You just arrived at the hospital with regular contractions every 5 minutes, the nurse puts you in the triage room and a resident shows up to do a vaginal exam. As she does the exam, the mumbles to the nurse:

”Intact bag…70…2…-1…OA….”. You think you’re back in school! What do all these numbers and comments mean?

When your OB or midwife does an internal exam during labor, they check on several things:

• How effaced your cervix is
• How open the cervix is
• Where the baby’s head is (low or high in the pelvis)
• The position of the head
• Whether your water has broken

When your OB says “bag intact” it means your water hasn’t broken. If the water had broken, (s)he’d say „clear amniotic fluid“ or even „meconium“ which means that your baby has let some bowel movement into the water.

“70” means how many % the cervix has effaced. During pregnancy the cervix should be 0% effaced, at birth the goal is 100%. The first hours of birth the cervix effaces to 70% or 80%, only then the cervix slowly starts to open. Sometimes you are 100% effaced and 1cm dilated. This means your cervix is “thinned out” and usually opens a bit faster.

The number 1-10 looks at the dilation of your cervix. In the above case the cervix is only 2cm dilated which means you are not in active labor yet and most likely can go back home for now- if you want of course. Active labor starts at 5-6cm. Once you reach 10cm you have the urge to push and enter a new phase of labor.

The number -1 looks at the height of your baby’s head in the pelvis. Your little one could be way above the pelvis at -3, then moves down to -2, -1 and 0. 0 means your baby is in the most narrow part of the pelvis. From there we go to +1, +2, +3 and +4 which is the actual birth. The more + we have during labor, the better.

OA means your baby’s head is in a “occiput anterior” position. Your little one’s back should be facing your belly, not your spine. OA therefore is a good position. OP means “occiput posterior” which means your baby still needs to make a turn to fit better through your pelvis.

Of course this is a lot of information so make sure to ask your OB or midwife if everything looks fine. Most of the time this is the case and if baby still needs to come down a bit your doula will move you into good positions to support the progress of labor.

What cryptic terms have you heard during birth?

Stephanie Heintzeler, Midwife and Doula, www.thenewyorkdoula.com

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2018. All rights reserved.

Most parents worry about whether they will bond with their baby, but this is especially true for parents expecting twins or more. It’s understandable to be a little freaked out by the news that you are expecting two or more babies, and bonding may be just one of your worries at the moment. Here are some tips to help prepare you for the process of bonding with twins or more:

1. Be prepared – life as a new mum is tough, and all new parents should prepare for sleepless nights. As a mum of twins, you may find yourself severely lacking in time. Unfortunately, there’s not much you can do about this. New babies are needy, and you’ll have two of them. Fill your freezer with food, stock up the pantry, and make sure you have enough essentials to last a few weeks.

2. Look after yourself – you need to take care of yourself as well as your babies. If you’re exhausted, emotional, hormonal and lacking in confidence, you may end up doubting your mothering abilities. If you feel like you need some time to yourself, ask your partner or a friend to watch the babies. Run a bath, lock the bathroom door and settle down for some good quality relaxation time. You’ll emerge refreshed and better able to care for both of your babies.

3. Have help on standby – you have no doubt been inundated with offers from potential babysitters, so make sure you cash them in. Ask a trusted friend or family member to take one of the babies for a walk, so that you can grab some quality bonding time with the other baby. Alternate babies each time, and make sure they each get a fair share of your time.

4. Hibernate – new mums are so busy showing off their babies, they sometimes forget to take the time to bond. Spend some time locked away as a family, getting to know each other and adjusting to your new role. Cuddle both your babies, and chat to them as you make eye contact.

5. Strip off – skin to skin is a great way to bond with your babies. Have your babies in just their nappies, and lie them on your bare chest.

6. Tandem carries – babywearing isn’t just for singleton parents, you can carry your twins, too. There are lots of different options available – woven and stretchy wraps are popular choices – so try a few carriers out before you buy. If there’s a sling library near you, ask for a consultation to help you find a carrier you love and to learn how to put two babies in two slings!

