Here you'll find useful resources such as books, lists and links to sites that I've found helpful... also i’ll be adding handouts from class if you’ve missed one or lost it. Fear not! not sure what you need? Take a look below and if you can't find what you're after, or have a site or book to recommend then please do get in touch xx
books
The Heart in the Womb - Amali Lokugamage
An amazing story of one paediatrician's journey from only considering a cesarean to having a homebirth. A must read for anyone thinking of homebirthing, includes lots of stats on safety and homebirth from a doctor's perspective, and lovely stories of really tuning in to the new life growing inside your belly
Spiritual Midwifery - Ina May Gaskin
Half stories of all sorts of women giving birth in all sorts of places and half midwife field manual this is still a classic text for birthing women all over the world. With practical advice for pregnancy, birth and looking after you baby Ina May is there with you along the way. An inspirational book with some brilliant hippy hairstyles!
New Pregnancy and Childbirth - Sheila Kitzinger
The doyenne of birth until her recent death, Sheila Kitzinger said she viewed childbirth as like picnic-ing in England on a summer's day, advising the mother to 'take everything, plan for anything!'. This is a neat and informative Dorling Kindersley book, an essential for a first pregnancy.
Mother's Breath - Uma Dinsmore Tuli
Who knew that breathing could be so powerful? Learn different techniques to cope with anxiety, stress, sleeplessness, rushes (contractions) and more in this comprehensive book on the breath
Yoni Shakti - Uma Dinsmore Tuli
Childbirth Without Fear - Grantly Dick-Read
Men, Love and Birth - Mark Harris
How to Lift Depression... Fast - Joe Griffin and Ivan Tyrrell
Active Birth - Janet Balaskas
Relax and Renew - Judith Lassater
sites
NCT Reading Branch on Facebook - 24hr peer support and groups... you don't have to be a member!!
https://www.facebook.com/NCTReadingBranch/
toning pelvic floor:
https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/squeezy-nhs-physiotherapy/id700740791?mt=8
NICE guidelines on birth, for a second opinion
https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg190/chapter/1-recommendations
optimal foetal positioning and turning a breech/transverse
http://spinningbabies.com/
yoga nidra network: free calming yoga nidra straight to your mobile/tablet
http://www.yoganidranetwork.org/
pelvic partnership for pelvic pain, or ask me for a leaflet!!!
http://www.pelvicpartnership.org.uk/
doula uk, have a person to support you and your family through pregnancy, birth and beyond. It's truly amazing.
https://doula.org.uk/
independent midwives
http://www.imuk.org.uk/families/find-a-midwife/
tellmeagoodbirthstory.com for women who had a great time during birth. I was one of them.... they truly exist.
why newborns hate being put down:
http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/sarah-ockwellsmith/fourth-trimester-newborns_b_9607642.html?fb_ref=Default&fb_source=message
cesarean healing... so important!
https://ilenajoannestandring.com/2016/04/07/caesarean-birth-recovery-45-tips-for-healing/?fb_ref=Default&fb_source=message
breastfeeding support
Breastfeeding is natural, but that doesn't mean it's always easy. The vast majority of mothers need help at some time or another, I certainly did. Many ladies give up before they want to because they don't get the help they need. There is help available! Make sure you ask before it all gets too much, and contact one of the groups below.
Breastfeeding network
https://www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/
la leche league
https://www.laleche.org.uk/
National Childbirth Trust
https://www.nct.org.uk/
Breastfeeding Berkshire on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/BreastfeedingBerkshire
lists
What's in the Bag??? - Birthing in Hospital
The key to a lovely birth is feeling relaxed and comfortable. Think about how your baby was conceived... most likely this was in a private place where the lights were dim or off and and you were warm and snuggly, and the same is true for labour. It's precisely those warm, loving feelings that put the baby in there that will help the baby out. Think about the last time you visited the dentist or hospital. Did you have those snuggly feelings? Likely not, so there are changes to be made!!
All the standard things for your hospital bag will be listed elsewhere, this list will concentrate on special things to recreate that loving, centred atmosphere you would have at home in any hospital room.
