Congratulations from Preston, Blackpool & the Fylde Coast

Congratulations:

To William & Kate on the birth of their baby boy.

Whilst all the world waits with baited breath to find out the little Prince's name. I am waiting for news of her actual birth.

I'm not sure how much the public will actually find out about the details of Kate's labour, but it appears that the Duchess had a normal delivery. It has been reported that she didn't have a caesarean section.








Did she use Natal Hypnotherapy or Hypnobirthing?
What are her thoughts?
Did the birth go as she hoped?
Would she do it again?
Did she experience the 'Rest and be Thankful' phase?
Will she breastfeed?
Did she have a water birth?
How supportive was her birth partner?
What type of environment was created at St Marys Hospital?

Although we will probably never know the answers to these personal questions - A positive endorsement of a natural birth experience would be far reaching to many ears and would go a long way towards promoting "Normal Birthing".

Watch this space.


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Kate Middleton - Pressure for Induction?

Pressure for Induction?

Imagine the pressure Kate Middleton is under at the moment to consider induction. The Queen was heard saying yesterday

 "I would very much like it to arrive. I’m going on holiday."

Not only does Kate have her family and friends to contend with, but pretty much all of the world is awaiting her news.

Following yesterday's blog 'Due Date' I found this article by Milli Hill Founder of The Positive Birth Movement:

The Dodgy Truth about Kate's Due Date.




"It might surprise you to know that due date calculation is based, not on an ultra modern piece of science, but on a bungled theory about moon cycles made up by a doctor called Naegele in 1812. Unfortunately Naegele didn't seem to be very good at maths, and his dodgy old sums mean that the length of pregnancy could be as much as 15 days longer than his '40 weeks' target. Nevertheless, 40 weeks remains the length of time we accept as accurate - and don't get excited about scan dates either – they are simply based on the same theory."

I'd never heard of Franz Naegele, but since learnt he was a German Obstetrician 1812. Wikipedia offers more information on Naegele's Rule and the way in which the medical profession use it.

 Naegele's Rule

Hill Continues:

"Research shows that the likelihood of giving birth 'on time' is exceptionally slim, and that the average first time mother has her baby 8 days 'late'. But in spite of this, and the fact that due dates are pretty widely accepted to be 'only an estimate', women still find themselves coming under all sorts of pressure once they reach them, with UK NICE guidelines suggesting that induction be offered any time from a week 'overdue'. Often, other interventions like 'sweeps' can start to be offered even before the due date, 'just to get things started'.

It's funny how there seems to be such little trust when it comes to pregnancy and birth, and a real desire to meddle and control. The fuss over due dates is a perfect example of this – our obsession with them, and the panic when they pass by, gives the message that a woman's body simply can't be trusted to have a baby by itself. This lack of trust is passed on to women, filling them with doubt and anxiety just at the time when they most need to believe in their body's abilities!"

If Kate Middleton is wanting a natural birth (as it has been reported) let's hope she is filled with the strength and faith she needs to get what she wants.

Due Date

What's your due date?

Possibly one of the most common questions you are asked when pregnant.

So much anticipation hangs on the date given at your date scan. You build yourself up for months. You feel ready to give birth. You have had Braxton Hicks (practice contractions). The date comes. And Nothing. The date goes. And you are left feeling...

Flat? Impatient? Disappointed?

Did someone suggest 'Induction'?

If birth is left to unfold naturally, most baby's will arrive when they are ready. Sometimes earlier & sometimes later than your expected due date, but rarely on the "Due Date". The NCT quote only 5% of baby's arriving "on time".

As your due date comes and goes you might start to feel pressure to consider means of induction. If this is happening to you just be aware of the implications of induction if you truly want a natural birth.

Implications of Induction

 

If birth starts naturally, as opposed to induction, it means "the baby has adequately developed pituitary and adrenal glands and is mature enough to cope with the rigours of labour and birth"
So the baby is ready to be born.

If you are hoping for a natural birth you need to be aware of the knock on effect of induction.

"The induction of labour by drugs produces a more difficult, painful, and protracted labour and is thus frequently the prelude to caesarean section. So is the artificial rupture of the membranes, which may cause a prolapsed umbilical cord....Drugs that accelerate labour may also interfere with the baby's oxygen supply, since the baby is deprived of oxygen during contractions, and artificial pitocin induced contractions are stronger and more frequent than spontaneous ones".

