Birth is a woman’s right and how she chooses to go through her pregnancy and how to give birth should always be in her control. If you're on your first pregnancy, no doubt you have been reading countless books, been getting advice from medical professionals and recommended by family and friends what you should do.

During pregnancy, there are tests and scans that are usually carried out, but these are all a choice. Having them is not obligatory. You can say ‘no’.

The medical professional is there to advise and inform you of your choices; however the ultimate decision should always lie with you. Here are some considerations that you might want to think about:

DURING PREGNANCY
Choice of midwife or Clinic
Your antenatal care can be provided in a number of ways. You could book your appointments at the local Children’s Clinics, you can be assigned a visiting community midwife at your local doctor’s surgery, or you may have your antenatal care directly with the hospital at which you will give birth. Find out which option would best suit you.

Dating Scan – the rigidity of it
Often women will calculate their due date based on their last menstrual cycle and their first scan, which is around 12 weeks into her pregnancy. Note that scans aren’t always accurate, with regards to the due date, and are often out between 3-5 days. If they measure the baby bigger, then this would give a mum an earlier expected date, which at the end of pregnancy means an earlier date for potential pressure for an intervention/induced birth.

It’s worth noting here that the World Health Organisation states that a baby is at full term from 37 weeks and if born at this point usually doesn’t need medical assistance. Yet it is also perfectly normal for a woman to give birth around the 42 week mark. So the rigidity of a single day is nonsense, when you think about it, as only 4 per cent of babies are born on their due date, and the majority of babies arrive after their due date.

Also be aware that having scans is not compulsory, in fact some might argue that as they don’t alter the course of pregnancy, is there really a need for them at all? For many women they provide reassurance that the pregnancy is progressing well, however for others, the results of a scan can bring unexpected news. How does this alter how the woman feels in pregnancy? If you would like to read more about Ultrasounds, I recommend the book written by the Association for Improved maternity Services (AIMS) called Ultrasound? Unsound

Gestational Diabetes test
Gestational Diabetes is a high blood sugar condition that women can get during pregnancy. Between 2 and 5 per cent of pregnant mothers develop this condition.

Only about 30 per cent of women who test positive on the glucose screen really have the condition. If you test positive on the screening, you'll need to take the glucose tolerance test (GTT) – a longer, more definitive test that confirms whether you have gestational diabetes, or not.

How will I know if I might have gestational diabetes?
A routine urine test will show a lot of sugar in your urine. If midwife observes this, she may want you to be tested for this. Even if the results are normal, you may be screened again at 24 to 28 weeks, just to check.

If you are diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes, your pregnancy will move into the ‘high risk’ category, which in turn could mean birth choices being taken away from you, such as giving birth in a birth centre or midwife-led unit. The reason for this is that with gestational diabetes babies can grow bigger than the expected range for birth and the health system would prefer to monitor you in the labour ward.

This is why it is important to maintain a healthy diet through pregnancy, so that your blood sugars remain in the normal range. Avoid sugary foods and drinks before midwife appointments to avoid unusual readings that could lead you along this path.

Where to have your baby - hospital, midwife-led unit or home birth?
In the UK, the NHS, in fairness, is trying hard to normalise birth (read about the Better Births Initiative). While many births still take place at hospital, the NHS is working towards making it less of a medical procedure and more of the wonderful experience that it should be treated as. The NHS is investing in more birthing centres, many of which are within a hospital setting. The centre usually has a more hotel-like feel rather than the medicalised setting that a labour suite tends to have. The centres are managed only by midwives, which is why they only accept women with low-risk pregnancies.

Women who are considered high-risk would be in a labour ward, where obstetricians are available to help, should any emergencies arise.

In recent years there has been a push for home-births. In the Better Births Initiative page above it states: ‘Birthplace research shows that healthy women with planned births in midwife-led units and at home were more likely to have a normal birth as compared with obstetric units.’

Home Births are intended for women who have had low risk pregnancies and where midwifery care comes to your home to help you in giving birth to your baby.

So is where you birth really a choice? What if you did have factors that put you in the high-risk bracket…are some of those choices no longer available to you? Each woman’s circumstance is different, so speak to your midwife about your plans for birth to see how you can accommodate your preferences.

Should I take their advice for an induced labour or can I wait for labour to start spontaneously?
As your due date approaches, your midwife is likely to say to you something along these lines. ‘If baby hasn’t arrived before so-and-so date then we will book you for an induction’. Please stop her right there and simply ask the question, ‘Why? What medical concerns do you have for me or my baby?’

According to the National Institute of Clinical Negligence (NICE), an induction should only be suggested to mothers when there is a clinical justification – read the NICE guidelines. If it is simply a matter of all being well and your baby is happy where they are, this is NOT a reason for induction. However, many women just aren’t aware of this and quickly accept this offer.

Quite often women aren’t talked through what an induction really means, how this type of labour feels, compared to a spontaneous labour, and what risks are involved during an induced labour – in many cases leading to what may have been an unnecessary labour, if they may have waited for a natural labour.

Because it has become so routine in our modern society, women seem to accept this as the way it has to be, without questioning why. For those who haven’t read up on their choices, they may easily accept this information and just say to friends and family. ‘I’m going to be induced on so-and-so date.’ But what they are not told is what the medical reason is for this. The late arrival of a healthy baby, with a mother who is not presenting any medical concerns, is not a clinical justification.

Just think back to when you first fell pregnant? Did you calculate your own ‘due date’? Perhaps this date was a day, or more, later than your hospital due date… are they therefore rushing you to have your baby unnecessarily early? You, your body and your baby have done just fine for 39+weeks so why do they think that your body wouldn’t know how to go into spontaneous labour when it is ripe and ready?

So what can you do? You are fully within your rights (because how you birth is YOUR choice) to decline induction and be asked to be monitored more closely in the coming days to ensure that both you and baby continue to be well. For extra reading, look at the AIMS booklet on Inducing Labour: Making Informed Decisions

DURING LABOUR
The choice of how your labour plays out is in your hands - it doesn't need to be totally managed by the midwife, neither do you need to be left totally alone. It can be a blend of many things. Here are some things to consider:

Consent forms
In the hospital you may be asked to sign consent forms when you are in established labour, say for example agreeing to an epidural. It may be worth discussing these options with your midwife in early labour and tell her what you are open to or not. Get those consent forms signed before you enter the bubble of established labour, when the last thing you are going to care about is admin!! You have a bigger job at hand.

Vaginal examinations
A vaginal examination helps the midwife establish how far your cervix has dilated. Other than that, it serves no other purpose. It is possible for the cervix to constrict in labour if a woman is feeling tense or vulnerable, so if you are not comfortable with having an examination, the cervix may react and present tighter than when you relax your body; therefore giving a misleading dilation stretch. Though not very likely, there is a slim chance that by having a vaginal examination infection and bacteria is introduced into the vagina. An expectant mother is well within her right to decline all vaginal examinations, if that is her preference.

