Immediately after the birth, once the umbilical cord has been cut and clamped, it is possible to collect any blood left in the umbilical cord. This cord blood can be stored for future use. Cord blood is rich in stem cells, which can be used to treat a number of diseases, and repair tissues and organs.

Stem cells have so far been used to successfully treat over 70 different diseases. Research is ongoing, and lots of money is being spent on figuring out new treatments using these cells. Stem cells have so far been used to treat leukaemia, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and rare metabolic disorders in babies.

Collecting the blood

Cord blood collection is a safe and painless procedure for both you and your baby. After the birth, once your baby’s umbilical cord has been cut and clamped, the blood can be collected. The blood is collected from the part of the umbilical cord still attached to the placenta, not from the bit attached to your baby. A needle is inserted into the umbilical cord (not the bit attached to your baby, remember). The procedure takes 10 minutes, and up to five ounces of blood will be collected.

Donating the blood

Cord blood can be donated to a public cord blood bank. The blood will then be stored until it is needed. Cord blood can be stored for up to 20 years. Lots of people rely on donated cord blood for treatment. As many as 70% of those in need do not have a family match, meaning they need to find a match in a public cord blood bank.

Donated cord blood can be sent across the world to help a patient in need. Though the banks are far from empty, more cord blood is always needed.

How to donate

If you don’t consent to cord blood donation, any blood left in the umbilical cord will simply be disposed of along with the placenta after the birth. If you would like to donate cord blood, you will need to consent before the birth. The cord blood will be collected by a specialist, someone who is not involved in delivering your baby, so this will need to be arranged in advance.

Not all hospitals are able to collect cord blood, so you will need to check whether your hospital is able to. Speak to your healthcare provider for more information about banking cord blood.

Are you considering donating cord blood?

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.

The mucus plug is a thick column of cervical mucus which sits in the cervical canal during pregnancy, essentially forming a blockage. The mucus plug stops bacteria from getting into your uterus, and helps to keep your uterus sterile during pregnancy. Before the birth, you will lose your mucus plug, allowing the baby to pass through the cervix during labour.

Your mucus plug is made of a sticky, clear mucus, like nasal mucus, but often thicker. Towards the end of the pregnancy, you may start to lose some of your mucus plug. Some women lose the entire plug in one go, but others report the process taking up to a few days. The mucus plug is odourless but may not be the most attractive sight to behold.

What is a bloody show?

A bloody show is simply another name for a mucus plug. You may find that the mucus appears pink or brown tinged with blood, and this is why it is commonly known as a bloody show. There is nothing to worry about if your mucus plug is tinged with blood, in fact it is quite normal. It’s also normal to have a clear plug, you may also have heard it called a ‘show’.

Passing your plug

Passing your mucus plug is not always a clear indication that labour is imminent. In fact, if you pass your mucus plug over 24 hours before labour starts, your body will create a new mucus plug to take its place. Some women lose their mucus plug weeks before labour begins, however, it does mean that your cervix is starting to prepare for the birth.

Though it doesn’t mean the onset of labour will happen any minute, it does mean you should start preparing for labour. Is your hospital bag packed? Have you finished the nursery? Now is the time to finish off any loose ends around the house, and get ready to welcome your baby within the next few weeks.

You may notice you have passed a small amount of mucus after a vaginal exam or after having sex, this is usually nothing to worry about.

When to tell your healthcare provider

You can mention the plug to your healthcare provider at your next appointment, but there’s usually no need to contact them specially for this reason. However, you should contact your healthcare provider if:

• you notice blood-tinged mucus before your 37th week of pregnancy
• the mucus plug is bright red
• you pass more than two tablespoons of mucus

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.

You just found out you’re expecting – congratulations! Consider researching options for childbirth classes now. Though you likely won’t attend a class for a while, some facilities do offer healthy pregnancy courses, and may have waiting lists for their childbirth preparation classes. Here are some thoughts to keep in mind for finding the right childbirth class.

