Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond - Resources

Bouncing Back Postpartum

Mon, 20 May 2013 08:08:42 UT

"This is the message that caregivers, educators and women at large need to deliver loud and strong to all pregnant and postpartum women. Your postpartum form is neither unhealthy nor unattractive." This article captures the feelings and views on image for postpartum women and gives a positive message throughout it.

Successful VBAC with Gestational Diabetes

Mon, 20 May 2013 07:33:30 UT

"This is the story of the pregnancy and birth of my second son ... I had had the perfect labour, birth and baby." This article tells the story of how successful vaginal birth after caesarean with gestational diabetes and describes the events of a second pregnancy.

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.

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!

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.

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...

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...

The 6 Steps to better Family Finances in 2013!

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 21:42:03 UT

What goals have you set yourself for 2013? Was being better with your family finances one of them? Many of us wake up on January 1st with the hope and aim of making this year better, that this will be the year that I achieve

Acupuncture is Successful in Reducing Depression in Pregnancy

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 09:01:34 UT

Acupuncture is Successful in Reducing Depression in Pregnancy - While many studies have explored the prevalence and treatment of postpartum depression, few have explored the treatment of depression in pregnancy.

Remi's Birth Breech VBAC!

Wed, 02 Jan 2013 00:02:46 UT

Tess Anthony shares Remis's Breech VBAC birth story. Expecting her forth baby Tess discovers that her baby is again breech. Mia, Tess's third baby, was also breech. Mia's birth ended as a caesarean even though Tess wanted a vaginal birth. This time around Tess is determined to have a vaginal birth. Enjoy Tess's story about her successful breech VBAC.

Understanding Fertility and Infertility

Hannah Dahlen — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 09:15:23 UT

Understanding fertility and infertility: Many of us take our fertility for granted. We presume that one day when we choose to we will be able to have a baby. We envisage one or two months of pleasurable ‘trying’ before pregnancy is achieved.

Understanding IVF

Hannah Dahlen — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 00:39:22 UT

Since Louise Brown, the world’s first IVF baby, was born in England in 1978 it is estimated that over a million babies have been born worldwide using some form of assisted reproductive technology. In Australia and New Zealand 6816 babies were born in 2002 as a result of assisted reproductive technology (around 2% of all births). IVF is the most common of these technologies.

Pushed: The Painful Truth about Childbirth and Modern Maternity Care by Jennifer Block

Hannah Dahlen — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 00:24:23 UT

Pushed is a voyage of discovery into why and how childbirth has become so medicalised in the USA. The book is filled with stories, interviews and observations. These have been woven into an explanation of why women are handing their bodies over when it comes to childbirth.

The Bella Birth of Xander Blake Bromwich

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 18:56:48 UT

VBAC Birth Story: The sensations grew in intensity and I was breathing deep in through the nose and moaning long deep moans. Occasionally I would say “open” as I exhaled. Jaymes and Amelia dripped warm water down my back with a face washer, patted my face with a cool damp washer, hugged me and held my hands.