7. Make the most of it – it might be a nappy change or a feed, but make the most of the time together. Instead of rushing your way through one dirty nappy to get to the other, spend some time singing to and chatting with your baby. Make sure each baby gets special attention from you during these everyday tasks.

8. Give it time – bonding with a baby takes time, and you have twice the babies or half the time, so don’t worry if bonding takes longer than you expected. The first few weeks might be spent rushing from one baby to another, making sure they’re both ok, but sooner or later you will have more time for bonding.

9. Let the guilt go – it’s not uncommon for twin parents to report feeling guilty for not spending enough time with each baby. Let this guilt go. Don’t compare yourself to your singelton parent friends. Parenting twins is a totally different ballgame.

Written by Fiona, proud owner of a toddler, @fiona_peacock

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2018. All rights reserved.

Just over two per cent of women choose to have a home birth in the UK, and in the US this number drops to less than one per cent. Women who choose home birth often say they feel more comfortable at home, and wanted the birth to take place out of a medical setting. If you are planning a home birth, there are a number of points to consider.

How to plan a home birth:

1. The location – you need to decide where in your home you’d like to give birth. You will need a private room, so if your living room looks out onto the street and doesn’t have any curtains – it might not be the right option! If you’re planning to give birth in a pool, you’ll need strong floorboards so a downstairs room will probably be best, ideally close to some taps!
2. The audience – who do you want to be there? Do you want a doula, or your mum or best friend, as well as your partner? If you have any children, do you want them to witness the birth too? Remember, space will play a factor in these decisions, so consider it carefully before setting up the Facebook Event!
3. The props – the healthcare provider will provide a home birth kit with all the bits they need, but there are things you’ll need to provide yourself. You’ll need some plastic coverings or dust sheets to protect your cream carpets, and plenty of clean towels for after the birth.
4. Setting the scene – one of the great things about having a home birth, is that you can control the ambience. Do you want candles, fairy lights, music or silence? Try to have all bases covered in case you change your mind on the day.
5. Ice, ice baby – you will need plenty of ice cubes and drinks of water to keep you hydrated during the birth. Electrolyte replacement drinks are also a good idea for if your energy starts to lag part way through the labour. Some women like to graze on snacks throughout the labour so make sure you have something suitable in, just in case.
6. Pain relief – If you think you may require painkillers, you may be able to get opiates (such as pethidine) prescribed in advance by your healthcare provider. If you want to use paracetamol, a TENS machine or a birthing pool as pain relief, you will need to organise these yourself.
7. Tidying up -The downside of a home birth is that there are no hospital cleaners to come and sort out the mess for you afterwards. Luckily, your birth partner is on hand for that job. While you get to know your new baby, your birth partner can quickly dispose of any mess, deflate the pool and get things looking habitable again – ready for the swarm of visitors over the coming weeks.

If you are deemed to have a high risk pregnancy, you are unlikely to be granted a home birth. If you are having a low risk, healthy pregnancy then your healthcare provider should see no problem in granting you a home birth. If there were any complications during the birth, you would be transferred to hospital immediately – so it’s important to have a skilled midwife present. If you have any worries or concerns about planning a home birth, speak to your healthcare provider. They will be able to reassure you and answer any questions you may have.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2018. All rights reserved.

Labour can be a very painful experiences. Knowing some of the ways to ease the pain, may contribute to having a better labour experience. If you are an expecting mother planning on having a natural birth, and would like to see labour as a rewarding and less painful experience, here are 10 secrets you should know!

1. Stay Fit

Expecting mothers who stay fit usually have shorter labours compared to those who are either overweight or underweight. Fitness improves the endurance of a pregnant woman, making her more able to tolerate the pain. You can keep fit by swimming, walking, or taking a prenatal exercise class.

2. Take a Childbirth Class

To help you feel less anxious, familiarise yourself with the stages of childbirth and practice comfort measures before the big day. Take childbirth classes in small groups, with a certified instructor, and goals that coincide with yours.