"Generally speaking, conventional hospital procedures - the insertion of electronic monitors, the vaginal examinations, the intravenous drips - may all inhibit women in labour. Fear stops her labour: a caesarean is judged necessary. It is alarming, but true that the more medicine gets involved with childbirth, the more complex and difficult everything becomes".

Extracts taken from Birth Reborn by Michel Odent.

So what should I do?

The due date is an estimate. Most baby's arrive between 37 and 41 weeks. Medical professionals tend to want to induce before the 42 week mark as post maturity can result in still birth. The problem for pregnant women is experts don't agree on the best time to induce.

So, what can you do if you go past your 'due date' and still want a natural birth?

As with all birthing decisions you need to make the right choice for you, your birth partner and your family.

• You could let nature take its course.
• In the days after your due date you could look into natural approaches to induction.
• You may have a Membrane Sweep (This is an internal examination where your midwife inserts her finger into the cervix to disturb membranes and hopefully trigger labour).
• Don't feel pressured into induction if you don't want it.
• Consider medical induction - explaining to your midwife that you wish to have a normal birth with as little intervention as possible.
• Whatever decision you make - know its an informed decision.

Always discuss your decisions with your midwife, who can advise the best course of action for your unique pregnancy and birth.

More 'Normal Birthing' from July 2013 in Blackpool, Wyre & Fylde

Blackpool Victoria Hospital gears towards Natural Birth 

 

The new midwife-led unit is on schedule to open at the end of July 2013. This will give women who favour a more natural birth the opportunity to have their babies in a hospital setting with less medical intervention.

Medical Assistance

The unit is to be independently operated, but delivery suite is next door if medical assistance is required. 

Hopefully the midwives who work on the unit will be open and in tune with natural birthing and complementary therapies for birthing.

Breastfeeding

 

I wonder if the unit will have a positive impact on the Breastfeeding uptake on the Fylde Coast? In theory a midwife-led unit could give more opportunity for midwives to encourage skin to skin bonding and instinctive feeding after birth. Let's hope so.

New Midwife-led Unit July 2013

Embarrassed

But not in Fleetwood!

Following on from my last post about Fleetwood - the UK's First Breastfeeding Friendly town & how mothers feel about breastfeeding in public. I'd like to share this YouTube Clip by Hollie McNish about her breastfeeding experiences...

Hollie McNish

Not for the easily offended xx


Local Natal Hypnotherapy™ Workshops

Fleetwood: First Breastfeeding Friendly Town

Breastfeeding & Birth

 

Whatever type of birth you have, you can try breastfeeding if you want to.

There are masses of evidence on the benefits of breastfeeding for both Mum & Baby. A whole blog could be dedicated to this subject!

Health Benefits of Breastfeeding

 

The Baby Friendly Initiative is a worldwide programme of the World Health Organisation and UNICEF they summarise the health benefits of breastfeeding...


"Artificially fed babies are at greater risk of: 
• gastro-intestinal infection
• respiratory infections
• necrotising enterocolitis
• urinary tract infections
• ear infections
• allergic disease (eczema and wheezing)
• insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus
• sudden infant death syndrome
• childhood leukaemia.

Breastfed babies may have better:
• neurological development.

More research is needed, but breastfeeding may also provide protection for the infant against:
• multiple sclerosis
• acute appendicitis
• tonsillectomy
• for the mother
• rheumatoid arthritis.

And for the mother, protection against:
• rheumatoid arthritis.

Women who have breastfed are at lower risk of:
• breast cancer
• ovarian cancer
• hip fractures and bone density.

Other studies related to health and breastfeeding include:
• Cardiovascular disease in later life
• Breastfeeding, bed sharing and cot death
• Breastfeeding and HIV transmission
• Breastfeeding and dental health."

For more information see: Breastfeeding the the UK

Fleetwood

A common barrier to breastfeeding is feeding in public and the way in which mothers will be judged by others. Thanks to the work of Cheryl Smith: Fleetwood has become the UK's First Breastfeeding Friendly town. Cheryl has signed up over 30 businesses in the local area willing to accommodate and welcome breastfeeding mums on their premises. This offers local Mums a greater peace of mind when they are out and about - knowing that their feeding choice will not be frowned upon.

