixed-point-due-dates-and-wider-windows/
Not all hospitals have consultant midwives but all should have some process for getting further support from a senior midwife if your birth plans are outside of the usual hospital policy advice. Ask your midwife to refer you to the appropriate person at your hospital or contact the head of midwifery there if you find your midwife is not helpful or the hospital website doesn’t have that information like this one for a hospital near us. https://www.uhs.nhs.uk/departments/maternity-services/your-pregnancy/consultant-midwives
If you’re local to us in South East Hampshire and thinking about having a home birth and using a birth pool then you might want to consider borrowing our pool. https://www.informedpregnancybirthandbeyond.org/birthpool
In episode eleven of the second series of Our Birth Stories podcast, we meet Ellie who shares the story of her first pregnancy, birth and postnatal experiences. Ellie had a fast birth after arriving at the hospital for the second time (after having been advised to go home the first time as she was considered not far enough along in labour.) Ellie also shares the ups and downs of learning to parent with your first baby including feeding and sleep challenges and how she is now feeling much more confident in herself as she heads into her second pregnancy.
Topics covered in this episode include rhesus negative mum and positive baby, low platelets in pregnancy, human rights in pregnancy and birth, decisions not permission, early labour “not in labour”, fast birth after arriving at the hospital for the second time, early postnatal experiences in the first covid lockdown, newborn jaundice, tongue tie division, postnatal depression, breastfeeding with large breasts -unique challenges, support over zoom compared to in person, normal infant sleep, second baby feeling more confident, birth reflections service/midwife.
For information about low platelets in pregnancy, these are some good starting points for reading.
https://www.midwifery.org.uk/articles/thrombocytopaenia-of-pregnancy-low-platelets/
If you have larger breasts and are thinking about the possible challenges of feeding your baby this might be a good watch https://youtu.be/584nv1oNxvw
If you have any concerns with feeding your baby please keep asking until you find someone who has the training level you need to get the information and support you need. The National Breastfeeding Helpline is open on 0300 100 0212 from 9.30am-9.30pm
For information about tongue-tie and how it may impact your baby’s feeding you may want to check out this organisation for those who are trained to treat tongue ties.
https://www.tongue-tie.org.uk/tongue-tie-information/
Wouldn’t it be great if we could say, yes here’s a magic plan that will make your baby sleep all night every night and also not have any trouble feeding or putting on weight etc. Sadly no one has that but what we do have is the opportunity to share realistic expectations of how babies sleep that may allow you to know you’re not doing anything wrong and give you the opportunity to put in place support options that will allow you to cope during the intense early weeks months and years while your baby needs comfort regardless of the time of day.
Here are some more of our thoughts on baby sleep https://www.informedpregnancybirthandbeyond.org/post/normal-newborn-sleep
This is a fantastic resource https://www.basisonline.org.uk/
If you like a book to read “Let's talk about your new family’s sleep” by Lyndsey Hookway is a good one. You can also follow her social media https://www.instagram.com/lyndsey_hookway/ and if you’re thinking you would like some extra support with sleep the people who have completed the course Lyndsey teaches “Holistic Sleep Coaching” will all be trained to support you in a family centred and evidence-based way.
Many hospital trusts have birth reflections services, you may find your local one by doing an internet search on “birth reflections -name of the place you had your baby-” but in some places, you may need a referral from your midwife or to contact the maternity services for the up to date information.
Other perinatal professionals such as independent midwives, doulas and counsellors may also offer birth story listening services and be able to support you with requesting a copy of your notes for yourself and going through those with you as well as further support with healing from the effects of feeling sad or angry about what happened when you gave birth.
In episode ten of the second series of Our Birth Stories Podcast, we meet Megan and hear about the birth of her second baby in a birth pool in her home. Megan thought about the possibility of a free birth (without any medical attendance) during her pregnancy but kept an open mind and didn’t make the decision until during labour when she felt safe and confident. She also talks about transferring to the hospital for stitches after the birth and about what helped her with planning for and experiencing a gentle and undisturbed postnatal recovery.
Topics covered in this episode include pregnancy after a previous traumatic birth, doula support, low-lying placenta, pregnancy as a trained hypnobirthing teacher, baby in back-to-back position in late pregnancy, thinking about an unassisted birth, “nesting”, slow and gentle start to labour, keeping eating to keep up your energy, TENS machine, active labour, birth ball, birth pool, making the decision to free birth during labour, using a mirror to know what your body is doing and work with it, calling midwives after your baby is born, transfer to hospital for stitches, two weeks of quiet recovery with no visitors etc, having your mum come and stay to care for you postnatally, having a postnatal plan and expectations clearly communicated before baby arrives.
Megan is available as a hypnobirthing teacher again now so if you’re looking for a course check out her website here. https://southseabirthing.wixsite.com/my-site-1
If a free birth is something that might be of interest to you this course may also be of interest.
If you would like to know more about what degrees of tear means and what to expect in terms of your care if you experience a perineal tear this is a good place to start reading.
There is also a blog post on our website all about your perineum.