3. Find a Good Support

Although your partner will most likely be by your side throughout the labour, you may want to add more people in your support group. According to studies, women with continuous care, provided by a person trained to support labouring women, experience better child births. This lessens the need for caesarean birth and pain medication. Women with such support also experience shorter labour. Discuss this option with your health care provider.

4. Entertain Yourself

First-time mothers experience active labour for 12 to 14 hours. When contractions begin, try to stay calm. Entertain yourself with other activities such as walking, taking a shower, and baking cookies.

5. Eat Some Snacks

To help maintain your energy level, take some light snacks. However, you should avoid fatty foods and hard-to-digest foods to avoid nausea and vomiting. Muscle contractions and rapid breathing may lead to dehydration as well. So, drink enough clear liquids at home and once you arrive at the hospital. Let you healthcare providers know when you feel thirsty.

6. Take a Shower

Pain causes tension in your muscles, adding more discomfort. A warm shower can relieve the pain, especially by aiming the showerhead at the area where the contractions are most intense. Just ask if you can use the shower during labour in hospital.

7. Immerse in the Tub

Immersing yourself in the tub can provide pain relief. You can change positions easily in the tub by sliding around in the warm bath. Aim your lower back at the jets to ease your intense contractions. Most hospitals provide a birth pool, but you may need to ask in advance.

8. Get a Massage

Labouring women who receive massages from their partner feel less pain and anxiety during childbirth. Inform your partner what feels best – a shoulder or a neck rub, or even a simple hand or foot rub.

9. Do Not Lie Down

Stay upright all throughout the labour. It will help your cervix dilate. Also, you can try standing, squatting, or kneeling to lessen the discomfort and hasten delivery.

10. Entonox (gas and air)

Entonox (also known as laughing gas) won’t remove all the pain but it can help to reduce it and make it more bearable. Many women like it because it’s easy to use and they control it themselves. It’s safe for your baby and the extra oxygen you breathe in may even be good for you and your baby. Although Gas and Air doesn’t take away the pain entirely, they do take the edge off contractions. This method isn’t available everywhere, so you may want to check with your birth location ahead of time.

Written by Team Health & Parenting

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2018. All rights reserved.

It’s easy to get carried away when packing your hospital bag. After all, you may be more used to packing for two weeks by the beach, and so a bare minimal hospital bag can come as a bit of a surprise. Childbirth is one of the great unknowns, so you may find yourself packing for a whole host of different scenarios, just in case. What you really need to do, is pack light and pack sensibly. A huge hospital bag bursting at the seams can be a nuisance on the day. Not only will it be difficult to drag up to the ward, but it may also prove problematic when it comes to find particular items in the bag.

Make sure you can justify everything that goes in your bag, you’ll probably still end up taking more than you need, but at least this might keep things to a minimum. Here are five items you don’t need in your hospital bag:

1. Books, magazines and films – ‘in case you get bored’, anything in this category should be taken out of the hospital bag immediately. If you arrive at the hospital in the throes of labour, and leave carrying your newborn baby, you won’t have had time to be bored. The only exception to this, is if you are being induced or having an elective caesarean. Both of these could involve a bit of waiting around, so it’s wise to take your own entertainment.
2. Pre-pregnancy clothes – you may be missing those push up bras, and be desperate to slip back into those much loved skinny jeans, but unfortunately you won’t be leaving hospital in them. After you give birth, you will still have a bump for a short while as your body slowly shrinks back to your pre-pregnant size. You will also still be carrying the extra weight you put on during pregnancy. Take clothes that will allow you to be comfortable after the birth, ideally maternity or loose fitting clothes.
3. A selection of cute baby outfits – newborns sleep most of the time, so you should pack lots of onesies and sleepwear to keep your little one warm in hospital. Cute as the mini cowgirl outfit complete with hat is, your newborn probably won’t appreciate it just yet. Keep your newborn dressed for sleep, or naked so you can enjoy some skin to skin bonding. Bring an outfit for taking baby home, and plan outerwear according to the weather.
4. The baby book – much as you want to note down each treasured memory of the birth, you’re not going to have time at the hospital. Chances are, you’ll be exhausted after the birth and will then be busy adapting to your new role as a mother for the remainder of your stay. Leave the baby book at home, but take a pen and paper with you just in case you do feel the urge to write some quick notes down.
5. Your full make up kit – while you may like a bit of mascara or a touch of blusher, chances are you won’t have time to apply a full face of make up. By all means, take a few of your must-haves, but don’t pack your entire vanity cabinet. Newborn babies take up a lot of time, and you’re likely to be sleeping when not looking after your baby. Your appearance will be far from your mind.