You’ll want to find classes that meet your specific needs. For instance, if you’re planning to have an epidural, your local hospital may have a workshop taught by the anesthesiologist about your birth options. If you want a natural birth, on the other hand, you may want to take a longer course. Ask your healthcare provider what classes he or she recommends. Your planned birthplace may offer classes, or you may find instructors who offer private classes in your community.

Childbirth preparation commonly focuses on what to expect during labor, birth and the early postpartum. Look for accredited instructors who keep their credentials current. Make sure the course you choose corresponds with your own philosophy of birth. Ask friends and family what classes they recommend – they know you best and may know if specific classes – or instructors – are a good fit. Some types of classes you may hear about include:

Lamaze: Lamaze classes teach women that birth is normal, and focus not only on the birth process, but on informed decision-making, relaxation techniques, and optimal positioning for birth, as well. These classes differ in length, and usually encourage you to bring a partner along.

The Bradley Method: Also sometimes referred to as Husband-Coached Childbirth, this method trusts that all women – with the help of a good coach and favorable circumstances – can give birth naturally. Classes are typically 12 weeks long, and cover nutrition, exercise, relaxation, and the birth process.

HypnoBirthing: The HypnoBirthing method teaches mothers relaxation and focusing techniques that will limit the fear and tension during childbirth. The repetition of these techniques before birth will condition the mom to use them when labor begins.

Birthing From Within: Birthing from Within believes “childbirth is a profound rite of passage, not a medical event.” These classes focus on the spiritual transformation of birth, and the ways women can forge their own path to a meaningful birth. While the birth process is integrated into teaching, women are guided in finding their own way through the “labor-inth” of birth.

Other options may exist in your community, but be sure to investigate if they are right for you.

Research has found that women who attend a class to prepare for the birth of their baby use pain medication less often, have shorter labors, have a lower chance of cesarean birth, and have a more positive outlook on their birth experience. They are more likely to have confidence in their bodies and in their ability to give birth.

Have you decided on a childbirth class?

Written by Michelle, lactation consultant, childbirth educator, writer, editor and mother to 4 busy kids

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.

An episiotomy is a surgical cut to your perineum (the area between your vagina and anus). To perform an episiotomy, your healthcare provider will use surgical scissors to make a small cut in your perineum shortly before the baby is delivered. The area will be numbed using a local anaesthetic administered by injection.

Will I need an episiotomy?

Historically, episiotomies were considered a routine part of labour. These days, however, this is not the case. Episiotomies should now only be used if medically necessary. If given without reason, an episiotomy can actually do more harm than good.

Many women find that they tear slightly during labour. Studies have found that natural tears heal better and are less painful than episiotomies.

Although episiotomies are now used less frequently, they may still be recommended in some circumstances such as:

• fetal distress
• ventouse (vacuum) or forceps delivery
• shoulder dystocia

How to avoid an episiotomy

Of course, you will find it very difficult to avoid a necessary episiotomy, and may even, in some circumstances, welcome it as a way to ensure the health of your baby and yourself. However, many women want to avoid the use of unnecessary episiotomies. There are a number of ways to avoid episiotomies in the delivery suite:

• Discuss it in advance. If you feel strongly that you would like to avoid medical interventions like episiotomies, speak to your healthcare provider about this. Try to find a healthcare provider who shares your views on labour and intervention. Write a birth plan, and be sure to note down your reluctance towards an episiotomy.
• Labour in upright positions such as standing or squatting.
• Hypnobirthing and relaxation techniques during labour may reduce your risk of medical intervention, as does hiring a doula for childbirth support.
• Apply a warm compress to the perineum during labour.

To avoid natural tearing, you should refrain from pushing when the baby’s head becomes visible during labour. By taking a number of short, panting breaths, you allow your perineum time to stretch. Your midwife will guide you through this process and instruct you when to alter your breathing pattern.