If you’re thinking of making plans about your postnatal care and especially how to care for yourself while also caring for a new baby this blog post might be a good place to start.
https://www.informedpregnancybirthandbeyond.org/post/normal-for-a-new-parent
In episode nine of the second series of Our Birth Stories Podcast we meet Emma who tells us all about her pregnancy and birth experiences with her first baby. Emma talks about how pregnancy after miscarriage was for her. We hear about her experiences with hyperemesis and with anxiety during pregnancy. Emma chose to have her labour induced and then to have a cesarean birth when she felt the time was right. She had a positive experience with a gentle family-centred cesarean birth. Emma also talks about her postnatal experiences and making the right choices for her and her baby. There are quite a few heavy topics in this episode including experience with intrusive thoughts and while they are sensitively covered please as always take care of yourself and make your listening choices carefully.
Topics covered in this episode include pregnancy after miscarriage, hyperemesis, GP-medical misogyny, Pregnancy Sickness Support -volunteer peer support via Whatsapp, knowing where to find information, RCOG and NICE guidelines etc, consultant-led care, pregnancy with epilepsy, gestational diabetes, growth scans, making choices about early induction, managing anxiety in pregnancy and with birth choices, epilepsy and birth choices, induction of labour with folly catheter and breaking waters, cyst on cervix, internal heart rate monitor, failed epidural, gas and air, recited epidural, continuity of care midwife, choosing a cesarean birth during labour, anxiety-related intrusive thoughts during labour, gentle cesarean, single artery umbilical abnormality, post-birth haemorrhage, baby not latching on to breastfeed, exclusive pumping.
Resources for pregnancy after baby loss that Emma recommends. The book “Watering the flowers: A guide to find healing and hope after losing a baby” by Bettina Rae, the book “Pregnancy After Loss” by Zoe Clarke Coats the podcast “Worst Girl Gang Ever” and the website and organisation https://www.mariposatrust.org/
If you have had anxiety in the past then the year around the birth of a baby may be a time that you are vulnerable to that returning. It’s also common for this time of life to be the first time you experience anxiety. There is some natural anxiety involved in the responsibility of bringing a new person into the world and being responsible for their well-being. But anxiety that makes you feel ill or that makes it difficult to manage your day-to-day life is something you can safely talk about and receive support and treatment to help you manage. Here’s a good place to start your reading. https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/postnatal-depression-and-perinatal-mental-health/perinatal-anxiety/
For information on epilepsy and pregnancy this might be a good place to start reading. https://www.womenwithepilepsy.co.uk/pregnancy-toolkit/
If you’re concerned about bleeding after your baby is born here are a couple of places you can read about the care you can expect to receive if that happens https://www.rcog.org.uk/for-the-public/browse-all-patient-information-leaflets/heavy-bleeding-after-birth-postpartum-haemorrhage-patient-information-leaflet/
https://www.bellybelly.com.au/birth/postpartum-haemorrhage/
If you have a baby who can’t latch on to feed the most important thing is to get good support as soon and as often as you can. Ask to speak to the infant feeding coordinator, go to your local breastfeeding support group, call one of the national breastfeeding helplines, consider seeing a lactation consultant. Always remember to consider all the important factors including what is the right choice for you and your mental health and to make your own decisions not the ones anyone else thinks you should make.
If you decide exclusively pumping is the best choice for you this is a good place to start reading.
https://www.laleche.org.uk/exclusively-expressing-breastmilk-for-your-baby/
Episode eight of the second series of our birth stories podcast is another lovely double birth story episode. For the first birth story, we are back to hear the story of Elizabth’s third pregnancy and birth. During this pregnancy, Elizabeth moved across the country and joined our team. She had another difficult pregnancy with hyperemesis but by this point was used to that and knew how to care for herself. This birth although not as quick as her second birth was quick, uneventful, and relaxed.
Topics covered in this birth story include tears and repairs, NICE guidelines on the assessment of scar repair, pregnancy with hyperemesis for the third time, planned home birth, labour at home midwives arriving at end of labour, instinctive birthing position, using heat for pain relief, warm compress on the perineum, physiological third stage, student midwife, tandem breastfeeding, afterpains, placenta consumption and postnatal emotional/mental health.
For our second birth story, we meet Gemma who tells us about her second pregnancy and birth. This is another quick birth story, this time planned as a hospital birth but never making it out of the front door. Gemma shares how unexpected her home birth was but also how she and her birth team stayed relaxed and kept everything calm.
Topics covered in this birth story include pelvic girdle pain, pregnancy and immune system, benefits of chiropractic care, planning a hospital birth, birth ball, tens machine, using noise in labour, birthing before leaving for the hospital, baby born en caul, caught by baby’s father, physiological third stage, ambulance responders at the birth, stitches for second-degree tear at home by midwives, taking care of yourself during postnatal recovery, positive and healing birth experiences after previous traumatic experiences.