What would you advise expectant parents to leave at home as they head to hospital for the birth?

Written by Fiona (@Fiona_Peacock), mother, writer and lover of all things baby related.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2018. All rights reserved.

Talking about childbirth sometimes seems like a secret code: what are the three stages of labour, anyway?

The first stage of labour

This is usually the longest stage of labour, lasting on average between six and 20 hours for first time mums. If you’ve given birth before, your first stage could be between two and 10 hours, although these are just averages and of course individual labours vary wildly.

During the first stage, your cervix softens and begins to dilate. Your contractions may last between 10 to 40 seconds at first, but this will increase as labour progresses. The first stage of labour officially starts when you are 4cm dilated and experiencing regular, strong contractions.

You should time your contractions to keep track of how regular they are. Going for a short walk, soaking in a warm bath and practising your breathing techniques are all good ways to spend the beginning of labour. Find a position you feel comfortable in, be that kneeling, squatting, leaning, and rock your hips with each contraction.

Your contractions will continue to increase in strength and frequency. Once you think labour is established, you should contact your healthcare provider. Once you arrive at the hospital, your healthcare provider will monitor your baby’s heartbeat from time to time to make sure he isn’t in distress.

By the end of the first stage of labour, your cervix will be fully dilated and you will be ready to push.

The second stage of labour

By this point, your cervix is dilated a full 10cm, and it is time to start bearing down to deliver the baby. Your baby is about to make the journey out of your uterus, through the birth canal and out into the world. The pushing stage of labour can last from just a few minutes up to around two hours. To help you get to the finish line, you could try:

• three short pushes with each contraction, this is said to be more effective than one long push
• an upright position – let gravity do some of the work for you
• bear down – imagine you are trying to push out a very big poo
• exhale – breathe out steadily during each contraction

By the end of the second stage of labour, you will have delivered your baby. When the third stage starts, you should be cuddling your baby on your chest for some skin to skin bonding.

The third stage of labour

Now that your baby has been born, the placenta is no longer needed. During the third stage of labour, you need to deliver the placenta.

When your baby is born, the umbilical cord will still be connected to your baby and to the placenta still in your uterus. Some parents choose to clamp the cord immediately, but others choose to wait for the cord to stop pulsating first. This pulsating is the passage of blood from the umbilical cord to the baby and back again.

Some women choose to deliver the placenta naturally, and others choose to have an injection to speed up the process. This is a personal choice and entirely up to you. Once the cord has been cut, the umbilical cord will be clamped close to your baby’s navel. In time, this will shrivel up and fall off, leaving behind your baby’s beautiful belly button.

Written by Fiona (@Fiona_Peacock), mother, writer and lover of all things baby related.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2017. All rights reserved.

Rib pain during pregnancy usually occurs during the third trimester, although some women do experience it sooner. By this point, you have probably suffered your fair share of back aches, round ligament pain, and hip pain. Unfortunately, you may now want to add ‘sore ribs’ to your list of pregnancy ailments.

As your baby grows, the top of your uterus will reach almost as high as your breastbone, and this will put pressure on your rib cage. As well as this, your baby has grown bigger and is now running out of space, so is probably kicking and elbowing you while she tries to find a comfortable position.