Breaking your waters vs spontaneous rupture of the amniotic sac
In an induced labour, after the pessary has taken effect, if labour isn’t progressing as they would like, the next step would be perform an Artificial Rupture of the Membranes (ARM), also known as an amniotomy. This is usually carried out by your midwife. The membranes will be ruptured using a tool, such as an amnihook or amnicot. This is carried out in the belief that it will speed up and strengthen contractions.

In a spontaneous labour the membranes can rupture at any point in labour. In rare cases a baby is born with amniotic sac still intact, this is called ‘en caul’.

While the risks are very low, there are risks associated with ARMs. It is a blind procedure, therefore, there can be no certainty that the midwife won’t end up rupturing vessels that are part of the overall blood supply to the baby. An already compromised baby may be put at further risk by an amniotomy; as the uterus could become hyper-stimulated.

Monitoring baby
Your baby should be monitored at least every four hours in early labour and every 15 minutes in established labour. A midwife will listen in to the baby’s heart rate, either with a hand-held Doppler or with a continual fetal heart monitor and check that baby’s heart rate does not decelerate during contractions. When a baby’s heart rate dips during contractions, it is a sign that baby is in distress. They will continue to monitor you very closely and advise if alternative action necessary.

Confined to the bed vs being mobile
When a woman spends most of her labour on a bed, her movements are restricted, her body could be in the exact same position for long periods of time. If this happens to be more laying than sitting upright, she is not using gravity to her advantage and she could be slowing the labour process down without realising it.

A woman, who is active in labour, keeps mobile. Those movements encourage the bay to descend more rapidly and result in shorter labours, often without complications. Antenatal educators encourage all mothers to be active and upright in labour and only use the bed when it is absolutely necessary.

Natural vs medicalised pain relief
There are two types of pain relief; see the options below:
Natural

• TENS Machine – a TENS machine is a device that has two sets of electrode patches. These patched are placed on the woman’s back and sends out continuous mild electrical pulses that trigger the body to release endorphins (natures natural form of pain relief). During a contraction (surge) the woman presses the boost button to send more impulses through the patches. Extra relief of endorphins helps soothe the mother during labour.
• Birth Pool – women choose birth pools for relaxation and pain relief during labour. It can also be the environment in which to give birth to their baby
• Baths/Showers – the heat of the water in the bath/shower can help the mother relax, when she is relaxed the body releases the hormone oxytocin, which helps labour progress.

Medicalised

• Gas & Air (Entonox) – is a mixture of half oxygen and half nitrous oxide. It is known to take the edge off labour pain, rather than blocking it out.
• Pethidine - is a sedative and a muscle relaxant that helps take the edge off labour by making you feel drowsy. However this painkiller crosses the placenta, which can affect your baby in a number of ways leaving them feeling drowsy, which could impede breastfeeding immediately after birth
• Epidural – these are administered by anaesthetists where they insert an epidural catheter into your back. It is this catheter that allows the pain relief to be topped up during labour.

Women are encouraged to go through as much of labour with natural pain relief, so as not to interrupt the natural process of birth. However, for some women, using medical pain relief is a necessity and we are lucky to have these options available to us, should they be needed.

Some people consider hypnobirthing as a natural form of pain relief. Hypnobirthing itself doesn’t promise a pain free labour, but many women who have learnt hypnobirthing and who have practiced the techniques and worked on preparing for birth with a positive mindset have experienced wonderful births.

Giving birth; should I lie, sit or squat?
Unlike the films and soap operas, giving birth on a bed with your legs astride is not the only position to give birth. The sitting position on a bed can inhibit your baby’s entrance into the world and it can be more challenging for the mother to give birth in this position. Lying down flat, means that you are not letting gravity help you and somehow your baby has to venture into your birth canal horizontally – this isn’t very efficient.

Consider being more upright, think about adopting a squat-like pose, where you are able to bear down, allowing the birth of the baby to be smoother. This could be sitting on a birth ball with your hips higher than your knees (encouraging the upper part of your body to tip slightly forward. This helps baby’s push the frontal part of the pelvis forward potentially allowing more space.

You could also think about being on your knees and leaning across the back part of the bed (moved into a vertical position; like the back of a chair). By leaning over the bed, you are allowing your bump to tip forward and you have movement and flexibility in your hips. This position also works well if you are in the birthing pool.

Coached birthing vs mother-led birthing
You may have visions of the midwife encouraging you to ‘push’ your baby out when the time comes. Media will have you believe that labour is all about pushing, pain and panting – this is inaccurate. A mother doesn’t need to experience that to birth her baby; there are gentler ways to aid your baby into this world. Simply by listening to your body and responding accordingly; through gentle Down Breathing, as taught in KG Hypnobirthing, allows your baby to descend to the rhythm of your body.

AFTER BIRTH
Natural expulsion of the placenta or Synthetic Oxytocin injection
It is entirely up to you whether you prefer the midwives to administer Synthetic Oxytocin into your system to help aid the detachment of the placenta from the uterus wall. If you have had an unmedicalised labour up until that point, you may well choose not to accept the injection to start with. It is extremely likely that your body will do this of its own accord. If you have had an augmented labour, then your body may then need a little help in expulsing the placenta, with the help of this hormone substitute. Ask your caregiver if they feel it is necessary when the time comes, or perhaps wait to see how your body reacts after birth to decide for sure.

Cutting the cord / Optimal cord clamping
In the UK today, optimal cord clamping is encouraged for all babies in all birth situations, whenever possible. Ask your midwife what the policy is in your Trust. My hope is that they will say ‘until the cord stops pulsating’. If they don’t say this, then maybe this is something that you need to have in your birth plan. Nature intends for the baby to have all the blood from the placenta after birth. When the blood has drained, the umbilical cord starts recoiling and the placenta begins to detach from the uterus wall. At most this takes a few minutes, and during this time the baby is enriched with all the stem cells and blood that belongs to him/her, that they would otherwise be deprived of, if the cord were to be cut sooner. A baby can weigh 200g more if the blood is passed from the placenta, than if the cord were to be cut immediately. This blood belongs to your baby, so ask your caregivers to ‘wait for white’ (the colour the umbilical cord will be when the blood has passed through).

Skin to Skin
It is encouraged that the baby goes directly to the mother straight after birth. Decide if you prefer to have the baby wiped down first or whether you are happy for baby to come directly to you. This is known as Skin to Skin. This period is extremely important for many reasons:

After being nine months in a warm, dark pool of water, where the sounds are all muffled. It is quite a stark contrast to come into this world. Where people are excitedly talking about the new arrival, where the lights are bright and this beautiful wet baby is starting to feel cool air on its skin. The best way to soothe the baby is to place it directly to the mother’s chest, where her body heat can warm the baby, where the sound of her heartbeat and other bodily noises can be heard again; offering comfort and where a significant part of the microbiome process can be introduced (this is a step which to colonise the gut with important bacteria from the mum and helps to build the baby’s immune system).
If for whatever reason mum is unable to do this, then the Birth Partner could do this. Isn’t it much nicer than having the baby in a cot nearby, or being held by strangers, when there is no need?

Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is a personal decision, and from experience I know that it isn’t as easy as it seems. What your plans may have been before you baby was born, can be very different from what you actually experience. However, breastfeeding is considered beneficial for the following reasons:

• Breast milk is perfectly designed for your baby
• Breastfeeding as early as possible after birth provides the first milk known as colostrum
• Colostrum is rich in proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, and proteins
• The proteins have antibodies kick-start the immune system which in time will fight disease-causing agents such as bacteria and viruses.
• Breastfeeding provides health benefits for you
• Breastfeeding helps your uterus contract to its pre-pregnancy size
• Breast milk is available for your baby whenever your baby is hungry
• Breastfeeding can foster bonding between you and your baby
• Breastfeeding is free. No need for bottle, sterilisers, formula milk etc.

Read more from the NHS.

Partners being able to stay
This varies from hospital to hospital, but it seems crazy that when a woman who is in a vulnerable situation and who needs emotional support it not allowed to have her partner stay with her. Discuss this with your midwife, as to what the guidelines are for your hospital. Sometimes you can pay for a private room; this option may be attractive to you.
These are just some considerations to decide upon, that can help you create the right birth plan that is for you.

If you have any questions, feel free to email Magical Baby Moments at classes@magicalbabymoments.com
​
Magical Baby Moments offers group hypnobirthing courses in Romford, Grays and Upminster, and private courses across Essex and London. Check to find out upcoming dates.

If you are expecting a baby in the next few months and you’re looking for a calm and positive birth experience, then book yourself on a Hypnobirthing Course.

If you’re located near Romford in Essex, come and join Magical Baby Moments for a weekend or evening hypnobirthing course.
​
The expectant mum and her birth partner will learn practical tips to stay relaxed, focused and positive in late pregnancy, labour and birth and they will come away completely informed about the possible scenarios that may arise during labour; so that they know how to make decisions wisely that are right for both mum and baby.

A hypnobirthing course is a fully rounded antenatal course, covering all the topics and more that you will learn on either an NCT or Parent Craft course.

If you want a course that gives you the facts about labour and birth, arms you with the information and questions to ask your caregivers, should things deviate from your plans and empowers you to take control of your birth, then look no further.

Magical Baby Moments teaches the KGHypnobirthing method. Take a look at the course modules and book your place today.
​
If you want to hear what couples who have done a Magical Baby Moments Hypnobirthing Course thought about the course, take a look at the birth stories and testimonials.

If you have any questions email: classes@magicalbabymoments.com

Follow Magical Baby Moments on its social channels:
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Some people might laugh at me when I say that labour can be comfortable and enjoyable. Maybe they think I am nuts. (I guess I am a little!) However, I can put my hand on my heart and say that the contractions, for both of my children, didn’t really cause me any real discomfort. I am by no means a warrior, nor do I have any super powers; in fact I am quite a weakling when it comes to muscle power in everyday tasks. What I did possess in the lead up to both labours was information, tools and techniques.
 
By information, I mean that I researched what to expect from labour and learned what my body had to go through in order to help my baby out of the womb and into this world. I did this by: reading books, attending the NHS Parent Craft classes and teaching myself hypnobirthing techniques in pregnancy that would become second nature during labour and birth.
 
By understanding what to expect and how to deal with birth, meant that I could go into the experience with a positive mindset. It made sense that the uterus contracts regularly to help ease baby gently into the birth canal. Nature doesn’t intend for this to be painful, but when we are scared we tense up and when we tense up the muscles don’t work efficiently because they have to work against the tension (creating the pain that people often associate with birth). If we relax and let go, these muscles can work more efficiently and without working against the resistance (therefore pain-free).
 
So how do you get to remain calm and confident as your labour-day approaches?
Become knowledgeable about the process of late pregnancy and birth. Understand what options may arise on the day and know, what the pros and cons are and what choices you can make. You can do this by going to classes in your area. The NHS often provides a range of free classes, or you can look up independent businesses that support women in pregnancy, such as pregnancy yoga, hypnobirthing and relaxation classes.
 
By understanding the biological changes within the body you learn to accept that this has to be. Working against it, only makes it harder for you. Try to figure out if there is anything that is worrying you about birth. Can you seek advice from someone who can help allay those feelings? Your midwife or an independent antenatal educator may be able to advise you.
 
Tools to help you relax during labour
There are a host of tools that you can use during your labour to give you comfort. Here are some examples of what you might find useful to use:
 
1. Rocking on a Birthing Ball / Bounding on a birth ball
Time spent gently moving back and forth on a birthing ball as you breathe deeply, can help you relax during labour. Rocking back and forth, side to side or rotating the hips, either in circles or figures of eight, can help encourage baby to descend lower into your pelvis. You can also try bouncing gently on a birthing ball. Always ensure that your hips are slightly higher than your knees, this will help tip the upper part of your body forward, which will then put the baby’s weight on the front part of your pelvis, allowing it to widen and give your baby more space to descend. Being upright in birth often speeds up labour.

2. Being in or under water
It is recommended in early labour to have a bath or shower. Who doesn’t like spending time under or in warm water? This enables relaxation. When you are calm and happy the body produces the hormone oxytocin, which is one of the major hormones that facilitate contractions. Try sitting in a shower with the spray against your back, or lying in a bath, in early labour.
If you choose to give birth in hospital, you can use the bath or shower in your room too, or if you want to use the birth pool for relaxation in labour, this is possible too.
Not all birthing centres or hospitals have a tub or shower in the room, so this is not always possible.

3. TENS machine
A TENS machine sends electrical pulses (on your back) which are believed to prevent pain signals from reaching your brain and stimulate your body to release natural, feel-good substances (endorphins).

4. Music
Make sure you have your favourite, relaxing songs on your phone, tablet, or laptop. Don't forget your headphones, as maybe your taste in music isn’t the same as yours – and vice versa!

5. Aromatherapy
Wonderful smells help you relax and feel better, so take fragrant lotion or potpourri for your room to give yourself a lift.

6. Hypnobirthing
Women who have attended hypnobirthing classes agree that this has helped them be focused, relaxed and it has reduced muscle tension and pain in childbirth (they don’t tend to labour like the scenes you see on TV. Hypnobirthing takes practice, so that the techniques that you learn become embedded and can be easily used during labour.
Breathing techniques help keep you relax and focus your attention. Visualising a beautiful scene in your mind, one that makes you feel safe and relaxed is also taught, so that you can focus your mind on this place when you have contractions. Read more about hypnobirthing classes.

7. Massage
Have your partner massage your arms, legs, or back during labour to help you relax and to decrease tension and pain.

8. Walking or Rocking
Walking, or even just pacing right by your bed, decreases discomfort while helping your contractions become stronger and more regular. Or you could try rocking back and forth with your partner while leaning on him.