Healing after an episiotomy or tear

The perineum is actually designed to stretch and tear, so the good news is that it heals quickly. Once the placenta has been delivered, your healthcare provider will examine you. If you require stitches for your natural tear or episiotomy, dissolving stitches will be used. This will be done soon after labour.

Dissolving stitches take up to one month to heal. Your healthcare provider will check that the cut has healed at your six week check.

You may find that you feel sore and tender for a number of days following the birth. Most women report no discomfort just a week after the birth, however for some women the pain can last up to a month or longer.

If you are experiencing pain after an episiotomy or natural tear, you may find that the following remedies help to relieve discomfort:

• applying an ice pack to the area
• pelvic floor exercises – these will increase blood flow which aids healing
• pouring warm water from a jug onto the area during urination
• taking warm baths – regular bathing also minimises the risk of infection
• light exercise such as walking can improve blood circulation and aid healing
• air the stitches – lie on your bed with the stitches exposed for 10 minutes a day
• speak to your healthcare provider about over-the-counter pain relief

If you are worried that your stitches may be infected, contact your healthcare provider immediately. Signs of infection include red swollen skin, any pus or discharge and constant pain.

Sex after an episiotomy

Your perineum should be completely healed by your six week check. Your healthcare provider may advise you to wait until your six week check before having sex.

Nine in 10 women who had episiotomies found sex to be painful at first, so you may find sex to be slightly uncomfortable. You may find that you feel tighter, or more tender, than before. The pain will disappear over time. Allow plenty of time for foreplay, use a water based lubricant and experiment with different positions until you find one that feels most comfortable.

Do not have sex until you feel ready, and always stop if you are experiencing pain. Remember, penetration isn’t the only way to have a sexual relationship; there are other ways to be intimate.

Some women report that sex is painful for a number of months after an episiotomy or natural tear. If you are worried about the pain, please speak to your healthcare provider.

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.

If your baby’s head is located at the top of your uterus, your baby is in the breech position. Most babies will get into a head down position before the birth, allowing them to be born head first, thus more easily. Babies continue to change position in the womb until they run out of room. Most babies who are in the breech position around week 33 will get themselves into the optimal head down position by week 37. This is not always the case, however, and some babies remain in the breech position until the end of the pregnancy.

If your baby is in a breech position, there are things you can do to encourage him to move into a head-down position. The following exercises are thought to give baby more room to maneuver inside the womb:

1. Pelvic rotations – belly dancing was traditionally a birth and fertility dance, used during pregnancy childbirth for generations. Rotating the hips allows the pelvis to open up, creating more room for the baby to change position. You can perform these exercises standing or while sitting on a birthing ball. Rotate your hips in a circular movement 10 times in each direction. Repeat this exercise three times a day. Alternatively, put your favourite Shakira or Britney track on and belly dance around the room.

2. Breech tilts – a breech tilt is another exercise used for turning breech babies. For this, you should lie on the floor with your feet resting on a chair or sofa. Yes, this position is easier said than done when you’re heavily pregnant. If you find it uncomfortable (or impossible), skip this exercise and try the next one instead. Lift your bum off the ground, and support yourself with pillows placed underneath. You should be at a 45 degree angle. Stay in position for a maximum of 15 minutes, or until you feel uncomfortable.

3. Kneel lean or knee-chest position – for this exercise, you may wish to place pillows under your knees and head for comfort. Kneel up with your knees shoulder width apart. Lean forward on your arms, so that your forehead is touching the floor. Hold this position for up to 15 minutes at a time, and repeat three times a day.

4. Back and forth – get into position on your hands and knees, you may wish to use pillows for comfort. Rock back and forth gently for up to 15 minutes, and repeat this up to three times a day. You could also try crawling forward on your hands and knees as a way of opening up your pelvis. If you’ve got the nesting instinct, wash your floors by hand.