Coping with sore ribs

Unfortunately, there isn’t a magic cure for this discomfort, although there are a few things you can try for temporary relief:

• avoid tight clothing – tight, restrictive clothing will simply add to the pressure on your rib cage. Opt for loose fitting clothes to give yourself room to breathe.
• buy a new bra – during pregnancy, your rib cage expands to make room for your growing uterus. As well as this, the average woman has up to 1lb (0.4kg) extra breast fat by the end of the pregnancy. Wearing properly fitting bras can help to relieve some of the pressure on your rib cage. To save money, choose nursing bras that will be useful after the birth, too.
• lean back – rib pain usually worsens when you lean forward, so try to avoid this. Try to maintain good posture when sitting and standing, or lean back slightly if this helps to relieve the pain.
• hog the pillows – use pillows to prop yourself up in the night, having a pillow under your bump can take some of the strain off your bones and muscles and may reduce rib pain.
• move around – try to avoid sitting or standing in the same position for too long. Try to move around and take regular short walks.
• exercise – light exercise such as swimming and yoga are great for relieving rib pain.
• warm water – relaxing in a warm bath, or even taking a quick warm shower, may help to provide short term relief from sore ribs.

If you are in a lot of pain, speak to your healthcare provider about pain medication. There are some medications that are safe to take during pregnancy, but you should always seek medical advice first.

Shortly after week 36, you should find that you experience some relief as the baby, and your uterus, drop slightly in preparation for the birth. All of a sudden you should find that your rib pain has gone, and you are breathing easier.

Written by Fiona (@Fiona_Peacock), mother, writer and lover of all things baby related.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2017. All rights reserved.

Chances are you have been trying to put off looking for a childcare provider for your baby as long as possible. If you are like most moms, thinking about WHO will take care of your baby BEFORE you have even given birth, seems a bit counter-intuitive. Plus, all the waiting around, and your accumulation of maternity leave and vacation time from work, likely makes you feel like there is no rush to choose a daycare provider, especially in the third trimester of pregnancy. Right?  Wrong! Here’s why.

Firstly, you might be shocked to start your search for the perfect daycare, find one – and then find out that you have to be put on a waiting list for several months to a year. In the United States, many of the premiere daycare centers have waiting lists a mile long, especially for the newborn, infant and baby rooms. The reason is simple. There are only so many babies that these daycare centers are legally allowed to have per room. Secondly, there is a high demand for top-notch facilities. And in order to find the best facility for you and your baby, you will have to do a lot of research and door to door visiting of daycare centers so that you can get an ‘intuitive feel’ for the center before enrolling your child.

As you begin to search for a daycare center, you may want to make impromptu stops at daycare centers without appointments so that you can see how things are run when the center is not expecting a visitor. Certainly you will have to check in with the front office staff before touring the center, but not allowing the center time to ‘prepare’ in order to make a good example to gain a customer is a smart way to check the integrity of a daycare center.

When you tour, pay attention to the children and your intuition. Do the kids look happy?  Are there adults present at all times? Do you get a good feel from the staff that is in charge of the daycare center? Are all of the employees certified to care for children?  Are doors locked and secure? Pay close attention to how things are organized, and come prepared with as many question as possible. Also, avoid making a hasty decision – and try to visit a center that you are interested in at least 2 -3 times before committing so you can get a better feel of the day to day operations.

You should also check online for any complaints or problems with a daycare center. Sometimes, you will find problems or concerns from other parents in forums or local listings specific to your town. Also, check in with neighbors and other moms around your area to see which day care centers they would recommend, and which ones they would not. Other moms can be your greatest source of information, especially if they have personal experience with the daycare center.

Certainly, looking for a daycare center in your third trimester can be bittersweet. If you know you are going back to work, and know that you will have to rely on a daycare for your child, it will be much easier to research and visit the daycares, prior to having your baby than it will be afterwards.

Also, don’t totally count out in-home day care centers, which can also provide a loving, more personal environment for your child. If you go to an individual for your daycare needs, you should do not just a background check on the provider, but also ask to see all credentials they have which allow them to care for children in their home.

Remember, the most important decision you will make after you have your baby is who will care for your child in your absence. Use your best judgment and don’t be afraid to rely on your feelings and intuition to help you make a decision.

Written By Stef, Mom of 4 @MOM-SPIRATIONAL

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2017. All rights reserved.

