Labour and Birth
In this section you will find articles on lots of issues surrounding labour and birth. Read about using water during labour, homebirth, lotus birth, vaginal birth after caesarean, breech babies, pain relief in labour and lots, lots more.
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Labour and Birth articles
Birth: The system is broken if it doesn't leave people whole
The medical model of childbirth is broken right to the core. When I was just getting started with this birthing thing I was pretty enthusiastic. I did a lot of reading. I wrote optimistic essays about birthing choices for my shockingly bad website.
The medical model of childbirth is broken right to the core. When I was just getting started with this birthing thing I was pretty enthusiastic. I did a lot of reading. I wrote optimistic essays about birthing choices for my shockingly bad website.
Birth trauma
When we talk of birth trauma, we mean Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) that occurs after childbirth. PTSD is the term for a set of normal reactions to a traumatic, scary or bad experience.
When we talk of birth trauma, we mean Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) that occurs after childbirth. PTSD is the term for a set of normal reactions to a traumatic, scary or bad experience.
Eating and Drinking During Labour: Let Women Decide
Women should be allowed to eat and drink what they want during labour, say Cochrane Researchers. The researchers carried out a systematic review of studies examining the traditional practice of restricting food and fluid intake during labour and found no evidence for any risk or benefit for women at low risk of complications
Women should be allowed to eat and drink what they want during labour, say Cochrane Researchers. The researchers carried out a systematic review of studies examining the traditional practice of restricting food and fluid intake during labour and found no evidence for any risk or benefit for women at low risk of complications
"High Risk Birth" - Defined by Whom?
After 4 very normal pregnancies with stunning, intervention-free homebirths I was greeted with the news that I was having twins. In a split second I plummeted into the category of 'high-risk' - but did I really, and who defined it anyway?
After 4 very normal pregnancies with stunning, intervention-free homebirths I was greeted with the news that I was having twins. In a split second I plummeted into the category of 'high-risk' - but did I really, and who defined it anyway?
Water during labour and birth
The use of water has become increasingly popular as a way of avoiding a high tech birth both in hospital and at home
The use of water has become increasingly popular as a way of avoiding a high tech birth both in hospital and at home
Vaginal Birth After Caesarean (VBAC)
The incidence of caesarean births is on the rise. In the past caesareans were not common, but now in Australia almost 1:3 women will give birth by caesarean.
The incidence of caesarean births is on the rise. In the past caesareans were not common, but now in Australia almost 1:3 women will give birth by caesarean.
Pethidine for Pain Relief in Labour
Pethidine is a widely used drug for pain relief in labour. Pethidine is a similar drug to morphine and heroin.
Pethidine is a widely used drug for pain relief in labour. Pethidine is a similar drug to morphine and heroin.
Pain in labour: Your hormones are your helpers
All mammals seek a safe place to give birth. This “nesting” instinct may be due to an increase in levels of prolactin, which is sometimes referred to as the nesting hormone.
All mammals seek a safe place to give birth. This “nesting” instinct may be due to an increase in levels of prolactin, which is sometimes referred to as the nesting hormone.
Nitrous Oxide for Pain Relief in Labour
Nitrous Oxide (N20) is otherwise known as laughing gas.
Nitrous Oxide (N20) is otherwise known as laughing gas.
Lotus Birth
Lotus birth is the practice of leaving the umbilical cord uncut, so that the baby remains attached to his/her placenta until the cord naturally separates at the umbilicus
Lotus birth is the practice of leaving the umbilical cord uncut, so that the baby remains attached to his/her placenta until the cord naturally separates at the umbilicus
Leaving Well Alone: A Natural Approach to the Third Stage of Labour
The medical approach to pregnancy and birth has become so ingrained in our culture, that we have forgotten the way of birth of our ancestors.
The medical approach to pregnancy and birth has become so ingrained in our culture, that we have forgotten the way of birth of our ancestors.
Labour
Informing yourself of your many options is really helpful. You can do this by reading, attending prenatal classes or speaking to others. One of the main things that research has found helpful is the presence of continuous support person
Informing yourself of your many options is really helpful. You can do this by reading, attending prenatal classes or speaking to others. One of the main things that research has found helpful is the presence of continuous support person
Homebirth
Article - While homebirth is not every ones choice, it certainly is a responsible and safe choice.
Article - While homebirth is not every ones choice, it certainly is a responsible and safe choice.
Homebirth: Home Is Where The Heart Is
Article - Homebirth. The word arouses strong reactions even in alternative circles, and amongst those who avoid the medical system in other parts of their lives.
Article - Homebirth. The word arouses strong reactions even in alternative circles, and amongst those who avoid the medical system in other parts of their lives.
Epidural Anaesthetic
An epidural anaesthetic is a procedure that is performed by a specialist doctor known as an anaesthetist
An epidural anaesthetic is a procedure that is performed by a specialist doctor known as an anaesthetist
Breech Babies: Breech Birth
Article by Jane Palmer Though most breech babies will turn naturally before their due date, some remain in the breech position. It is then that the woman and her partner will be faced with choices on what to do regarding trying to turn the baby and what is the best way to give birth.
Article by Jane Palmer Though most breech babies will turn naturally before their due date, some remain in the breech position. It is then that the woman and her partner will be faced with choices on what to do regarding trying to turn the baby and what is the best way to give birth.
Birth Plans
Birth Plans originated to assist women to inform their midwife or doctor of their wishes during labour, particularly if they wanted to avoid routine interventions
Birth Plans originated to assist women to inform their midwife or doctor of their wishes during labour, particularly if they wanted to avoid routine interventions