5. Walking – walking is a great exercise during pregnancy, and can help to encourage the baby to shift position. Try to walk for 30 minutes each day throughout the pregnancy.

To encourage your baby to change position, these exercises are thought to work best during periods of fetal activity. So whenever your little one starts prodding and kicking you, it’s probably a good time to try a couple of these exercises.

If you experience any pain or feel lightheaded while exercising, stop immediately. Sit down carefully and stay seated until you are feeling better. Speak to your healthcare provider before continuing with the exercises to turn a breech baby.

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.

As you near the finale of the nine-month-long trek you’ve been waiting for, you may feel like going off grid altogether. The endless texts asking “Any news?”, combined with the Facebook updates telling you yet another prenatal class buddy has welcomed their little bundle of joy, are enough to convince you to throw your smart phone out of the nearest window. Add to this the abundance of phone calls from over excited soon-to-be-grandparents desperate to know when it all kicks off, and you’ll soon be reaching for the scissors to put your landline out of action too.

The only exception to this please-leave-me-alone-and-stop-contacting-me-to-ask-if-I’m-in-labour-yet rule, is your birth partner. You will want your birthing partner in front of their emails, next to the office phone, with their mobile waiting and ready in their hand, just in case it’s almost time. If your partner has a hectic work schedule, or can often be out of contact for hours at a time, what can you do to ensure you reach them when the big day comes?

1. Keep it mobile – while your grandma may remember the days of labouring women awaiting neighbours running across town to inform soon-to-be-fathers that labour had started, that’s not quite how it works today. In fact, your partner probably has a mobile phone that is taken with them everywhere, and this makes things much easier. Make sure your partner keeps their phone fully charged, and carries a phone charger at all times, just in case. Ask your birth partner to turn the volume up and keep the phone with them at all times. If your birth goes places without signal, he or she should try to call every few hours to make sure they haven’t missed any calls from you.

2. Call the office – make sure you have the office number, and that the receptionist knows you are due to have a baby so any calls from you will be considered urgent. Work lines can be busy, so it may take a while to get through. If you’re not having any luck on their mobile, try calling the office. Even if he or she is not there, the receptionist is likely to offer to take over ringing their mobile number so that you can concentrate on labour.

3. Get the digits – you have the mobile number and office number, but where else might they be when the first contraction hits? If your birth partner spends a lot of time at the gym, make sure you have the number for the reception in case they are working out when it starts. You don’t want to be googling sports venues during your early contractions. If they are going round to a friend’s house, ask them for the landline number in case you need to get in touch. This is going to be one the greatest events of their life, so you’ll want to make sure they doesn’t miss it.

4. Have a back up – not a back up birth partner, although that is always a good idea to have one in mind, just in case. Have a back up phone operator in case you struggle to get hold of your partner. You really don’t want to be breathing through contractions while listening to the electronic voice mail message for the millionth time. If you can’t get in touch with your partner, ask a friend to take over calling them while you focus on labour.

5. Send for your birth partner – if you know where they are but can’t get through because of bad signal, a dead battery or a power cut – send someone else to look for them. Ask a close friend or family member to go and find your birth partner and get them for you. It’s unlikely you’ll ever need to do this, chances are the phone will be picked up as soon as you ring the mobile, but it’s worth being prepared.

How is your partner staying accessible as your due date approaches?

Have you enjoyed this article? You can find plenty more useful articles and great tools in our new Baby App for iPhone / iPad or Android. Click Baby+ iOS or Baby+ Android to install the App, and prepare for the arrival of your little one(s).

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.

You’re nearing the end of pregnancy, and everyone is asking what you need for the baby. You have registered at the popular baby superstores for items you’re not even sure you’ll need. Now what? A traditional baby shower will help you assemble many of the basic supplies you need or want for your baby. A Blessingway, however, will supply YOU, the mom-to-be, with the emotional fuel you need for labor, birth and early motherhood.

