What can we do to reduce the number of stillborn babies?
Sadly, stillbirths are more common than you may realise. Data shows that 11 babies are stillborn every day in the UK, which is more than 3,600 each year. Approximately one-third of these happen at term, in other words after 37 weeks of pregnancy. These statistics make stillbirth 15 times more …
Foods that help your body prepare for birth
There are a lots of different foods that will help your body prepare for birth. For example, from 32 weeks you can begin drinking raspberry leaf tea, which has traditionally been used to help start labour. It is believed to ripen your cervix and start toning the muscles in your …
VIDEO: How to stay active in labour
Trying to stay mobile and active in labour is really important. Firstly, because gravity helps your baby move down the birth canal effectively. Secondly, because research shows that instrumental births and caesarean sections are more likely to happen if you give birth in semi-recumbent or, partly reclined positions. This video …
Top tips for a festive early labour
There's something poetic about having a baby during the Christmas period; with nativity scenes displayed in rich variety, far and wide. But more than that, the festive period offers a feel-good factor like no other. It's the perfect season to get the oxytocin flowing; helping labouring women everywhere. So, we …
How to: write a birth plan
Your birth plan communicates your preferences for labour, birth and the immediate postnatal period, to the midwives and doctors who may look after you.
It is important to remember that a birth plan is a flexible document. It is a list of preferences, which your midwife will work with you to …