If you are having a baby shower, then chances are you have strolled through a local store and made up a list of all the things you want for your baby. Typically, on this baby shower list or registry are a plethora of things like diapers and wipes, baby clothes, a baby monitor, a swing or stroller and receiving blankets. The reality is, however, that most of what you receive during your baby shower become nothing more than nursery art that your baby will soon outgrow. Then what? Typically when people create a baby shower registry they are thinking of the newborn phase. But take it from a mom who has been there, this is perhaps the shortest phase of your child’s life and a newborn in actuality requires very little to be happy.

(And for the record, no baby in the world needs 45 receiving blankets.)

The following are some baby shower gifts you really want to put on your registry, and some clever ideas for those looking to give something special to the ‘mom-to-be’ in their life.

1. How about a GIFT for mom? A gift card for a pregnancy massage, or for a pedicure (because she certainly cannot reach her toes) are great presents. Every woman wants to show up in the delivery room with at the very least, her feet looking stellar, right? While the baby shower is ABOUT the baby, it never hurts to give a little something to the mom as well. Another great idea is some nice pajamas to wear in the hospital so she won’t be in an ugly hospital gown during all the pictures that will be taken during the first few hours and days after delivery.

2. LARGER size diapers. Your baby will grow fast. The newborn and size 1 diapers will be obsolete after the first few weeks. Rather than load up on little diapers that you will then have to return later – register for size 3 and size 4 diapers. Typically, your baby will be in this size for the longest period of time. And, while people are very helpful in the beginning of your child’s life by providing you with things like diapers, all that ‘assistance’ tends to disappear when your newborn becomes a baby.

3. Clothes in 6-12 month size. Your newborn will be happiest in the simplest clothing. Yes, it sounds fun to dress up your little girl in a dress and headband, but the fun wears off when you realize just how cranky a newborn can be when they are not comfortable (and how hard they are to change in frilly clothes). Onesies are fine, but if you really want to help a mother to be out, get her USEFUL clothes for the future.

4. Laundry detergent. Baby laundry detergents, like Dreft, are the heavenly scents of a baby. But they are also very expensive compared to other laundry detergents. Keep in mind just how much laundry one baby can leave behind – and you will quickly realize how much money will be spent on baby laundry detergents. It might not be the ‘fanciest’ gift at the party – but it certainly will be appreciated in the months to come.

5. Toys NOT for a newborn. Newborns don’t play with toys. They play with their toes. If you want to give a baby a toy, then think ahead and buy one designed for a 6 to 18 month old, because that is when the baby will actually use toys. (Plus, mom and dad will be broke by then from buying diapers and will appreciate having the toys on hand).

6. A gift card for portraits. Face it, newborns aren’t the cutest things in the world. But give them a few weeks to grow into themselves and they become adorable. A great present is to give the expecting family a gift card for family portraits that they can use once the baby can hold his or her own head up, and mom has returned to resemble some of her pre-pregnancy self.

7. A gift card. Yes, just a simple gift card or cash would be great. It may not be very personal, but THIS is exactly what every new family will really need. Remember, according to statistics it costs nearly half a million dollars to raise a child in today’s economy.

Written By Stef, Mother of 4@MOM-SPIRATIONAL

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2017. All rights reserved.

If you have ever had the pleasure of watching an animal, such as a cow, dog or cat give birth – then you have probably also witnessed the not-so-pleasurable act of these animals eating their afterbirth. In nature, the birthing mother almost always ingests some or all of the afterbirth. With humans, of course, the afterbirth and placenta are collected and sampled and shipped off, and most mothers don’t even get to see this part of the childbirth.

Still, placenta encapsulation – where the placenta is shipped to specialized facilities that turn the placenta into a capsule form – is gaining in popularity. But is it safe?

Placentophagy (the act of consuming the human placenta) is extremely uncommon for humans. In a study or 179 cultures, researchers found only one that mentioned this practice (and even that one may have been an outlier where the practice was not actually common). Consuming the placenta has been used in Chinese medicine since the early 1500’s – though it is not typically the new mother it is used for.