9. Changing Positions
Don't stay in the same position for too long, and don't lie flat on your back. Instead, try sitting up in your bed or a chair, lying on your side, squatting and rocking on a birthing ball, or leaning forward over the back of a chair or your birthing bed. If possible being mobile during labour helps your contractions progress.

The important thing for now is to do your homework. Find out all you can about your options, talk to your health care provider, and trust yourself to make the decisions that will work best for you and your baby.

Follow Magical Baby Moments on its social channels:
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Magical Baby Moments is a Romford-based company offering all expectant parents hypnobirthing classes in Romford and Upminster in Essex.

To help couples with different work patterns and external commitments, Magical Baby Moments offers hypnobirthing courses on weekends as well as week nights.

Weekend courses are a wonderful way to get all the information in one short burst. The weekend hypnobirthing course runs from 10am-4:30pm on Saturday and 10am-1:30pm on Sunday. Whether you are looking for a Romford Hypnobirthing Course or Hypnobirthing classes in Upminster, both settings are relaxed, friendly and welcoming. Groups are limited in size to enable as much interaction as possible; so that couples feel comfortable to ask questions
.
Hypnobirthing courses are beneficial any time from 20 weeks onwards. Don't worry if you are further along, it's quick and easy to learn the techniques and information to enable you to have an empowered birth.

Whichever hypnobirthing course that you choose, it will include 10- 12 hours of teaching time. You will also receive:
1) The Katharine Graves Hypnobirthing Book
2) Colour & Calmness relaxation tracks
3) Handouts that support the lesson plans
4) Support by phone/email up until the birth of your baby.

2018 Weekend Hypnobirthing Courses
These are all the weekend hypnobirthing courses taking place in 2018 with Magical Baby Moments:
20/21 January
17/18 February
17/18 March
21/22 April
19/20 May
23/24 June
14/15 July
22/23 September
13/14 October
3/4 November
8/9 December

You can book you place directly now via PayPal, by visiting out Classes page.

Read what couples who attended Magical Baby Moments Hypnobirthing course, thought of the course content and the hypnobirthing teacher.

What better way to get to know what people thought of the course than through their feedback: Go to our Testimonials and Birth Stories pages to read more, in the meantime, here are a few:
"We found the course to be easy to follow with great opportunities for discussion to develop our understanding to best prepare us for the birth of our first child. Feeling positive about the next steps..."
"The hypnobirthing experience has been very insightful and interesting. I no longer feel scared and anxious about birth and look forward to using the techniques I have learnt during labour. I would definitely recommend this course to expectant parents."
"This course has helped me change the perception around birth with the techniques learnt I hope as the partner I am able to assist in a much more relevant way."

Want to find out more about hypnobirthing before you commit to a course? Buy this book.
If you would like to find out more before committing to a course, then read this book The Power of Hypnobirthing: 10 reasons why it's for you , which explains what you will get from a hypnobirthing course.

Every woman is entitled to have the birth that is right for her. However, this often is NOT the case. After 8.5 months of caring and nurturing their baby on their own, suddenly the team of caregivers around her — usually midwives or obstetricians — is suggesting ‘plans of action’ should this baby not arrive ‘on time’. When really, in most cases, there is no medical reason or need to rush baby out. And there certainly isn’t any need for human meddling, which invariably leads to a medicated and uncomfortable birth.
 
The fallacy around the ‘due date’
There are many mums who will carry their baby past their ‘due date’. This is not a reason for concern. It is simply part of nature. If you and your baby are fine, you need to ask yourself why anyone should feel justified to interfere.
 
Many babies are born later than their estimated due date. This could simply be a matter of the due date being slightly out. Scans are not 100 per cent accurate. AND remember, there is no ‘due date’ as such. All women are different, all babies are different and all pregnancies are different. The World Health Organization states that a baby is usually born anytime between 37 and 42 weeks.
 
Did you know…
…that only 4% of babies are born on their ‘due date’?
… due dates even vary from country to country (40 weeks in the UK, 41 weeks in France for example)!
 
Conclusion? Due dates are estimates!!!
 
To accept an induction or not, that is the question
Currently in the UK, caregivers are booking in thousands of low-risk mothers for an induction before they have even reached the 42-week mark. Why have they not been given the chance to get to the 42-week mark first and then weigh up the options? Is an induction really the right type of labour for them?
 
If you are a healthy mum who has experienced a straightforward, uncomplicated pregnancy, then reaching the 42-week mark is totally fine.
 
When a woman is beyond 40 weeks gestation, couples should consider evidence-based research to get a clearer picture of what the risks are of going beyond 40 weeks and how likely something is to happen or not. If they have a condition that is a cause for concern, they need to choose the path that protects the well-being of both the mother and the baby.
 
Hypnobirthing supports all options for birth, so being induced, choosing intervention or opting for an elective Caesarean section are all possible options, even with hypnobirthing.
 
Demystifying the word ‘hypnobirthing’
Before we get into what hypnobirthing is about and what it involves, let’s demystify this word that often conjures up false images. In essence it simply tells it as it is: ‘hypno’ comes from the word ‘hypnosis’, so ‘hypnobirthing’ just means ‘hypnosis for birth’.
 
Forget the hypnotists and hypnosis shows you see on TV — these programmes are created and edited for entertainment. Hypnobirthing is equivalent to clinical hypnotherapy for other matters, where individuals are able to make life-enhancing changes, such as stopping smoking or overcoming a phobia.
 
Hypnobirthing is not done to you. Only you can put yourself into hypnosis, only you can decide whether to relax into a ‘hypnotic trance’ or not. So hypnobirthing, like meditation and mindfulness, is about learning to take control of your mind and your body; through breathing, visualisation and relaxation techniques, and being guided to think differently and to be open to change.
 
The mind is extremely powerful and it is divided into the conscious and the subconscious (or unconscious). Every single moment of the day, these two components are in constant dialogue, but the subconscious is the master of all that you think and do: it constitutes around 88 per cent of your mind. In hypnobirthing we use scripts that relax the conscious part and tap into your subconscious. When you go into your labour ‘bubble’, hypnobirthing helps you to remain calm, confident and focused throughout. It will enable you to trust your instincts and connect at a deeper level with what your body and baby are experiencing.
 
However, hypnobirthing is not just about the ‘hypno’ bit. It is also about having a deeper understanding of what your body is doing during labour, of the natural and physiological reactions and changes that occur. There are recommended techniques and positions that can help optimise your labour, to make it more comfortable and, in many cases, faster than labours that don’t use these simple and effective tools.
 
So if you’ve been put off by media, friends and family because they showed or told you that labour is some horrific, screaming, swearing, painful ritual that you have to pass through in order to hold your baby, know that it doesn’t have to be that way. Birthing has the potential to be a calm and positive experience… if you want it to be and if you learn how to make it so.
 