A Blessingway is rooted in many native traditions, but has evolved into a ceremony that can be adapted to any religious or cultural beliefs to help a woman prepare emotionally and spiritually for the birth of her baby. It is a way to shower a new mother with support to start her journey of motherhood on the right foot. Guests are smoothing the way for her with stories, advice and positive inspiration.

While you likely won’t plan your own Blessingway, here are some tips to share with friends and family for planning an event that will be a cherished memory after the birth:

• Consider the guest list carefully to include only those closest to the mom-to-be, other women whose opinions she values and trusts, and around whom she can relax and feel comfortable.
• Keep the mother-to-be’s cultural and religious traditions in mind, and tailor any ceremonies to her. For instance, if she is a devout Catholic, ask her which prayers are most meaningful to her and incorporate those into the celebration.
• Pamper her. The mom-to-be should be the center of attention at a Blessingway. Give her a foot bath and massage with aromatic lotion or oil, adorn her with a crown or necklace of flowers, cover her baby belly or her hands and feet with henna designs, brush and braid her hair, etc. Be creative. Ask her ahead of time what makes her feel most relaxed, and use that to create a ritual tailored specifically to her.
• Share stories. Let other mothers talk about their experiences of childbirth and mothering. Instruct everyone ahead of time to keep the tales positive – this is not time for horror stories. Passing along birth wisdom is a precious gift in and of itself.
• If you include gift-giving, ask guests ahead of time to bring symbolic tokens to support the mother-to-be as she enters labor or as she makes the shift to parenthood. For instance, have each mother bring a bead, and create a necklace for the mom to use as a focal point in labor. Save the gifts from the baby registry for later!
• Always end with a feast. This is a great time for partners to join the celebration, since the shift to parenthood will happen to them, too! You could ask each guest to bring their favorite dish, or you could create dishes from symbolic foods to celebrate the coming birth.

Use your imagination – you cannot do it wrong – and honor the mother-to-be with the unique gift of a Blessingway.

Written by Michelle: IBCLC, writer, editor, childbirth instructor, and mother to 4 busy kids

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.

For 9 months, your baby is kept at a toasty temperature, comfortably protected all around by amniotic fluid, hearing your voice and the metronome of your heartbeat. At birth, this all changes and your baby needs to quickly adapt to the outside world: from weightlessness to gravity, from the warmth of your body temperature to the cooler room temperature, from the constant contact with you to the openness of the world.

One of the most important plans you can make for your birth is arranging to spend the first hour or so after birth skin-to-skin with your newborn. Research shows that babies kept skin-to-skin have a steadier heart rate and temperature, better respiration, normal blood sugar levels, and less crying.

Experts have also found that newborns display a distinct progression of behaviors in the first hour after birth that facilitate adaptation to the outside world, as well as initiation of breastfeeding.

According to Widström and colleagues, here are the 9 stages you can expect when a baby is placed skin-to-skin with mom after birth:

1. The Birth Cry occurs immediately after birth, as your baby’s lungs expand.

2. Relaxation comes quickly in a baby skin-to-skin with mom as the baby reorients. This is a brief period of no mouth or hand movements from baby.

3. Awakening occurs about 3 minutes after birth, when baby will begin to thrust head and shoulder, open his eyes and start making small mouth movements.

4. More Activity starts about 8 minutes after birth with an increase in mouth and suckling movements, including a more pronounced rooting reflex. Baby’s eyes will be open; he will be searching visually and may look at the breast. You may notice him moving his mouth from side to side on mom’s skin, rubbing his cheek against mom, salivating, and sticking his tongue out. He may move his hand to his mouth and even to mom’s breast and back to his mouth. He may massage the breast with both hands, and may lift part of his body off of mom in an effort to get closer to the breast.

5. Periods of Rest typically follow periods of activity throughout the first hour.

6. Crawling motions start about 35 minutes after birth. Baby may use his legs and arms to propel himself toward the breast – this might include leaping, sliding, or crawling.