For more information and pictures of "Fleetwood - The UK's First Breastfeeding Town Sign" see

First Breastfeeding Friendly Town

Breastfeeding Support

Not every breastfeeding mother finds her feeding journey an easy one and we are fortunate in the Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre area to have an excellent network of breastfeeding support should you need it. Ask your Midwife or Health Visitor for current Breastfeeding Support Groups.

Deep Relaxation for Birth

Deep Relaxation for Birth

 

Listen out for the interview with Maggie Howell - Founder of Natal Hypnotherapy with Beverley Turner. Sunday 7 July 2013 11am BBC 5 Live.

Beverley Turner (TV & Radio Presenter) on Natal Hypnotherapy :

"Try it. You have nothing to lose and it will give you relaxation skills that you will have forever. Must go – there’s a beach waiting for me..."


Deep Relaxation Article

5 Live Bump Club

Poulton-le-Fylde: Home Birth or Hospital Birth

Poulton-le-Fylde: Home Birth or Hospital Birth

 

Are you a pregnant Mum living in the Poulton-le-Fylde area making a decision about where to have your baby?

Location can be a major factor when you are deciding where to give birth.



 
If you choose to have a home birth, Blackpool Victoria Hospital is only 10/15 minutes away on a clear run. So if you changed your mind or needed to be transferred to hospital - medical assistance isn't far away.

Whilst you may understand the implications of having a gentle and uninterrupted home birth for some women, especially women who are pregnant for the first time a hospital birth is the preferred option.

New 'Midwife-led' Units at Blackpool Victoria Hospital

You will be pleased to hear that in January 2013 Blackpool Victoria Hospital was awarded £680,000 to invest in a new midwife led unit. Work has started and it is expected that the unit will be open very soon. Ask you local midwife for more details.

A midwife-led unit is designed to simulate a home from home environment and is geared to allowing births to unfold naturally and normally. A midwife-led unit should also be more receptive to complementary therapies, hypnosis for birth and pool birth.

Nicola Parry, Head Midwife, Blackpool Victoria Hospital:

 "This will enable women and their families to have the optimum birth experience with reduced intervention but within a hospital environment, so specialist help is on hand if needed"

Blackpool Victoria Midwife-led Unit

This article reports there will be

• 2 Additional Pools for Water Birth
• 4 Ensuite Birthing ooms
• 1 to 1 Midwife Care during Labour 

 

Excellent Birth News for women in Blackpool, Wyre and Fylde

 

Royal Birth Hypnotherapy

 

Natal Hypnotherapy for Birth

As the royal birth draws closer more bloggers are relecting on their own birthing experience. Writer and Journalist Fran Benson thinks it is a good thing that the Duchess of Cambridge is considering the use of hypnotherapy for her birth. Below are extracts of her opinions and experience - for more on Fran Benson's Natal Hypnotherapy annd Birth experience see Fran Benson. (There are also other great articles about Pregnancy, Birth, Children and Family)

"The royal baby is due anytime now and rumours have abounded in the press that Kate is using hypnotherapy to prepare for the birth. I think this is fantastic and if the Kate effect influences more mothers-to-be to try this gentle technique then the world of birthing will be a better one."..........

"Just like Kate is rumoured to be, I too was preparing for my birth with hypnotherapy. There are two types of birth hypnotherapy: Hypnobirthing, the US version that was developed by Marie Mongan and Natal Hypnotherapy, the UK version, developed by Maggie Howell, which I was using.

It had started off with a pregnancy relaxation cd when I was just five weeks pregnant.  As I became more relaxed and confident I decided on a homebirth and ordered the Home Birth Preparation cd.
Like Kate, my baby was due in mid-July and as I listened to the gentle words every day I was transported to a soothing place."...........

"There’s no magic to it. It’s just the voice of the practitioner – in this case Maggie Howell – talking the listener into a hypnotic state a bit like a day dream.  She instils positive messages about pregnancy and birth and every time – if I hadn’t fallen asleep – I would rouse at the end feeling energised and happy and excited about the birth.".........

"There are no guarantees in birth.  Nature will take its course.  But if Kate can maintain the composure she has shown during the last eight months she is enhancing her chances of the natural birth she seems so keen to achieve."..........