- Headtorch(es) - I met a wonderful midwife who said when she took care of a mum the first thing she did was dim the lights, and then made every examination discreetly with a headtorch so that the mum could stay in her zone undisturbed by lights and loud talking. Buy a couple, dim those lights for that all important loving feelings and encourage the midwives to use them as much as possible
- Blackout for windows - if you're labouring during the day, make things darker and more relaxed by taking your own curtains if possible
- Blankets - staying warm and feeling homely
- Pillow from home - can be used for upright birthing positions as a prop on your hospital bed
- Aromatherapy oils/massage oils - have your partner give you massages (hands, feet and tummy are best) with oils you like, and take these into hospital to have massages during labour
- Battery powered flameless candles - dim friendly light in the birthing room
- Music on phone with headphones - stay in the zone!! Let your partner do the talking and be your gentle warrior so you can stay in labour-land
- Nice food - hospital food ain't Michelin starred
- Lovely shower gel for a post-birth shower or bath
- Playlist for cesarean - surgeons perform this operation every day, it's their job. They like to have the radio on in theatre, and if you don't fancy giving birth to 'My Milkshake Brings All The Boys To The Yard' on Kiss FM then take your own. Check what is compatible with/in addition to their system
- Sunglasses - think of yourself as Kim Kardashian sneaking in to the hospital whilst the press pursue you.... Maintain your feelings of loving-sexiness in labourland by screening out the rest of the hospital, not forgetting your...
- Baseball cap
The most important thing to take with you is your BIRTHING PARTNER!! Chat this list through with them first, and discuss your birthing plan. Check up on any information you're given by comparing them with the NICE guidelines online to get a second opinion, and then when you're in labour let your partner take care of all the items on the list. Labour is hard work and you'll have enough to do!! Your partner's job is keeping you warm and centred. Empower them to do this
Birth: Things You Never Knew You Needed
I was amazingly lucky with the birth of my son nearly two years ago, we had the home birth we'd looked forward to surrounded by our families and team of supportive midwives. We'd made a list of all the usual things you need for a newborn: nappies, moses basket, clothes etc, but on the day of Ben's birth my partner's mother (who just so happens to be a very capable and wise doula) presented me with some things I'd never seen on any list. There were some unglamorous things!! Incontinence pads....Incontinence sheets!!?? But I wasn't incontinent! (nor did I want to think about being so) But here's the thing: we used every single thing on the list. Hell, we went out and bought more of most items. And at a time when you're so tired and overwhelmed by all the things going on around and inside of you, plus having a shiny new person to look after, the last thing you want is to think "it's two in the morning and my nipples are SORE... I wish I'd bought some cream!!"
So here's the magic list. And it's not just me who says it's magic. I've made it up as a bag for several girlfriends who've had babies recently. They've all looked at me funny when I've handed it over a few days prior to birth, but all text later to say they used every single thing. Give it a go!
1 Incontinence pads or briefs: when you've given birth a lot of fluid is released afterwards when you breastfeed. Sanitary towels don't cut it, and incontinence (temporary or otherwise) can happen post birth. Don't let it be a taboo if this is you, speak up and others will do the same!
2 incontinence sheets, now also sold as out-an-about disposable baby changing mats too. Great for aforementioned fluids and also leaking breasts but doesn't stop you smelling a little like a cheesecloth
3 tommee tippee smallest they do bottles, usually come in a two-pack. You can use these to feed milk you collect (more of which later) to your baby, ideally your partner does it while you grab a nap
4 Lansinoh cream for sore nipples
5 organic Savoy cabbage chilled in the fridge. Put them in your bra for chapped nipple relief no joke
6 Bio oil a large bottle. Stretchmark disappear-er and an excuse for your partner to massage you
7 ice cube trays in the freezer. Wash them really well or in the dishwasher, and use them to store your milk in the freezer. Put two or three in the bottles (see above) and microwave for 15 or so seconds. Use another milk-cube to cool if necessary.
8 Avent breast shells. These are literally amazing. They are a nipple shield and milk collecting device all in one. When you feed your baby when it's small and your breasts are packed full of milk, the breast you're not feeding from spontaneously lactates. Collect the milk in the shield then transfer it to the freezer in the ice cube tray. No need to sterilise, you never sterilise your breasts! The only reason formula needs sterilising is its not a natural product.
9 washable breast pads. Because there's always a time when our disposables run out in the middle of the night and you can just wash these and re-use them. Good for the environment too.