7. About 45 minutes after birth, a stage of Familiarization starts where baby might lick the nipple, touch or massage the breast, look at mom, or move his hands from mouth to breast and back. This stage might last for as long as 20 minutes.

8. About an hour after birth, the baby begins Suckling – self attaches and suckles at the breast.

9. Finally, baby starts recovery with a period of Sleep. This may start 1 ½ to 2 hours after birth.

Babies will complete these stages at their own individual pace, and shouldn’t be forced or rushed. Mom may need to provide some support so baby doesn’t flop off of her body, and she can guide the breast when baby is ready to begin suckling. If you have used pain medications during labor, it may take your baby longer to complete the stages and start to suckle. If you have had a cesarean birth, this first hour skin-to-skin is still possible, but may take more preparation before the birth to get everyone onboard and a plan in place.

If the facility where you plan to give birth does not routinely practice skin-to-skin at birth, you may need to make arrangements ahead of time. Your time skin-to-skin will work best if:

• Baby is placed belly-down, directly on your chest or abdomen, right after he is born.
• Baby is dried while skin-to-skin. Both of you can then be covered with a blanket, if necessary.
• Baby’s hands are not b wiped, and your breasts are not washed or wiped before feeding.
• Newborn assessments (such as APGAR scoring) are completed with the baby skin-to-skin with mom.
• Complete interventions (such as suctioning) while baby is skin to-skin or can be delayed until after the first breastfeeding has taken place, barring any emergency situations.
• Raise the head to the bed or giving mom extra pillows may help with visual contact between mom and baby and with supporting her as baby begins to move.
• You continue skin-to-skin contact until the first breastfeeding has taken place.

Have you planned for spending time skin-to-skin with your baby?

Written by Michelle, childbirth instructor, lactation consultant, and mother to 4 busy kids

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.

Imagine trying to be intimate with your partner in a bright, sterile room with strangers walking in and out. How do you think that might go? Now imagine intimacy in a warm, candlelit bedroom with the door locked. Which scenario is more likely to lead to the best outcome? The same aspects can affect your birth.

One of the most significant factors in your labor and birth is how you react to your environment. Experts in childbirth know when a laboring woman feels safe, secure, private and relaxed, she will progress well toward birth. But a mom who feels threatened will release hormones that can slow labor.

Privacy and safety are the keys for creating an environment conducive to birth. What will it take to make you feel protected, comfortable, supported and relaxed? As you write your birth plan, imagine how you can use all of your senses to create an atmosphere that will help you to feel these attributes, so your body can do the work it needs to do to birth your baby.

Sight: Women do best during childbirth with dim lights, which create a sense of seclusion. Consider the room you are laboring in: do you need to close the blinds or turn the lights off to achieve the privacy you need? In addition, having something to focus your attention visually can help you maintain your attention during contractions, or even in between. Make it something that creates a sense of serenity for you – a piece of artwork, a photograph of your favorite vacation spot, a sonogram picture, a labyrinth or maze, etc.

Smell: Did you ever notice how connected your olfaction is to your emotions? Scents may remind you of certain people or situations – both positive and negative. And when you catch a whiff, you may have a very physical reaction – changes in breathing, heart rate, hormone production, etc. Aromatherapy can reduce anxiety, boost energy, and reduce pain. And there are no side effects that could affect your baby or your labor. What are your favorite scents? Are there ones that relax you, like lavender? Or others that energize you? Will the antiseptic hospital smells bother you? Will you need to find a way to mask them?

Hearing: If you are in the hospital, the sounds of staff coming and going in the hallway, as well as announcements on the public address system, can be distracting. How can you minimize these? If you’re at home, will there be noises from outside that will intrude on your ability to relax? Music, headphones, and closed doors all help to block unwanted noise. If you’re planning to use music to help you through labor, remember that it doesn’t all need to be slow and relaxing. You may have points in your labor where you want something fast and energizing.