Claims made by proponents of placenta encapsulation include: increased energy, balanced hormones, uterine repair, better milk production, decreased incidence of postpartum depression, and quickly rebounding levels of iron in the blood. Proponents of placenta encapsulation claim that the placenta is filled with an amazing amount of minerals, vitamins and nutrients that may help to boost the immune systems after birth. These claims, however, are unproven.

Because of the high levels of progesterone in the placenta, it is actually counterintuitive that it would increase milk production. Progesterone is needed to maintain a pregnancy, and it’s not until the placenta is delivered and the hormones shift that milk production begins. When a woman has retained placental fragments in her uterus, her milk coming in is delayed. Anecdotally, lactation consultants are seeing a trend of low milk supply in moms who have consumed their placenta after the birth.

Regarding use of placentophagy for preventing or treating postpartum mood disorders, researchers have concluded that “current evidence does not suggest that placentophagy prevents or treats PPD by replenishing therapeutic doses of estrogen nor that it facilitates a return to a normal postpartum estrogen cycle. While it is clear that estrogen is significantly depleted at childbirth, not all women experience postnatal mood symptoms, thus the exact role of estrogen in PPD is not fully understood.”

In addition, the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recently issued a warning about placenta encapsulation after a baby became ill with late-onset Group B Strep infection, and the placenta is thought to be the ultimate source of infection.

Unless you are utilizing a natural birth center, doula or midwife who associates with an organization that safely encapsulates placentas, you may not even be aware that it is a possibility.  If you are interested, you need to do your homework prior to delivery. Weigh the purported pros and cons before you make a decision to spend the time and money to encapsulate your placenta. Be sure to use a reputable service with sterile handling practices. Include placenta encapsulation in your birthing plan so the hospital or birthing center where you give birth knows to properly store and label your afterbirth. Your safety – and your baby’s – are of paramount importance.

Written By Team Health & Parenting

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2017. All rights reserved.

Only around three percent of women hire a doula to act as a professional labour supporter. Although relatively uncommon, you have probably heard the term doula quite a lot during your pregnancy. You may be wondering, what does a doula do?

A doula is a trained professional who offers emotional and physical support to a woman (or to a couple) during labour. A doula aims to improve the birthing experience of the mother by ensuring that her needs are met and she feels supported throughout the birth.

What does a doula do?

A doula will answer all of your questions about the impending birth, and help you to put together a birth plan. Her aim is to ease your concerns and help you to feel confident about the birth. The doula will help you to prepare yourself for labour and becoming a mother.

During labour, a doula will help in anyway she can. She may suggest birthing positions, talk you through contractions and massage you to relieve discomfort. She is there to support both you and your partner.

Advantages of a doula

• A friendly face – you may not know the doctor or midwife working the night you give birth, and you can never be too sure how your birth partner is going to handle the event. By hiring a doula, you know you will have a friendly face on hand to help guide you through the labour process.
• The birth plan – it’s important to remember you’ll be focused on the birth, and won’t be aware of the details on the day. If the healthcare provider are pushing for potentially unnecessary interventions, a doula may find it easier to advocate for you than your birth partner would.
• Continuous support – your doula will stay with you throughout your labour and birth. Many hospitals are unable to offer this level of continuous support due to high demand and staff shortages.
• Reduced risk of interventions – studies have found that doula assisted births have 50 percent less chance of caesarean section, 40 percent less risk of a forceps delivery and 60 percent reduction in the use of epidural pain medication.

Disadvantages of a doula

• Cost – doulas vary in price, but you should expect to pay anything from several hundred to several thousand dollars for your care. This cost is usually not covered by health insurance. Some doulas charge on a “sliding scale,” taking your income into account.

How do I choose a doula?

• Some hospitals have trained doulas on staff, so check whether your local hospital is one of them.
• You could also try contacting Doulas of North America (DONA) to find out about the doulas in your local area.
• Your healthcare provider may be able to refer you to a local doula.

Once you have a list of local doulas, you should set up interviews to meet each one available around your due date. Find out about their training, qualifications, experience, and references. It’s important you find the doula who is the right fit for your family.

Written by Fiona, proud owner of a toddler, @fiona_peacock

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2017. All rights reserved.