Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond - Full Feed

Wondering what to do with your placenta?

Erika Elliott — Sat, 18 May 2013 19:43:00 UT

“Well you also have the option to encapsulate your placenta and ingest it.”........ blank stares, open mouths, nervous giggles, or simply no registration at all. This is the normal response I see when talking about the third stage of labour in my calmbirth® classes. I have been encapsulating women’s placentas for over two years now and what once seemed to me like sacred “ooga booga” has now reached the brink of mainstream and almost all of the families I support as a doula, and a high percentage of my calmbirth® clients seek my services for this beneficial service.

Stretch Marks

Thu, 16 May 2013 07:58:54 UT

Stretch marks are an almost inevitable part of pregnancy, though some women do avoid them. Stretch marks are caused by the skin stretching to accommodate the enlarging uterus and increased weight. Some women probably have some genetic predisposition for stretch marks, and they’re also more common in younger women.

Birth and Homebirth-A Grandmother’s point of view

Jan Baxter — Mon, 13 May 2013 07:24:44 UT

"As a mother and grandmother I felt compelled to write my story about my births and more significantly about the wonderful experience of being present at my youngest daughter’s homebirth of her second child, Ivy Grace." Jan Baxter writes as a grandmother showing her point of view on homebirths, while telling us the amazing experiences she has had with her own family.

The birth story of Juniper Valentine

Anna Rummey — Tue, 07 May 2013 10:29:07 UT

'The birth story of Juniper Valentine begins not with labour, but the incident that would ultimately forbid it from happening, and alter the course of the remainder of my pregnancy'. Read Anna's story of her experience of a pregnancy with placenta preavia and the beautiful, empowering and sacred birth of Juniper Valentine.

The pregnancy journey and the homebirth of Sienna Jane

Tue, 07 May 2013 09:02:01 UT

The pregnancy journey and the homebirth of Sienna Jane - There was a lot of joy on the morning I confirmed my pregnancy with Sienna. Craig and Jasmine were still snuggled up in bed when I snuck out to the bathroom to do the test, so it was lovely to announce that I was pregnant to both of them and enjoy a few moments together soaking it all in. Jasmine declared that she also had a baby in her tummy and seemed very excited for both of us!

Circumcision-Challenging the Jewish Tradition

Mark Morris — Mon, 06 May 2013 07:35:29 UT

Mark Morris writes about how he come to a decision not to circumcise his son as per the Jewish tradition. Mark writes "I had always thought that if I had a son I would not circumcise him. I felt the need to challenge this Jewish tradition. But when I found out we were going to have a baby boy, the sudden emotional desire to have him circumcised was immediate and very strong".

Jude and Jesse's Birth Story

Fri, 03 May 2013 18:45:39 UT

My twin pregnancy was a long and arduous journey, and tested all of my physical and mental limits. It was with some relief that I noted my mucus plug at week 35, on a Monday; I was a little bit nervous at how 'early' this sign of impending labour was for the babies’ sake, but I trusted my body and knew the babies would come when they were ready.

Water for labour and birth

Robyn Dempsey — Fri, 03 May 2013 18:20:42 UT

I have attended women for over 18 years, many of whom have chosen to birth in the water. In case you’ve forgotten, before birth we all spent close to nine months totally surrounded by water. It is certainly no stranger to any of us: most of our body is simply water and the surface of our wonderful planet is mainly water. Water is essential for life and birth.

Jonah's Birth Story

Hannah Oekinghaus — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 02:47:04 UT

After a glorious pregnancy and a Blessingway attended by friends and family, Hannah awaits the birth of her second child. Through the frustration of many days of seemingly unproductive contractions the day arrives. Having been changed forever by her first child’s birth, Hannah is changed yet again by the glory and empowerment of natural birth. Enjoy Hannah’s story of bringing 10 pound 11 ounce Jonah earthside at home. Read more...

Signs of Pregnancy

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 02:46:30 UT

Whether you are attempting to conceive or suspect you might be in for a big surprise, many women wonder if there are any reliable signs of pregnancy. The simple answer is yes!

Rosina and Lilian's birth story

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 12:19:39 UT

When Penny arrived at the birthing unit doors she could not have imagined that 30 minutes later she would have birthed her twin girls. Yet at 39 weeks, with her husband, trusted independent midwives and two year old daughter at her side, that is precisely what Penny did. Read the story of the gloriously uncomplicated arrival of Rosina and Lilian. Find out more...

Constipation in Pregnancy

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 11:35:20 UT

About half of all pregnant women report that they suffer from constipation. When you’re pregnant, large amounts of progesterone circulate in your bloodstream, slowing the activity of your digestive tract, and constipation can result. If you take an iron supplement, constipation can be made worse.

The realisation of a dream: Yukon

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 04:34:45 UT

Lisa woke up from a lucid dream that she had a baby kicking in her tummy. Within the week Lisa had confirmation that what she had was no dream – she was 17 ½ weeks pregnant with her third child. After delivering her first two babies by caesarean, Lisa set out in search of the practitioner who would support a VBAC.

Women around the world unite to fight for the survival of vaginal breech birth!

Danielle Freeth — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 04:34:10 UT

Eight months after the traumatic and unnecessary caesarean birth of her breech presenting daughter Miriam, Canadian Robin Guy co-founded the Coalition for Breech Birth (CBB).

Breech Birth at Westmead

Michelle Underwood — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 03:53:18 UT

Westmead Hospital is fully embracing the philosophy of the 2010 NSW Health policy directive: Maternity – Towards normal birth in NSW. Midwife Michelle Underwood and Consultant Obstetrician Andrew Pesce are going a long way to achieving that objective with the establishment of the Westmead Breech Birth Clinic.