Taste: While this may not have to do directly with a secure, private setting, you may want to have gum or candy on hand throughout labor. These will keep you from getting a dry mouth, which can be distracting. Staying hydrated is extremely important, too. Your favorite soothing tea might serve the purpose – keeping you relaxed and keeping all of your muscles (including your uterus) working well.

Touch: Massage, gentle stroking, even a hand lightly on your shoulder – all can ground you and help you feel safe in the unknowns of childbirth. Skin is your largest organ, and all of those nerve fibers underneath can provide a direct route to pain management during labor. Remember to add some type of lubrication for any massage (maybe your favorite scented oil or lotion) so that you’re not bothered by friction (which can work against your labor progress!). Water – whether raining down on you in the shower or surrounding you in a bath – can also provide tactile stimulation that will help you relax (and the tub or shower can be very private!).

Keep in mind one method won’t work for your entire labor, so have a “goody bag” of supplies, or at least a mental list of methods, to try. Create a setting that feels good – in which you feel protected and secure – so you can relax and ease your baby into the world. Plan your childbirth comfort measures with all of your senses in mind.

Written by Michelle, childbirth educator, lactation consultant, and mother to 4 busy kids

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’re hoping to have a natural birth, it’s a good idea to plan in advance how you want to manage the pain of labor. While these methods won’t rid you of the discomfort of contractions, they will help you get through. And that’s really all you need to do – get through one contraction at a time.

Try a new way of breathing – take a deep breath in through your nose and blow it out your mouth, relaxing your muscles on the outbreath. Focus on your breathing, not your contractions. Try counting as you breathe in and breathe out to the same number or imagine the air coming in as one color and going out as another, more relaxing, color. At the peak of a contraction, it might be necessary to change the pace of your breathing (not many people can maintain slow, deep breaths through pain). To practice this, start by placing your hands on your abdomen and breathe in as if the air is going the whole way to your hands, then breath out again. Now place your hands on your chest, and imagine the breaths in only going to that level – this is the level of breathing you might need at the hardest part of each contraction. Once the peak has passed, you can go back to the abdominal breaths.

Get a hand massage – let your birth partner support your hand and focus on his or her touch. He or she can make small circles all over your palm, stroke from wrist to fingertips, massage each finger separately, or squeeze your whole hand tightly. Use some massage oil to improve the effectiveness of the movements, and to keep your skin from getting chapped. Choose scented oil for the additional value of aromatherapy.

Follow the maze – consider placing a maze or labyrinth image on the wall, and as the contraction starts, work your way through it visually. If you’re laboring at home, you can even set up a labyrinth to walk if you have enough space inside or outside.

Color away your tension – coloring books aren’t just for kids! Find a book of mandalas or patterns, choose colored pencils or felt tipped pens, and color to your heart’s content. Coloring allows you to enter a meditative state, and can ease stress and help you maintain focus. You may even be able to find a book meant just for the purpose of childbirth.

Shake your booty – dance through your contractions. Put on some energizing music and sway your hips or put on some slow jams and dance closely with your partner. The movement will help baby move into a favorable position for birth, and will help you lessen the pain of each contraction.

No one method will work throughout labor, so plan to use more than one. What other methods can you think of to help get you through one contraction at a time?

Written by Michelle, lactation consultant, Lamaze instructor, writer and editor, and mom to 4 busy kids

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.

As you are planning your birth, have you thought about your baby’s transition to the outside world? How would you like to greet your baby, and how would you like to spend those precious first moments? Recent research shows babies do best when given skin-to-skin contact with mom for the first hour after birth – or until the first breastfeeding takes place.

Amazingly, babies seem to be pre-programmed to expect contact with mom after birth. When a baby is left prone on mom’s abdomen after an unmedicated birth, he begins to use his reflexes to get to the breast. Once there, he will usually latch and begin nursing within the first hour. You don’t need to be that laissez faire about it – you can be more deliberate about snuggling your baby in a cradle hold and offering the breast. But babies know what to do – it’s sometimes our routines and procedures that get in the way!

