Natural Birth and Death

Fear of Death in Childbirth

Death in childbirth was once a common thing.

After all the images we have seen, stories that we have heard, the feeling of fear ingrained throughout the generations - is it so surprising that in the back of our minds some women worry: what if something goes wrong; what if I die?

Nothing in life is guaranteed, and if we thought so deeply about our mortality, we probably wouldn't get out of bed in the morning.

In the year 2014, pregnant women living in Britain are amazingly lucky to be supported by a fantastic support network. High quality antenatal care is available throughout pregnancy. Information & education is easily accessible. Far more women are well-fed and live in much better conditions than their Great-Grandmothers and Great-Grandmothers Mothers. The maternity mortality rate in the UK is low in comparison to other countries around the world.

The following article looks at maternity mortality in Pakistan. In rural Pakistan natural birth is the norm as women simply can't afford to visit a hospital or birthing centre. Concern is expressed about the increase in maternity death. The question is asked "If giving birth is natural, why do so many mothers die?" Women have been giving birth naturally since the dawn of time. Natural birth is nothing new: the root of the problem is down to "A combination of misinformation, malnutrition and poor sanitation (which) stack the odds against pregnant mothers and their newborn babies."

The article continues that "Women deliver babies on hay, often in the filthiest part of the house, beside running sewers and clucking chickens, and using overused kitchen blades in lieu of sanitised medical tools. They are poor and hungry to begin with and often feed others in the family instead of themselves."

Compare this to our very fortunate circumstances.

If you are considering a natural birth, continue reading and make sure your choice stems from knowledge and not from fear.

If-giving-birth-is-natural-why-do-so-many-mothers-die

Do I have a choice about where to have my baby?

Yes!

 "FROM choosing what to call the baby and how to decorate the nursery, to deciding whether you want a natural birth or not, there are a multitude of decisions to be made during pregnancy. One of the most important choices is where to have your baby - yet many women aren't aware they have options, and automatically assume they'll have a hospital birth. 

Indeed, a third (34 per cent) of mothers questioned in a new survey by the consumer group Which? said they knew nothing or not much about their birth location choices."

Read the full article: 
The Irish News 

A new website has been launched to help Mums-to-be with their decision about where to give birth. If you are in the process of deciding where you will have your baby it is well worth a look.

Understanding Birth Choices 

Also see Home or Hospital Poulton-Le-Fylde


DISCLAIMER: I am not a doctor or midwife. This is blog for your interest only and does not give medical advice. If you have any concerns with your pregnancy or birth contact your doctor or midwife.

Global Birth Tradition

If you are making preparations for a new arrival you might be interested to read about some of these global birth traditions...

Amy Fleming from the Guardian looks at birth traditions from around the world:

- Finland is the best country for babies
- Modern America didn't invent the Baby
  Shower
- Bun in the Oven - a global phrase
- Your baby is what you eat
- Giving birth can bring out your inner
  animal
- Sumo wrestlers make babies cry for
  sport!

To read her full article see: 

pregnancy-childbirth-global-traditions

Baby Shower's Blackpool & Fylde

A Modern Day Ritual

I've heard people say that Baby Showers are just another 'Americanism' and can be expensive affairs.

Perhaps the term 'Baby Shower' is relatively new, but the celebration of pregnancy and new life is an age old concept. The event doesn't need to be an expensive either - more emphasis can be placed on the spiritual side making it a really special women-centred occasion.

This type of Baby Shower is sometimes known as a Blessing Way. At a Blessing Way, there maybe Washing of the Mother-to-Be's Feet, Scrap Books, Belly Painting, Wishes & Prayer for the Baby, Symbolic Candle Lighting and so on... It is also a fantastic opportunity to share positive experience. No scare mongering!

"'Baby shower' as a term is relatively new, but the celebrations and rituals associated with pregnancy and childbirth are both ancient and enduring. Like other rites of passage associated with significant transitional events such as coming of age, marriage, and death, baby showers function as a type of initiation into, and a construction of, a new state of being--in this case, 'motherhood.'"  For more on the history of Birth Celebration throughout the ages see Birth History.

One thing that most ladies love at these celebrations is CAKE, SWEETS and FLOWERS.

Emma Hogarth at Simply Gorgeous Cupcakes, Thornton Cleveleys makes wonderful cupcakes (See picture) for all occasions: Simply Gorgeous Cupcakes.

Caroline Crook at Sweet Sentation Lytham makes Sweet & Chocolate Baby Shower Bouquets: Sweet Sensation Lytham

For true memories that you can treasure forever, why not contact Lisa Holman Photography? She specialises in family photographs & can record the lead up to your birth. A session with Lisa would be a fantastic baby shower gift: How amazing to look back at your growing belly and congratulate yourself on nurturing a little life. Lisa Holman Photography

Hypnosis & Natural Birth

 

Hypnosis during childbirth works!

"Living in an era of pre-booked c-sections, virtually from the time of conception, natural birthing researcher, editor and registered midwife, Sandra Spence, is witnessing a global movement to bring back natural birthing with hypnosis."

Spence looks at evidence based studies which support the benefits of self hypnosis during childbirth:

- fewer complications
- a relaxed birthing environment
- shorter labours with less fear and pain
- few or no drugs
- Higher APGAR scores
- an empowering experience and transition to motherhood

Sandra Spence Article

Bonding First - Bathing Later

6 Reasons to delay the Baby's First Bath

 

The following article looks at six really important reasons to delay the baby's first bath:


1. Babies are born with a natural skin protectant - Vernix offers immunity & moisturises.

2. Baby wants to be near mum - After birth is a special time for bonding, not bathing.

3. Lowered body temperature - Skin-to-skin is the ideal place to regulate a baby's temperature.

4. Keep stress hormones low and blood sugar normal - Give baby time to adjust to the world around her.

5. A bath with mum or dad sounds nice - creating a special moment with the parents instead of medical staff bathing the baby.

6. Handle with gloves - Medical proffessionals will handle your baby with gloves if she hasn't been bathed reducing the risk of infection.


For more information please see the full article:
6-Reasons-To-Delay-Babys-First-Bath

Antenatal Classes Poulton-le-Fylde - Lytham - Preston - Blackpool

Relaxation Classes

Please give me a call if you want to have a chat about your forthcoming birth...


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