For information on support available following a serious perineal tear check out the MASIC Foundation website https://masic.org.uk
If you would like to know more about continuing to breast/chest feed your first baby while pregnant and alongside your new baby this is a good place to start reading https://www.laleche.org.uk/pregnant-and-breastfeeding/ an LLL group is a good place to meet other people who are making this choice.
‘Afterpains’ the cramping sensations that come (especially when feeding your baby) and go, during the first few days are a normal part of having a baby and you can take over the counter pain relief and use heat packs/hotwater bottle to help with them. But if you have constant pain or any concern over whether what you’re feeling is normal please contact your midwife or hospital and get checked out to make sure you don’t have any kind of infection.
https://www.kentandmedwaylms.nhs.uk/after-birth/recovering-birth/after-pains
If you have any pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy or you would just like to make sure your body is comfortable and balanced ready for birth you can find Philippa at https://www.alverstokechiropractic.com/ and https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/letstalkaboutpgp
If you’re interested in the possible benefits of a TENS machine for labour this is a good place to start reading https://evidencebasedbirth.com/transcutaneous-electrical-nerve-stimulation-tens-for-pain-relief-during-labor/
Making noise during labour is often something that just happens naturally. It's not about screaming in pain it's just part of your whole body being involved in the hard work you're doing. It's important to remember that using your voice shouldn't prevent you from continuing to breathe deeply and get oxygen to your body and baby. This video explains it pretty well https://youtu.be/krurni3nm_Y
In episode seven of the second series of Our Birth Stories Podcast, we meet Hayley and hear about her experience of birthing as a surrogate. After having had positive experiences of birthing her own children including a home birth with her youngest child Hayley was happy to be able to be a surrogate for some friends of her sister. Her surrogate birth was an unplanned cesarean chosen during labour after concerns over the baby’s heart rate.
Hayley also talks briefly about her second surrogate pregnancy experiences with another set of parents. So far this has been a much more difficult journey as one pregnancy sadly ended at 20 weeks and another in an earlier miscarriage. Hayley talks about the emotions of giving the gift of parenthood in a situation where that also involves grief.
There have been some very challenging times but the overall message and feeling in this episode is one of hope and resilience.
Topics discussed in this episode Making the decision to become a surrogate, legalities of surrogacy arrangements, baby measuring big and navigating the offer of early induction, choosing induction at 42 weeks, full process of labour induction, concerns over baby’s heart rate at 6cm dilated, baby not descending into pelvis, in labour cesarean birth, 5kg big baby, deflexed head position, surrogate birth and baby’s parents and c-section who can be there when baby is born, postnatal experience as a surrogate, expressing milk for baby, baby loss at 20 weeks, surrogacy and baby loss, recurrent baby loss.
For more information about surrogacy in the UK check out https://surrogacyuk.org/
Information and support when you lose a baby are available from https://www.sands.org.uk/
And https://www.tommys.org/baby-loss-support
Want to hear more about induction of labour check out our team chat on the topic https://youtu.be/OXuZT-JWjiw
Sometimes babies get themselves into positions that make it difficult or impossible for them to get through the space available to be born vaginally. Ultimately you can’t guarantee this won’t happen and it’s one of the things you may want to talk about a plan B or C for when you’re making your birth plan. There are things you can do to give yourself the best chances of avoiding this including seeing a chiropractor during pregnancy who will help you to have the most accommodating space for your baby to turn into the best position in and checking out https://www.spinningbabies.com for info on positions you can get yourself into to which may allow your baby to change their position.
In episode six of series two of Our Birth Stories Podcast, we’ve got two lovely birth stories to share with you. There are some similar themes to these two birth stories and the most important one is their complete joy with the birthing experience. The other main similarity is both babies arrived at top speed before a midwife could get there.
Our first birth story is Joanne’s birth story with her second baby. Joanne’s second pregnancy was during the covid lockdown and her planned homebirth turned into a homebirth with just herself in her birth pool catching her own baby.
Topics covered in this birth story include pregnancy in lockdown, declining growth scans, planning a homebirth, making a cake in labour, reading books to inform yourself, using relaxation and visualisation, active labour, waterbirth, no pushing, baby arrives before midwives, physiological third stage, enjoying labour.
For our second birth story, we’re back with Elizabeth whose first birth story you heard in the last episode. Elizabeth’s second birth was as enjoyable for her as Joanne’s second birth. Elizabeth also planned a home birth and ended up catching (or not) her own baby by herself in her bathroom.
Topics covered in this birth story include hyperemesis and self-care, birth trauma, PTSD, preparing for birth after trauma, doula/birth group support, home birth, birth before the midwife arrives, birth en caul, transfer after birth for stitches, the impact of good midwifery care, trauma-informed care, self-discharge from the hospital, a breastfeeding support group with La Leche League, feeling empowered by a positive birth experience, pain-free labour and birth.
If you have any reason to expect (maybe you know you labour fast or there might be a shortage of staff in your area or you just like the idea) that you might be in the situation of birthing on your own, you might want to check out this course that will help you feel prepared.
If you like the idea of a homebirth whether or not you expect to labour fast there’s loads of information here http://www.homebirth.org.uk/
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