If you want to find out more about hypnobirthing and why you should do it, in the book The Power of Hypnobirthing you will discover 10 great reasons why hypnobirthing is a skillset for every expectant mum, for each and every pregnancy. It is also for their birth partner, because it will bring them front and centre to the whole pregnancy, labour and birth experience, enabling them to offer the mother essential support throughout.

Who is a hypnobirthing course for?
Despite there being a shift in perceptions, many people still think that hypnobirthing is only for a select group, such as hippy-types, yummy-mummies and lentil-lovers. Trust me when I say that every expectant mum can benefit from a hypnobirthing course, regardless of whether:

• she is considered ‘low risk’ or ‘high risk’ during her antenatal care
•  it is her first child or her tenth
• she would like to give birth at home, in a birthing centre or at hospital
• she prefers a totally unmedicalised labour
•  she wants to have an elective Caesarean section (C-section)
•  she requires an emergency C-section

 
A hypnobirthing course is a full antenatal course, where all options and choices are explored.
 
Let’s pause for a second and consider the following. How are you expected to make choices if you don’t have a clear understanding of all the options available to you? How can you decide what’s right for you if you don’t know the pros and cons for each of those choices? Giving birth should be about informed decision. That means fully understanding your options and being told the full picture so that you can decide what feels right for you and your baby.
 
So a hypnobirthing course is not only about relaxation and breathing techniques, visualisations and positive birth affirmations; it is an all-round programme that teaches everything that an expectant mother and her birth partner need to know about late pregnancy, labour, birth and beyond. From the physical changes that occur in a mother’s body towards the end of pregnancy, as it prepares for labour, through to what a woman can expect to happen during labour and birth. Magical Baby Moments also has a section on how to care for a newborn, as I feel it is important to help new parents as much as possible beyond birth too.
 
Hypnobirthing courses are not just for people who expect labour to follow a certain path. No two births are the same and labour does not always follow the exact path that you would like it to take either. So you have to be open-minded and be ready to embrace the other scenarios, should they arise.
 
Hypnobirthing classes teach couples how to be fully informed of all the circumstances that can occur. These topics are discussed in detail so that the participants are confident with the terminology and all the benefits, risks and alternatives that each choice presents. Therefore, if any of these matters arise during their pregnancy or labour, they already know how they feel about certain interventions and whether instinctively these feel like the right decisions for them and their baby or not. Couples are also often reminded throughout the classes that there is always the option to question procedures and to say ‘no’ or to ask for extra time if possible.
 
A hypnobirthing course is about information, empowerment and choice. It is about having knowledge in order to have power and control over your situation. It should allay any fears or preconceptions that you or your birth partner may have. When you complete a course, you should walk away feeling more knowledgeable, confident and excited at the anticipation of the arrival of your precious baby. Being pregnant is a miracle. How the body, mind and spirit are intertwined in pregnancy and labour is mysterious, and giving birth will be magical, in whichever way is right for your situation.
 
Hypnobirthing is not a craze or a fad. It has been around for centuries. It has been done instinctively and intuitively, when communities were tighter, when people took the time to listen and care and when it didn’t have a label attached to it. In this modern, frantic world, it has become a necessity for expectant parents who want to be fully prepared for a positive and confident birth experience.
 
What parents-to-be have thought about attending a hypnobirthing course
‘I feel much more confident, informed and empowered. I am aware of my choices and also much more aware of my ability to birth our first baby. Prior to attending, I was not focused and felt that I had lots of bits of information, but I didn’t know how to make it meaningful for me. I highly recommend the course to all mums. It will ensure that birthing will be a more pleasant experience, avoiding unnecessary stress. Knowledge is power and the course has certainly empowered me.’

Aamna, mum-to-be
 
Read more testimonials
 
Face-to-face hypnobirthing course
The Magical Baby Moments group course consists of four weekday evenings or two weekend days, on selected dates. Ideally this is taught to you anywhere from 20 weeks onwards. If you are late into your pregnancy and think you’ve missed the opportunity, don’t worry, you haven’t. Hypnobirthing principles for a relaxed and calm birth are easy to learn, so doing the course in the final weeks of pregnancy can be as effective as doing it mid-way through your pregnancy. Magical Baby Moments also offers private courses.
 
Find out course dates
 
Buy the book
Want to know more about a hypnobirthing course? Buy The Power of Hypnobirthing: 10 reasons why its for you. Only £5.99 plus P&P. Also available on Amazon Kindle.

Every birth experience is different. One size does not fit all and no two women are the same. Therefore understanding that pregnancy, labour and birth can be very different, it is really important to know what ‘could’ happen; what choices there are available to you and know that you can decline intervention, if you feel that it is not right for you and your baby. 

But before we jump into what choices might be available to you for pregnancy labour and birth, let’s take a look at a very simple example, outside of pregnancy, where understanding our options, being aware of the differences and seeking certain functionality, enables us to select the product that feels right for us.

I am talking about buying a new mobile phone (or other device). Most people will usually look up various models and decide what model offers the functionality they desire. They may even look up online comparisons and even ask friends for recommendations. Only once they have gathered enough information to satisfy them, will they make a decision on which one to buy.

So why is it that so many couples go into labour and birth not fully understanding the processes, their choices and their rights? I believe that in many cases expectant mums put their trust in their care providers to take them through this part of their journey; believing that they have their best interests at heart. Ultimately they do. But understanding that our caregivers are constrained by hospital protocols, bureaucracy, red tape and senior management, does not make their roles easy. They are evaluated by tick boxes and paperwork, and their time spent ‘being with the mother’ is constrained.

Going in blind to what your options are could leave you open to helplessly being carried along by the system and potentially missing out on the birth that you had hoped for.

Quite often I hear, ‘Oh, I had to be induced’ or ‘I didn’t know I had a choice’ or ‘I just did what they told me’. When I dig a little deeper, I find out that they weren’t aware (at the time) that there were alternatives. They weren’t presented with the real picture of what their options were.

An example:
Induction for ‘post-dates’ in a mother that is classified ‘low-risk’
In the UK, it is very common for women to be booked in for an induction between 41 and 42 weeks gestation. It can often be offered to the mum by the caregiver in the following way: ‘If baby hasn’t made an appearance by next Thursday we will book you in for an induction.’

For many, they will accept that this procedure is best for mum and baby, however quite often they are not told about the pros and cons of accepting an induction, or about the pros and cons of declining an induction, with evidence-based information. Parents need to be given both sides of the story for each alternative to fully be able to make an informed decision.
 
Parents may also be told things such as ‘baby will get too big’, ‘your placenta might fail’ or, worse still, ‘your body doesn’t know how to get labour started’, which often scare a mother and her birth partner into accepting an induction earlier than necessary. 
 
In the UK the due date is set at 40 weeks, guided by the date of the last menstrual cycle and by the dating scan at 12 weeks. The World Health Organization states that babies are usually born anytime between 37 and 42 weeks. This is a 5-week window, not a single date in a given month. And for a baby to be born around the 42 week mark is perfectly normal.
 
