By Claudia Phares Vasa Previa is a rare complication in pregnancy where unprotected blood vessels run across the cervical os. If the blood vessels rupture during labour, or are compressed during birth, consequences for the baby can be rapid and severe. Claudia Phares talks to Katharine Gillett about experiencing Vasa Previa and the care
This will guide you on the process of encapsulating the placenta pills. Placenta is rich in iron and protein, is full of oxytocin and oestrogen and packed with other vitamins and minerals. There is anecdotal evidence that suggests that placenta pills assist with recovery after birth. It is believed that placenta pills: Assist the
The important thing to remember about the so-called high-risk situations (and there are many more situations usually included in the list than the three here) is the role of fear. Fear clouds the mind, fear has us revert to basic survival instincts – fight or flight. Fear stops labour. Risk brings up fear, if
By Dr Jon Hodgson “Genetic counselling is a communication process, which aims to help individuals, couples and families understand and adapt to the medical, psychological, familial and reproductive implications of the genetic contribution to specific health conditions. This process integrates the following: Interpretation of family and medical histories to assess the chance of disease
Amy has shared her gentle caesarean birth plan for her triplets. I would like to thank Amy for sharing her birth plan. This example of a birth plan may help you with writing your own birth plan. Jane Palmer We understand that the following is for a best-case scenario. This birth plan is intended
When faced with the news of my seventh pregnancy and eighth child, I was surprised but excited. I knew our workload would increase, but I was still happy. I also knew many around me would not feel the same, so, despite being very at ease with the prospect of having another child, I decided
Birth - 3 months No one can tell you what it’s like to be a mum for the first time until it happens to you. Life as you know it has changed forever. Every woman finds new motherhood different. Motherhood can be rewarding, exciting, exhausting and overwhelming. You will most likely spend lots of
What is the midwifery-led continuity model? While the ‘place’ of midwives in childbirth might be hotly debated by some, one thing is for certain – midwives are an integral part of labour and birth for most women in many countries of the world. In Australia, if you choose a hospital birth, your labour will
The most common surgical procedure in the world today – one that every human alive today has undergone – is the clamping and cutting of the umbilical cord at birth. The need for clamping and cutting the cord is not in dispute but how soon after birth this should occur is now being questioned.
My alarm is sounding, but I am already awake, I jump up and my heart is pounding as I will be a student midwife. The day is here, my first day of placement, in a real hospital, on a real maternity ward – I have been anticipating this day, not just since being at
