Natural coping strategies: Massage

Massage is a valuable coping strategy to enhance your wellbeing in pregnancy and labour. In general terms, massage can help:  You feel more relaxed Alleviate lower back pain Relieve the build-up of tension in your muscles Release oxytocin and endorphins Help you conserve energy It is also a great way to connect with your birth partner, …

Natural coping strategies: Mindfulness

Do you regularly meditate? If so, you'll know its many benefits, backed by a growing body of research.Β  If not, pregnancy is a great time to start practising and enjoying these benefits! Benefits of Mindfulness Reduces:Β  Feelings of fear, stress and anxiety. Emotional reactivity (improves self-control) Aches and pains. Insomnia. Improves: Concentration and memory. Physical and mental stamina. Confidence. Bonding between parents …

Natural coping strategies: Breath

Learning to breathe and relax during a contraction helps release your body’s natural pain relievers – endorphins! It’s entirely normal for your breathing pattern to change during labour in response to the following: Contractions Feelings of anxiety Lack of control The sensations of birth, including pressure and pain Tiredness or exhaustion. This may show up as holding …

Jaundice in newborns

Why do babies get jaundice?  Jaundice is really common in newborn babies. Approximately 6 in 10 full-term newborns and 8 in 10 preterm babies (born before 37 weeks) will get jaundice.  Babies have more red blood cells when they are born than they need outside the womb. When these red blood cells …

Pregnancy conditions explained: Pre-eclampsia

What is pre-eclampsia? Whilst the exact cause of pre-eclampsia isn't known, scientists believe it occurs when the placenta's blood vessels don't develop properly, causing it not to function as it should.  As a result of the placenta not working correctly, several issues can arise. The baby may not receive enough nutrients, and …