So take a moment to think that when a woman is offered an induction before the 42-week mark has arrived, she is intervening and interrupting the body during a common period for a baby to be born. Why would you want to do that if you and baby are both well and there are no medical concerns? If you feel strongly about not wanting an induction, you can decline and ask to be monitored more closely during this waiting time.

‘Informed choice’ is one of the many topics discussed in a hypnobirthing course. Ensuring that you understand, during pregnancy, the most common options for labour and birth will give you the confidence and calmness to deal with any situation that arises. By being informed, knowing what the choices are and understanding the associated risks and benefits, you will be able to look back on it as a positive birth experience that you were in control of. Remember, giving birth is your right. How you want it to be is entirely up to you. The caregivers are there to support you for a happy, healthy and safe delivery, not to enforce you to do anything you are not comfortable with.

During a hypnobirthing course, your teacher will explain to you the common scenarios that might occur. This will help you and your birth partner decide on your preferences. Then, if/when a situation arises during the course of labour, you will: 

1. Be aware of what options are available
2. Instinctively know what your preferences are about those options
3. Confidently decide which choices feel right for you and your baby

It therefore becomes a positive birth experience to look back on, regardless of any twists and turns in the process; because no matter what the outcome of your birth experience is, you know that:

•  You were in control
• You made the decisions
• It was the right labour and birth for you and your baby

If you would like to approach labour and birth with calmness, confidence and have the preparation to be able to take control of your birth journey, find a local KG Hypnobirthing teacher. For expectant couples living near Romford, Essex, contact Magical Baby Moments on 07764 680 215 or email classes@magicalbabymoments.com.

Follow Magical Baby Moments on its social channels:
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
​

It really is up to each mother, and the circumstances surrounding her pregnancy, as to which way she may want to give birth. There are two options for giving birth: a vaginal birth after Caesarean section (VBAC) or an elective repeat Caesarean section.

Most women can have successful VBACs without any complications. However, one of the risks that you will hear a lot about is uterine rupture. This is when the scar along the uterus from a previous C-Section opens during a vaginal delivery. It is very rare and affects less than 1 percent of pregnant women, but it is important that you know this risk.
​
Your caregivers will know that you previously gave birth via C-Section and will watch out for any signs of uterine rupture during your labour. During your labour you will be checked more closely and more often when you have opted for a VBAC. During your labour you'll be offered continuous electronic fetal monitoring. This will measure your baby's heart rate and your contractions. Your baby's heart rate can give caregivers an early sign that your uterine may have ruptured. Should this happen they will act quickly and offer you alternative care for your labour.

Because it is a riskier procedure, your doctor may recommend that you give birth in a labour unit. This may sound alarming, but they are mitigating the possibility of things taking a turn and there being a delay in your care. Of course, ultimately it is your decision where you prefer to give birth.

It is important for you to know that if you go into labour prematurely (before 37 weeks), VBAC is still an option.

Can I have pain relief during a VBAC?
Yes. You should be able to have the same pain relief options during your VBAC that you would have been offered during a vaginal birth. However, be aware that if you had an epidural, this form of pain relief would block out the abdominal pains in between contractions or sudden feelings of tenderness of your scar. Being numbed means that you may not be aware that you have symptoms of a uterine rupture.

You should be able to use a birth pool for relaxation – your caregivers can let you know if this is not possible in your case.

Many units have waterproof continuous monitoring systems (telemetry), to make it possible to monitor your baby whilst you are in the pool.

What’s the alternative to a VBAC?
If you’re unsure whether you want to have a VBAC, you could opt for planned repeat caesarean. This is usually booked close to your due date, unless your doctor can clinically justify your baby being born sooner.

If you have experienced any of the following, it may be advisable not to go through with a VBAC

• a previous uterine rupture
• a vertical, rather than a horizontal c-section scar
• previous labour complications
• other uterine abnormalities

 
It is recommended to speak to your caregivers and ask them specifically about you and your baby. If they present evidence, does that tie in with your medical situation? Don’t be afraid to ask questions.

If both VBAC or planned C-Sections are options available to you, you'll have plenty of time to consider the risks and benefits of each. Talk to your obstetrician about your previous birth(s). Find groups to speak with women who have been in your position, such as VBAC Empowerment & Support Group. Get varied opinions and experiences to ensure that you are comfortable with your decision.

What are the advantages of a VBAC?
A successful VBAC carries the lowest risk of complications. If you have a VBAC, you’ll avoid the risks associated with repeat caesareans and have a quicker recovery time. Looking after your child and your new baby following a vaginal birth will be easier on you.

Planned C-Section babies born before 39 weeks are more likely to have trouble breathing after it’s born, compared with a baby born at the same time vaginally. However, if you do have a repeat caesarean before 39 weeks, your doctor is likely to offer you steroids beforehand to help prepare your baby's lungs and reduce their risk of breathing problems. Again it’s up to you to decide if you want to take the steroids.

With a successful VBAC, you'll have a shorter stay in hospital and you should experience less pain and discomfort in the weeks and months after the birth.

If you‘re planning more pregnancies, then trying for a VBAC may help you to avoid future complications that are more likely after repeat caesareans, including placenta praevia, placenta accreta and hysterectomy.

Once you've had one successful VBAC, you're more likely to have another one in the future.

Are there disadvantages to having a VBAC?
There a no disadvantages to a VBAC, in as much as, there are things that can happen to a woman who gives birth vaginally. These can include:

• Pain from bruising and stitches in your perineum (the area between your vagina and anus).
• A weaker bladder while the area around your vagina recovers
• A weaker pelvic floor

Pregnancy itself can weaken your pelvic floor, so having a C-Section doesn’t mean that you won’t have pelvic floor issues in later life. It's important to do pelvic floor exercises, whichever way you give birth.

How do I decide whether to plan for a VBAC?
Take time to explore your feelings about the birth. Have you had the chance to talk about your previous birth(s). What is your body instinctively telling you to go for? Never ignore your intuition and gut feeling. Talking it over with your caregivers and your loved ones, may help. You may want to look online for groups that support women planning a VBAC, such as the VBAC Empowerment & Support Group on Facebook.

What are my chances of a successful VBAC?
If you needed a caesarean to give birth previously because of a uterine abnormality, then you may need to have a repeat caesarean. Each woman needs to be assessed individually. However, if you had a C-section because of something unique to your last pregnancy, such as a breech baby, pre-eclampsia or a low-lying placenta, you stand a good chance of having a successful VBAC. Having a supportive team comprising of both medical caregivers and family members, can hugely impact your chances.

VBAC success rates are lower if you:

• Have an induced birth
• Have your labour augmented medically
• Have given birth previously exclusively by c-section.
• Previously had a c-section because your labour was slow or because your baby couldn’t be born vaginally.

Can I have a VBAC at home?
Yes if you want to. You caregivers will advise you as to why they may not recommend this.

