The perineum is a very important part of a woman’s body and it plays a special role during childbirth. It is the area of skin and muscle found between the vagina and anus. During childbirth it stretches to allow the baby’s head through. As the birth approaches women may worry increasingly about the trauma
As a homebirth midwife there is always that week in antenatal care where my clients and I discuss what will be done with the placenta. Some choose to freeze it to decide later, some wish to just dispose of it, others feel a connection to their placenta and wish to celebrate and commemorate it
In Australia around 16,000 babies are born preterm each year (6-7percent of births). Preterm birth is defined as birth occurring before 37 weeks of pregnancy or more than three weeks early. It is divided up into mildly preterm (32-37 weeks), moderately preterm (28-31 weeks) and extremely preterm (before 28 weeks). Disappointingly the rate of
Most people have one, sometimes it’s the father of the baby, sometimes it’s the mother of the mother, other times the relationship is unexpected, such as an ex-partner, a brother, a mother-in-law or even a friendly sperm donor! Whoever it is that you choose for your support person, know this; they can make a
I personally find that information for expectant and new dads is very hard to come by. In my research looking for helpful information for fathers, I came across Good Beginnings. Good Beginnings is a national charity that provides practical, community-based parenting programs and support to ensure children get the best start in life. Good
To the untrained eye, those offering opinions on the safety and value of waterbirth might be seen to be debating a relatively new and radical practice. It is perhaps easy to assume that as land bound mammals that land is where we are intended to birth. However, this simplistic notion overlooks a number of
After birth, it takes several months for the joints to stretch out naturally. Babies that have been in the breech (bottom first) position may need even more time to stretch out naturally. The hip joint is a ball and socket joint. During the first few months of life the ball
As a mum of 2 young children, I try to not only look after myself physically (healthy diet and exercise) but I try also to nurture my emotional wellbeing- this takes time and effort, just like scheduling some exercise or preparing a healthy meal. Here are my top 5 favourite tips to help care
Once the baby’s on board life changes! Oh man, does it change… It is an amazing stage of life, becoming a parent. And just like many of you, I wondered, ‘How can I be the very best mother possible?’ There are countless ways we care for and love our children and help them learn
In this moving and thought-provoking book Rev. Vicki Marriner recounts the events that led to the premature birth of her twin girls, the loss of one and her life afterwards. Taking us on the journey that led her to enlightenment, Rev. Vicki explores the questions that plague the minds of most parents who have