The Benefits of Skin-to-Skin:
Babies who spend time skin-to-skin with their mothers after birth:

• Have more regular breathing and heart rate,
• Cry less (thus conserving energy),
• Stay warmer than babies in standard care (placed on a warming bed apart from their mothers), and
• Breastfeed better and longer.

But I’m Having a Cesarean Birth …
Doctors are now recognizing that skin-to-skin time with their mothers is a basic necessity for newborns, and are helping this to happen even when mom and baby need a surgical birth. Sometimes referred to a ‘gentle cesarean,’ baby is placed skin-to-skin on mom’s chest as the surgical repair is made, and remains there as mom is recovering. Let your doctor know ahead of time that skin-to-skin is important to you, and work with your healthcare team to develop a plan for successfully achieving a ‘gentle cesarean.’

Sometimes Skin-to-Skin Can’t Be Done
If mom or baby need life-saving care in the minutes or hours after birth, skin-to-skin will need to be postponed. If mom is ill, dad can take over skin-to-skin duties. If baby is ill, skin-to-skin can be done as soon as baby is stable. Spending time skin-to-skin can sometimes heal the emotional wounds of a traumatic birth – for both mom and baby – even if it’s done months later.

Does it end after that first hour?
Skin-to-skin time is great for baby at any age – whether minutes, days or weeks old. This is especially true for babies who are having breastfeeding difficulties. If you imagine your baby’s first three months of life as a 4th trimester, you can help baby adapt to life outsider the womb by recreating a womb-like environment – constant carrying, skin-to-skin, breastfeeding on demand, etc.

Written by Michelle, lactation consultant, childbirth instructor, writer and editor, and mom to 4 busy kids

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 your due date disappeared without so much as a niggle, you may be wondering when your baby is going to arrive. Since he’s already late, it’s safe to assume he didn’t receive the memo about being born on his due date, so you may want to plan some activities to keep yourself entertained.

The likelihood is that you’re all ready and raring to go, with a fully-decorated nursery, a pile of washed and ironed baby clothes, and a well-stocked changing station. If there isn’t much left to do in the way of organisation, how can you distract yourself from the long days and sleepless nights? Here are a few ideas of things to do:

1. Cook up a storm – you may already have a few meals cooked and stored in the freezer, ready for when baby arrives, but it can’t hurt to make extra. Keep cooking until the freezer is full, that will buy some extra time for cuddles with the baby when he finally arrives.

2. Take naps – napping is a skill that will come in useful when the baby arrives, but there’s no reason you can start early. If you’re struggling to sleep at night, grab a nap during the day.

3. Exercise – there’s no need to give up your exercise routine just because your due date has approached. Keep going to prenatal yoga, keep swimming, and definitely keep walking every day. Not only will this help you to relieve stress, it could help gravity to encourage the baby into a good position for birth.

4. Keep busy – ask friends and family to keep you occupied during these last few days. Pop out for meals, visit friends and watch films at the cinema – make the most of the activities you will find more difficult once baby arrives.

5. Read a book – not a pregnancy book or a parenting book, but a novel. Getting lost in a story may help to pass some time and take your mind off the ticking clock.

6. Have a massage – book yourself in for a pregnancy massage. Pregnancy massage can work wonders for the aches and pains of late pregnancy, and may help you to relax and de-stress.

7. Be honest – ask your friends and family to wait for news rather than ringing/texting/messaging you every 10 minutes to ask for it. Nothing makes time pass slower than the constant reminder that you are overdue. Tell everyone that you’ll let them know as soon as you have any news to share.

8. Baby+ App – download our new Baby App, and read up on many useful articles. Click Baby+ iOS or Baby+ Android to install the App, and prepare for the arrival of your little one(s).

Are you currently overdue? What are you doing to keep busy as you wait for your baby to arrive?

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.