The ‘Term Breech Trial’ and its aftermath is a prime example of how evidence itself can be put on trial. Ten years ago not, Hannah and colleagues’ published the so-called ‘term breech trial’ (TBT). We still practise in its shadow. Many experienced clinicians urged caution in accepting the study’s initial outcomes; data from the
Vaginal breech birth at Westmead Hospital. I’ve recently joined the maternity staff at Westmead Hospital as the new Clinical Midwifery Consultant. I remember at interview discussing the role as being integral to achieving the objectives of Maternity – Towards normal birth in NSW (TNB) (NSW Health, 2010). We discussed how collaboration between midwives and
You’ve had your baby – Congratulations! And whether or not you used your birth pool in labour you will need to pack it away. So you may be asking how to pack up a birth pool! This article is designed to assist you in navigating your way through emptying, cleaning, deflating and storing your
I woke up from a lucid dream that I had a baby kicking in my tummy - the realisation of a dream. Within the week I had confirmation that what I had was no dream, I was expecting my 3rd child and was already 17 ½ weeks pregnant. Wow. So I decided to visit
In Ottawa, Canada, on a Friday morning in April, 2006, Robin Guy woke up, her membranes ruptured and she knew it was ‘time’. Today her second child would be born. They’d known for months that the baby was breech. She had been breech at the 20-week ultrasound and never turned over. Robin’s midwife was not
By Jane Palmer These days, you don’t need to wait to see your midwife or doctor to find out whether you’re pregnant. Instead, you can opt for self-testing. Home tests are urine tests that usually simply give a positive or negative result. Your midwife or doctor, on the other hand, may perform either a
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! Right from conception a women’s body begins going through huge changes aimed at accommodating and ultimately birthing a growing baby. So too
I have attended women for over 18 years, many of whom have chosen to birth in the water. It is my intention to help you understand how useful water can be to birthing families. I wish to acknowledge Joy Argent whose lecture on this subject has given me much of my information. In case
This is Jude and Jesse's birth story. 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
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. My partner and I