Having a VBAC in hospital means that if your scar tears you can be treated straight away. A c-section should be done as soon as possible. If you’re planning to try for a VBAC at home, it may help to find out what the transfer time to hospital would be.

If your heart is set on a home birth, it's worth contacting a local supervisor of midwives or midwifery advocate by phoning your maternity unit. A senior midwife can take you through all your options and help you to plan the safest care for you and your baby.

Another option is to employ an independent midwife, but you’ll have to pay for her services. Use the Independent Midwives Association’s Find a Midwife service for a list of midwives in your area.
 
Case study, Joanne gave birth in Harold Wood Hospital in Essex
We asked a mum of three about her two VBAC experiences.

How did you decide to opt for a VBAC?
I decided for VBAC because I wanted to experience a natural birth and felt I had missed out!

When did you decide this?
I had wanted to do a VBAC even before I fell pregnant.

How were the antenatal midwives when you said you wanted to do this?
The antenatal midwives were very supportive, but they were always reminding me of the risk of my womb rupturing from the previous c section. I was advised that when I went into labour that I was to go to hospital straight away, so they could keep an eye on me because of the risks, especially uterine rupture.

How were the labour staff about you wanting to do a VBAC?
The midwives did not try and sway me, they were very supportive.

Were they spontaneous or induced labours?
The first VBAC in 1997 was induced at 41 weeks. I was induced repeatedly with a pessary, then eventually with the Synthetic Oxytocin drip.

I was very well-monitored during this labour. This labour lasted around 24 hours. I remember having the first pessary the day before. I was having contractions but then they would stop, that’s why I went on to have the drip. There was so much intervening because of being induced, this made it feel like it went on forever.

This birth was extremely painful! I was prescribed pethidine which made me very sick. I ended up having an epidural, then I went off to sleep. The birth when it eventually happened was a very good experience, I had no pain, the pushing was an unusual experience as I couldn’t feel very much, due to the epidural. I gave birth on the bed, in the normal laying on your back position with my husband next to me, he cut the cord. I was advised not to give birth in a pool because it was too risky.

I had trouble with the epidural afterwards. I bruised my coccyx bone and I was in terrible pain. The pain lasted for about a week.

My second VBAC in 2004 was spontaneous at 37 weeks. My waters broke when I was sleeping in bed, I felt a pop and then, a trickle of water, this was just before 6 in the morning, I remember changing the bed before going off to the hospital. On arrival at the hospital I was monitored but I’m assuming that because this was my second VBAC the midwives felt quite relaxed with me. I spent most of the day walking the grounds of the hospital trying to increase the intensity of my contractions. This really did help and I went on to have him at 1 o’clock in the morning.

I was left to fend for myself for this birth. I was assigned to a designated group of midwives, who were attached to my doctor’s surgery. When I went into full labour they were called and came to the hospital to deliver my baby (I’m not sure if they still do it that way anymore). I felt that they thought that because it was third time that I knew what I was doing. The midwives were more concerned for the first-time mothers, which was terribly unfair. When they realised I was dilating rather quickly they panicked, which was very bad because they should have been watching me more closely because of uterine rupture. However, when the midwife did turn up it was a very good experience. The birth was a wonderful experience, maybe because I knew what to expect, I gave birth with just gas and air, which made the whole experience very real! I could feel every pain and movement in my body, an absolutely unforgettable experience. I wasn’t afraid this time, I knew what was about to happen. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience.

What were the differences between the experiences?
The difference about the two experiences were to me, the unknown and then of course the experience of the knowing.

What would you recommend to mums to be thinking about opting for a VBAC?
I would definitely recommend a VBAC. Having a natural birth is an experience that is magical and it’s so much easier to get over. A C-section is a major operation!
​
If you are planning a VBAC, you can find more information on the AIMS website and their post on VBAC – On whose terms?

By preparing yourself with hypnobirthing you increase your chances of the birth that you want, often without the need for medical intervention. If you need to have a planned C-section, hypnobirthing can help you prepare for that birth too, in a calmer, more informed way.

If I do the NHS antenatal classes or sign up to NCT, will I still benefit from a hypnobirthing course?
Yes of course, 100%. The NHS antenatal classes are useful to find out the medicalised approach to labour and how things may be handled if you need intervention. The NCT classes are also beneficial for networking with other couples in your area who are having a baby around the same time as you, as well as give you an overview of pregnancy and labour topics. However a hypnobirthing course is a comprehensive antenatal course, as it encompasses all of these elements. It also makes you aware of the alternative choices that you might like to consider. By being fully informed you are able to make the right decisions about labour and birth for you and your baby. A hypnobirthing course gives you the confidence to ask the right questions, whilst at the same time preparing you for birth with a more relaxed attitude.

Magical Baby Moments offers hypnobirthing classes to expectant mothers and their birthing partners in Romford, Upminster and Thurrock in Essex. If you live close to any of these locations, then book your hypnobirthing course today.

Christine, the founder of Magical Baby Moments, published The Power of Hypnobirthing, 10 reasons why it's for you, which is available on Amazon. Here are the headings of each of the chapters, to give you a little insight:

1. Informed choice. Learn about the options that may arise during labour and birth. Know ahead of time what feels right for you.                     
2. Connect the mind and body. Discover relaxation and visualisation techniques to get in tune with your body.                               
3. Trust in nature. Your body has managed to develop your baby all on its own; believe in yourself that your body knows how to birth your baby too.                                                         
4. Bond with your baby in pregnancy. Why wait until the baby has been born, when you can do it in pregnancy? Learn how.                            
5. Involve your birth partner during pregnancy. Birth partners often feel as if they are observers during pregnancy. By joining you in a hypnobirthing course they can be part of the pregnancy experience too.           
6. Let your birth partner support you during labour and birth. You will need support during labour and birth. Ensure that you are both on the same page an they are confident in how they can support you.
7. Release any underlying fears you may have. Our world dramatises labour and birth, which can also create fears. Learn to release them so that you start labour with excitement.
8. Learn natural ways to keep your body relaxed and comfortable in labour. We can all experience a comfortable labour if you know how.. Discover many positions that can facilitate that.
9. Discover the best positions for labour and birth. Many people imagine giving birth on a bed. This is one of the most challenging positions for you to birth your baby to birth. Discover more comfortable positions.                                             
10. Learn how to use hypnobirthing for a Caesarean Section and/or a Vaginal Birth after a Caesarean Section (VBAC). A hypnobirthing course doesn’t guarantee a vaginal birth, but it can help you have a better birth experience if you need a Caesarean Section. Hypnobirthing can help you prepare mentally and emotionally for a vaginal birth after a previous Caesarean Section too.

BUY THE BOOK NOW
Magical Baby Moments follows the teaching programme that KG Hypnobirthing has developed. Christine used hypnobirthing for both of her children Since becoming a hypnobirthing teacher in 2015, she has gone on to teach many couples hypnobirthing from not only Romford and Upminster, but also the surrounding locations of Gidea Park, Hornchurch, Dagenham, Ilford, Chingford, Grays and more. She has also recently qualified to become a trainer for hypnobirthing teacher with KG Hypnobirthing.

