To begin the birth story of Finley Samuel Humphreys, I first need to go back and tell you a bit about my first birth. It was an uneventful pregnancy; I felt great and was looking forward to welcoming my baby the way Mother Nature intended. I did yoga, ate well, exercised and prepared myself
If only babies could tell us how they are feeling. While from birth babies seek to communicate with us, at least for their first year or so your baby will be dependent upon you to observe cues of both physical and emotional wellness. This responsibility can seem daunting, especially if this is your first
Rituals and ceremonies flourish in every culture and have done so throughout history. Perhaps the two most ritual-inspiring events are birth and death. These events have seeped into culture, mysticism, religion and local custom. Rituals for the promotion of labour abound the world over! Some tribes in Central Africa believe sexual embarrassment of the
What diet works best for women with gestational diabetes? Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is glucose intolerance that develops during pregnancy. In pregnancy, the woman’s body is not as sensitive to insulin which is needed to lower blood sugar levels. When GDM occurs the body does not produce sufficient insulin. As a result of this
Many would acknowledge a general perception that attempting a vaginal birth after a caesarean (VBAC) carries unique risks. The prevalence of these risks is also perceived to increase with the number of prior caesareans a woman has experienced. It is no surprise then that a woman having experienced multiple caesareans is likely to face
Siblings at birth - how it is possible? Before I became a mother I worked in early childhood development. Much of my time was spent observing and recording children's developmental capabilities and needs. I use those recordings to write programs for individual children in early childhood settings. I worked with many high university-trained early
Do a quick search on any good internet search engine and you’ll discover just how often pregnant women ask about the safety of pineapple during pregnancy. While some sites attribute this question to an old wives tale, others tell of the dangers of uterine contractions brought on as a result of consuming pineapple. This
Pregnancy can be a time of great joy. However no matter how over the moon you are about your pregnancy, it can come with its fair share of discomforts. There are the obvious nausea and back pain, but some women also experience leg cramps in pregnancy. Leg cramps in pregnancy seem to occur most
Every now and then an article about stem cell research appears in the media, often followed by a flurry of debate. And little wonder. Stem cells are truly amazing. They are a unique type of cell that can divide and self-renew indefinitely to regenerate an organ or even grow an entirely new one. Not
Relaxation during pregnancy has many benefits. It can help to relieve physical, emotional and psychological tension. It assists in preparing the mind and body for birth. Ultimately, it supports better outcomes for mothers and babies. Relaxation during pregnancy can take many forms. From something as simple as taking time to rest or do something