Classes are comprised of either four evening classes or two weekend days. For more information on what is covered in the hypnobirthing course visit the ‘classes’ page or email classes@magicalbabymoments.com

Follow Magical Baby Moments on its social channels:
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
​

The Microbiome Effect by Toni Harman and Alex Wakeford is must-read. It is a fascinating account of emerging research that shows how vital bacteria are for human health. Our exposure to them during labour, birth and beyond helps develop the immune system. It talks about how C-Section deliveries impact the immune system. This in turn makes them more susceptible to non-communicable diseases.

Here is my synopsis for all birth educators and expectant parents. In this blog, I want you to understand the intricacies of a vaginal birth and the vital components that help your baby thrive.

The human body is made up of of trillions of human cells and microbes (bacteria, viruses, archaea, fungi etc). These cells and microbes live on and inside us. The bacteria inside our body help it work properly and give it the ability to fight off diseases.

There are aspects of today’s way of living such as diet, antibiotics and C-sections - to name a few – that are adjusting the diversity of microbiomes in the human body. Current research suggests, this change in the way we live is giving rise to many common non-communicable diseases. They include allergies, asthma, auto-immune disorders, diabetes, obesity and more.

All the way through pregnancy, labour, birth and infancy, development happens in a particular order. When the birth process is interrupted with medical intervention, the primary layers of the immune system are disturbed too.

Research has also shown that the microbial profile of a baby born vaginally resembles that of its mother. This profile similarity continues with each generation that is born vaginally. However, this pattern is interrupted by a C-section delivery. In these instances, the child may not match the mother’s microbial profile and it may fail to inherit critical ‘keystone’ species of bacteria to ensure good health. C-sections could be contributing to key microbe species being lost, making us more susceptible to pandemics.

Other evidence suggests a correlation in C-section babies having a higher risk of developing asthma, type one diabetes or coeliac disease, and of becoming overweight or obese. This is not to say that all babies born this way will go one to develop any of these, they are simply more susceptible. What we don’t know yet are the ongoing repercussions of this.

For a long time, antenatal educators have discussed the benefits of a vaginal birth vs a C-section birth, but for many other reasons. One of these reasons is baby's ability to breathe with more ease straight after birth. In a vaginal birth, the birth canal compresses the lungs to expel the liquid that has been in them during pregnancy. Once the baby is born, they tend to breathe more easily. This is not always the case for C-Section babies born at the same gestation.

The Microbiome Effect looks into many other vital stages that a baby encounters during a vaginal birth. It reveals how a C-Section can impact his/her long-term health.

During pregnancy a baby lives in a near sterile environment and exposure to microbiomes is minimal. In a vaginal birth, once the amniotic sac had ruptured, a baby begins to be exposed to bacteria. This is when it comes into contact with vaginal, faecal and skin microbes. These enter the baby's eyes, ears, nose, as well as being swallowed through the mouth. This prenatal exposure is one of the main seeding events for the baby's gut. Once baby is born, it will come into contact with more bacteria. These encounters help to colonise the baby's gut.

Babies born via a Caesarean section, when the amniotic sac hasn’t ruptured, won’t come into contact with the mother’s vaginal or intestinal microbes. As a result. the baby’s gut microbiome composition will be different.

Babies born via C-section are recommended to have skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding where possible. Why? Because this is the second major influx of microbes exposed to newborns. (Babies born vaginally are also recommended to do this too).

During skin-to-skin contact, and when a baby is looking for milk, it will open its mouth and suckle or lick the mother’s skin. Breastmilk provides essential nutrients for the baby's growth and development. This includes key immune components and sugars. The sugars provide energy for the baby. But it also feeds the bacteria in the gut, quickly colonising it. It prevents other harmful bacteria from taking hold. These events provide contact with the right bacteria to continue the development of the infant immune system. It learns to recognise friendly and harmful bacteria, and know what to attack, or not.

In contrast, a baby that is fed formula milk will only receive the nutritional benefits. This milk is missing prebiotics to feed the gut microbes. It also lacks the right bacterial species and immune components that the developing baby needs. These missing components could mean health implications later in life.

So what can we do about it?
As an antenatal educator, I feel it is my duty to inform my parents of the potential health implications of babies born via a C-section. Parents need to better understand the importance of vaginal births, as a way to ensure that their baby receives the necessary exposure to bacteria, which will help colonise its gut in the right way - to ensure a fully-functioning immune system.

There will always be world in which some babies need to be born via C-section. In these cases, there are steps the caregivers can take to help the baby receive optimal seeding and feeding. They can test mothers to see if they are suitable for “swab-seeding” (this is currently under a strict protocol). Babies should be passed to mum's chest immediately after birth, even if that means assisted. If the mum is unwell, the baby can benefit from aided skin-to-skin contact. It may even seek the breast for its first feed. This allows the baby to be exposed to essential bacteria and microbes.

This article only scratches the surface and highlights the key points of the book. I strongly recommend mothers to read it and learn more about it. Ask your midwife and/or obstetrician how much they know about this subject. If they don’t know too much about this subject, politely ask them to do their research. Your baby’s life is in their hands.

The Microbiome Effect is published by Pinter and Martin. It is available on their website: http://www.pinterandmartin.com/the-microbiome-effect 

This is a very important question to ask? Is it your medical caregiver or you, the parents?

The answer is YOU.

It is up to you to choose where to give birth. Will it be a hospital, a birth centre or at home (read more about this in my blog:  How to decide where to give birth: what are the options). You need to decide what type of childbirth care you want/need to have. This is either midwifery care, or obstetric care. Midwives will take care of women opting for a vaginal birth. This can start either spontaneously or it may be induced. A woman using obstetric care will usually have a more medicalised labour.

But here are some things to ponder when it comes to your baby's birth.

• Birth is a natural process.
• A mother's instinct is right. Follow how you want your baby's birth to be.
• Focus on the birth you want. Let your caregivers be the watchful eye for any deviations. You keep your mind on your preferences.
• Choose a birth partner who will be your voice and will support your wishes. Someone who will be strong during later labour, when you are in a 'zone' of focus and concentration of the job at hand.
• Make sure that your caregivers observe informed consent. They need to explain to you the risks and benefits of all choices. Only then can you make an informed choice.
• Taking responsibility for your baby's birth is both the external and internal factors. Make sure that you are feeling positive and confident about labour and birth before the big day - it will make all the difference.

If you are not confident about what labour and birth may bring, speak to your midwife. You may also want to consider investing in an antenatal course such as hypnobirthing. It will arm you will all the information that you need about what to expect. It will give you lots of tools and tips to keep you calm, confident and comfortable during labour too.

For more information about course availability visit our hypnobirthing classes page.

Follow Magical Baby Moments on its social channels:
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter